Department of Counseling and Instructional Support

Department Head: Dr. Melanie Wallace

The mission of the Counseling and Instructional Support department is to provide to students instruction related to knowledge, skills, and dispositions of the specific area of their major. A strong commitment to instructional technology and school improvement is recognized by all faculty members in the department. 

Counselor Education (ECG)

ECG 500  Counseling Principles in Technological Applications  (3)  

Orientation to graduate courses and the counseling program. Review of APA and additional information regarding writing at the graduate level. Current technology in relation to the field of counseling will be emphasized. Course includes ten hours of group counseling experience and a series of personal assessments. Required of all counselor education students during the first semester of class.

ECG 501  Assessment in Counseling  (3)  

Examines the role of assessment in counseling and emphasizes basic techniques of appraisal and psychometric constructs associated with testing. Exposes students to a variety of educational and psychological tests. Emphasis in on those aspects important to the counselor as a consumer and administrator of testing information.

ECG 506  Professional Counseling Orientation and Technology  (3)  

Required first semester. This course presents an overview of historical and contemporary developments in the practice of professional counseling. Information related to: (a) professional roles and responsibilities; (b) professional organizations; (c) state and national credentialing; and (d) counselor advocacy will be addressed. This course will also provide instruction on technological use and applications in addition to program specific material for Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling majors. All students will be required to participate in a 10-hour group counseling experience.

ECG 523  Social & Cultural Diversity in Counseling  (3)  

This course is designed to assist students in understanding the impact of social/cultural forces upon identity development and formation. Students will explore various components of our pluralistic society and how oppressive systems can exclude and harm individuals. Change theory and advocacy principles will be introduced to aid students in dealing with these issues in their communities and with clients.

ECG 525  Pre-Practicum: Skills & Techniques in Counseling  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): ECG 506 and ECG 553.

This course provides students an introduction to the counseling profession and helping relationships. The course will emphasize personal growth, self-awareness, and professional behavior. Students will experience the helping relationship as both client and counselor.

ECG 526  Professional Ethics and Legal Issues  (3)  

Focus on the skills and competencies necessary in dealing effectively with the complex ethical standards and legal guidelines corresponding to clinical mental health and school counseling settings. Students will gain experience in ethical decision-making and consultation with other professionals. Offered Fall and Summer Terms.

ECG 527  Organization and Administration of Counseling Services  (3)  

Function, organization and evaluation of guidance services in elementary and secondary schools, colleges, and junior colleges, and community agencies with emphasis on public schools. Topics include: 1) basic guidance services; 2) functions of school personnel; 3) organizational patterns for guidance services; 4) selection criteria training and certification of guidance personnel 5) organization of counseling, individual analysis, information placement and follow-up services; 6) administration of guidance services; 7) consultation services.

ECG 528  Introduction to Play Therapy  (3)  

This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of play therapy. Students will learn the basic concepts of play therapy, as well as the attitudes and skills necessary to establish and maintain facilitative relationships with children that encourage their expression, self-understanding, and personal growth and development.

ECG 529  Children and Grief  (3)  

This course provides the theoretical and clinical applications necessary to begin working with children facing grief and loss. The course is designed to give exposure to the dynamics of death, dying, and grief in the specific context of the developing child. The ultimate goal of the course is to provide the philosophical, theoretical, and practical foundation to effectively work with bereaved children who are confronted with grief and loss.

ECG 530  Couple, Marriage and Family Counseling  (3)  

This course provides an overview of the nature of family systems relationships and family development. Particular emphasis will be given to the theory and practice of marital and family therapy. Students will examine both theoretical and empirical elements of family counseling which can be applied to marriage and family systems. After 2013, offered Fall and Spring terms.

ECG 535  Rehabilitation Counseling  (3)  

This rehabilitation counseling course introduces the student to the legislative, historial, and philosophical roots of rehabilitation in America. A strong foundation of disability categories will be presented and discussed including physical, emotional, cognitive, and sensory disabilities. The course will introduce the student to the professional expectations, values, and ethical standards of the profession of rehabilitation counseling.

ECG 540  Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Treatment of DSM Disorders  (3)  

In this course the student will examine the history, description, definition, causes, and treatment of psychological disorders. Course topic areas will include psychological disorders throughout the life span, multiaxial assessment, DSM diagnosis, and treatment of the disorders. Offered Fall and Summer terms.

ECG 553  Theory and Process  (3)  

An examination of the major counseling theories and related techniques and an overview of the counseling relationship.

