Overview
The Minor in Counseling provides a solid foundation in the theory and practice of the helping professions and is applicable for students who want to learn more about counseling and mental health. The Minor in Counseling does not lead to certification or licensure at the undergraduate level but is an outstanding preparation for Graduate School studies in counseling or psychology.
A minor in counseling is available to undergraduate students who are working towards a Bachelors degree. Minoring in counseling can improve the quality of majors, as well as enhance occupational settings in the health sciences and human services fields. The counseling minor may also provide ground work for Masters level programs.
Department Highlights
- Collaborative team and student-centered mentality
- Hands-on faculty and staff
- Faculty who are experienced and active researchers
- MS in Counseling ranked #4 in Education Advisory Board’s most meaningful majors
- Lasting community majors
Benefits of a Minor in Counseling
Counseling is a professional occupation for those interested in providing therapeutic relationships to clients who need help achieving their goals. In essence, counselors help individuals and families grow in becoming aware of opportunities, and learning how to face challenges. The counseling profession focuses on mental health and holistic well-being, with emphases on empathy, acceptance, and authenticity. A minor in counseling will assist students who are interested in therapeutic aspects of their chosen major or future career. Students will gain counseling skills through a wide range of experiential learning, a foundation of various specializations of the counseling profession, and will acquire a comprehensive theoretical knowledge base. The counseling sector of health professions is growing. Students who have a strong desire in helping, encouraging, and interacting with others should keep the counseling minor in mind. In choosing to become educated about counseling, students will be giving to themselves, individuals, organizations, and communities as one.
Related Careers
A minor in counseling can improve the quality of opportunities and occupations such as:
- Graduate School
- Medical School
- Counselors (various types)
- Psychologists (various types)
- Social Workers
- Medical Field Professionals
- Behavioral Analysts
- Educators
- Marriage and Family Therapists
Coursework (18 Hours)
You may select 18 hours of the following courses to complete the minor. Each count for 3 credit hours.
NOTE: Minor offered online and through Zoom.
| Course Number | Course Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| CNSL 2300 | Introduction to the Counseling Profession | An introduction to the broad range of counseling services and their application to schools and community agencies. |
| CNSL 3300 | Diversity and Cultural Awareness | Designed to help students understand differences and commonalities within diverse cultures |
| CNSL 3301 | Group Processes in Helping Relationships | Group dynamics laboratory: group functions and leadership styles related to helping relationships |
| CNSL 3302 | Survey of Career Development and Career Counseling | Overview of current problems and developments in career choices |
| CNSL 3303 | Therapeutic Play Therapy | This didactic course focuses on how to be a therapeutic agent in a child’s life. Students are introduced to the fundamental concepts and models of therapeutic play and building therapeutic relationships with children. Students are also introduced to basic child-centered play therapy principles and training requirements. |
| CNSL 3305 | Mental Health & You | This course will take students through various aspects of mental health management and wellness development. Students will experience different elements of mental health wellness care, and will develop and implement a personal wellness plan. This course equips students with the essential knowledge to support their own wellness and promote wellness in various settings that are looking for mental health support such as schools, community agencies, and other setting across the lifespan. |
| CNSL 3307 | Introduction to Disability Studies | This is a foundational course designed to provide students with a broad overview of the disability experience. This course explores various aspects of the disability experience, including historical contexts, cultural significance, psychosocial implications, and the systemic challenges encountered by individuals living with one or more disabilities. Additionally, the course equips students with essential knowledge and skills to promote inclusivity and equity in various settings. |
| CNSL 4300 | Essentials of Helping Relationships | Didactic and experiential training in interpersonal relationships; analysis and application of effective counseling activities |
| CNSL 4301 | Introduction to Substance Abuse and Addiction Issues in Counseling | Working knowledge of the helping process as it applies to substance abuse and addiction issues in counseling. It focuses on levels of care, clients and their families, current research, trends and success rates in treatments, and ethical guidelines of practice. |