ECG 556  Career Development  (3)  

An introduction to career development theories and concepts and related resources and practices for career planning and decision-making.

ECG 558  Counseling Children/Adolescents  (3)  

Development of programs, practices, and techniques which address the unique needs of children and youth through college age.

ECG 559  Geriatric Counseling  (3)  

This course will provide students with skills and background information in counseling older adults, their family members and/or caretakers. In addition, this course will provide students with the opportunity to acquire a conceptual understanding of both the normal process of human aging, and variant processes.

ECG 560  Substance and Behavioral Addictions in Counseling  (3)  

This course will provide an overview of the addictive process and addictive behaviors (e.g., substance abuse and gambling). Theories of addiction counseling and application of these theories will comprise a significant part of this course, particularly with how they apply to work with individuals, couples, families and groups. Co-occurring disorders, such as process addictions and mental illnesses will also be addressed. Offered Fall and Spring terms.

ECG 565  Psychopharmacology  (3)  

This course provides an introduction to substance abuse counseling and related issues, including an overview of the historical context, etiological theories, and psychoactive impact of substances on the brain. The course will focus on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of substance abuse/dependence with emphasis on clinical counseling practice informed by theory and research. Offered Spring and Summer terms.

ECG 585  Practicum: Applied Skills & Techniques in Counseling  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): ECG 506, ECG 525, ECG 526, ECG 553, ECG 591, and passing score on Midpoint Exam.

Practicum is a clinical, experimental course that requires students to complete hours in a professional setting. The student will apply counseling techniques and skills in a supervised setting. The student will participate in the counseling process, refine techniques, and further enhance his/her therapeutic development.

ECG 588  Crisis Counseling Intervention Strategies  (3)  

Basic concepts and steps of crisis intervention with a focus on the background, dynamics, and strategies related to specific crises. Offered Spring and Summer terms.

ECG 589  Psychological First Aid & Disaster Counseling  (3)  

An examination of the principles of working with individuals who have experienced a crisis, disaster or other trauma-causing event. Issues addressed include: impact of crisis and disasters as well as disgnosis and treatment planning appropriate to disaster response in diverse populations; the role of the counselor as a member of an interdisciplinary emergency management response team; and theoretical models of crisis and disaster counseling. After 2013, offered Fall and Summer terms.

ECG 591  Group Procedures in Counseling  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): ECG 506 and 553.

Principles of group counseling, ethical considerations and dynamics of group interaction. Implement theories and techniques in group therapy sessions. Multicultural problems included.

ECG 593  Internship in School Counseling  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor, ECG 585, and a passing score in the appropriate Praxis II. Must be completed at JSU. A 300 clock hour supervised field experience in an appropriate K-12 school setting.

ECG 594  Internship in School Counseling  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): Approval of the instructor and ECG 585.

A 300 clock hour supervised field experience in an appropriate K-12 school setting. Must be completed at JSU.

ECG 595  Clinical Experience I in Mental Health Counseling  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor, ECG 585.

(3) Each course requires a 300 clock hour supervised field experience in an appropriate job setting; Clinical Experiences limited to three semester hours in enrollment periods of less than 15 weeks.

ECG 596  Clinical Experience II in Mental Health Counseling  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor and ECG 585.

Each course requires a 300 clock hour supervised field experience in an appropriate job setting; Clinical Experiences limited to three semester hours in enrollment periods of less than 15 weeks.

ECG 634  Advanced Counseling Theories  (3)  

Examination of a variety of counseling theories through selection, both individually and as a group, of theories on which to focus throughout the semester.

ECG 637  Advanced Career Counseling  (3)  

Laboratory-based course, merging contemporary career theory with actual field practice; selection and administration of a battery of assessment instruments to individuals at significant life stages, scoring and interpretation of the test battery; presentation of findings and recommendations.

ECG 646  Advanced Group Procedures in Counseling  (3)  

Various theories of group work, review of basic group leadership skills, and basics of group process; provides integration of concepts and skills; opportunities to lead groups with supervision and ongoing feedback, participation in demonstrations of various group models, writing of reaction/thought/positions papers.

ECG 655  Holistic Counseling: Spirit, Soul and Body  (3)  

An examination of counseling theory and related techniques that embrace holistic counseling that assesses and treats the whole person - spirit, soul, and body.

ECG 691  Action Research Counseling I  (3)  

Identification and analysis of problems specific to the current counseling environment with emphasis on development of innovative and unique solutions. To be taken near the end of the program.

ECG 692  Action Research in Counseling II  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): ECG 691.

Must be taken in the last semester of enrollment. Continuation of identification and analysis of problems specific to the current counseling environment with emphasis on development of innovative and unique solutions.

ECG 693  Supervision in Counseling  (3)  

Study of the supervision process in counseling highlighting legal and ethical issues, trends, multicultural considerations, and evaluation; both classroom seminars and supervision of master's students in clinical experiences required.

Educational Psychology (EPY)

EPY 525  Lifespan Development  (3)  

A study of principles and concepts of physical, cognitive, personality, and social development from birth through death.

EPY 529  Developmental Psychology  (2)  

Corequisite(s): EPY 430.

Covers stages of physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development in school-aged persons from a global and multicultural perspective. This course is a prequisite for ESE 404 and ESE 484. Requires Teacher Education Program eligibility.

EPY 542  Educational Measurement  (2)  

An introduction to measurement and evaluation of students' achievement. The construction of bias free, teacher generated, paper-pencil, achievement tests, uses of standardized assessments in school settings, and descriptive statistics are covered. Requires Teacher Education Program eligibility.

EPY 592  Individual/Group Appraisal  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): EFD 501 or equivalent. evaluation of assessment instruments and programs.

Underlying concepts of assessment methods, practice in administration and interpretation of standardized tests, and evaluation of assessment instruments and programs.

Instructional Leadership (IL)

IL 504  Graduate Education and Technology  (3)  

An introductory course for students accepted into the Instructional Leadership program. Students will be instructed on expectations surrounding the program of study. The course will also serve to develop technology skills specific to locating, creating, and disseminating information for educational purposes. Students accepted to the Instructional Leadership program are required to take IL 504 the first semester of enrollment.

IL 510  Action Research  (3)  

A study of the basic elements of action research design with effective research and evaluative strategies.

IL 552  Diversity Issues for Instructional Leaders  (3)  

Study of issues in multiculturalism, globalism, and comparative education as they influence educational leadership, school curricular design, and emerging educational policy.

IL 553  Leading for Learning  (3)  

Principles of curriculum development, staff development, and instructional leadership at the local school and system levels.

IL 555  Management of the Learning Organization I  (3)  

Development and managing financial resources to enhance student learning. This new course will replace EAD 563 School Finance.

IL 556  Management of the Learning Organization II  (3)  

Processes and procedures to develop and enhance the school's learning environment. This new course will replace EAD 556 Management of Student Services.

IL 562  Leading Change for Student Learning  (3)  

Analysis of basic concepts of school administration with special emphasis on leadership, management, and administration.

IL 564  Law and Ethics  (3)  

Legal and political structures under which public schools function with emphasis on school-community interaction and student services.

IL 566  Internship in Instructional Leadership  (3)  

Supervised field-based experience; observation, study, and analysis of the administration of educational programs in selected schools; requires a minimum of 300 clock hours of supervised internship. Should be scheduled at the end of a student's program. A student must be in the last or next-to-last semester of study to register for this course. Must be completed at JSU. Fall and Spring only.

IL 576  Internship in Instructional Leadership and Residency  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): Passing scores on the Praxis II

Corequisite(s): IL 553, 556, 562, 564, and EAD 563.

Prerequisites or May be taken before or after IL 566 with permission of advisor. Either IL 566 or IL 576 must be taken in the last semester. Supervised field experience including participation in and leadership of educational programs in selected schools under the supervision of a mentor who is a practicing school administrator, and a university supervisor: includes the ten-day residency; must be scheduled during the last or next-to-last semester of study, must be completed at JSU; is offered fall, spring, and summer semesters.

IL 610  Research in Educational Administration  (3)  

Introduction to and utilization of essential research skills with an emphasis on application, ethics, and report-writing as commonly needed in the field; should be scheduled early in the program.

IL 612  Planning and Managing Facilities and Programs  (3)  

Procedures and issues related to design, development, and operation of educational facilities and programs.

IL 614  Internship in Personnel Development I  (3)  

Procedures and issues related to development of and administration of effective and efficient processes for hiring, mentoring, and inducting new faculty.

IL 620  Internship in Personnel Development II  (3)  

The study of supervisory leadership for personnel development focusing on instructional improvement.

IL 622  Effective Schools Research  (3)  

Critique of research literature on effective schools and effective instruction with implications for school administrators.

IL 632  Research in Instructional Leadership  (3)  

Study of the research process, analysis and evaluation of selected research literature, and actual research proposal development.

IL 636  School Plant Planning  (3)  

Procedures and issues related to design, development, and operation of educational plant facilities.

IL 637  School Personnel Administration  (3)  

Procedures and issues related to administration of effective and efficient school personnel programs.

IL 648  Curriculum Issues in Administration  (3)  

Analysis and discussion of curriculum issues and application of a process approach to curriculum review and development in the local/school district level.

IL 650  Seminar in Curriculum Development  (3)  

The study of theory and practice of curriculum development.

IL 655  Supervision and Staff Development  (3)  

Study of theories of supervision; assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating staff development programs; mentorships. (Open to instructional leadership majors only.)

IL 681  Problems in Instructional Leadership and Internship  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): IL 610.

Development of a practical problem-solving process in relation to the administration of schools and school systems. This course culminates in a public presentation of a school-based problem-solving project. Course must be scheduled near the end of a student's program.

IL 682  Problems in Instructional Leadership II  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): IL 681.

Continuation of practical problem-solving in relation to the administration of schools and school systems culminating in a public presentation of a school based problem-solving project.

IL 691  Problems in Instructional Leadership I and Internship  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): IL 612.

Development of a practical problem-solving process in relation to the administration of schools and school systems. This course culminates in a public presentation of a school-based problem-solving project. Course must be scheduled near the end of a student's program. (This course is cross-listed with EFD 691; only one of these courses can be used for course credit.)

IL 692  Problems in Instructional Leadership II and Internship  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): IL 691.

Continuation of practical problem-solving in relation to the administration of schools and school systems culminating in a public presentation of a school based problem-solving project. (This course is cross-listed with EFD 692; only one of these courses may be used for course credit.)

Instructional Media (EIM)

EIM 502  Technology in Education  (3)  

The use of technology in the school setting. Research, small group discussions, and demonstrated applications will be emphasized.

EIM 503  Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning  (3)  

Introduction to instructional technology, focusing on methods for integrating technology and media into classroom instruction.

EIM 504  Learning Through Interactive Technologies  (3)  

Survey of current software and web-based technological applications in alignment with the needs of today's learners.

EIM 505  Digital Literacy in the Classroom  (3)  

Study of current school-based technological processes and procedures with an emphasis on student and teacher empowerment in the areas of finding, evaluating, and using digital products; understanding social and ethical issues raised by technology; and applying critical thinking skills to the use of technology in the K-12 environment.

EIM 517  Designing Virtual Learning Spaces  (3)  

Examines best practices of quality online courses. Students will plan, design, and develop online instructional materials with a focus on collaboration and interactivity to improve the educational experience of the user.

EIM 551  Technology in School Environments  (3)  

Examines the processes and technology in the K-12 environment, including the media center, the classroom, and via wireless/data plan networks.

EIM 555  Instructional Design  (3)  

Design and development of a systematic approach to learner-based instruction emphasizing the role of technology and media in the learning process.

EIM 610  Emerging Technology and Collaborative Tools  (3)  

Introduces the latest innovative technologies that promote learning. Students will explore various learning environments and develop technology enhanced educational activities that are engaging, collaborative, and place emphasis on increasing student achievement.

EIM 615  Online Course Design  (3)  

Examines the best practices of quality online courses for the K-12 environment. Students will plan, design, and develop a medial rich online course with a focus on collaboration and interactivity. Courses will be designed to meet iNACOL National Standards for Quality Online Program.

EIM 620  Educational Multi-Media and Video  (3)  

Introduces the basics of video production utilizing digital video recording devices and video editing equipment. Students will study video technologies, basic equipment operation, video composition and video storytelling. Topics stress the creation of digital video productions for inclusion in multimedia and web applications for educational settings.

EIM 624  Advanced Digital Photography in Education  (3)  

Addresses the technical, visual, and conceptual challenges involved with digital photography in an educational setting. Topics include digital photography processes, file and storage consideration, image evaluation, image manipulation, and methods for using digital images to develop critical thinking skills.

Library Media (LM)

LM 512  Children's and Young Adult Literature  (3)  

Evaluation of books and other materials for junior/senior high school students. Selection aids, selection criteria, and interests, needs, and abilities of young adults emphasized; children's literature component included for those who have not previously taken a children's literature course.

LM 513  Management of Media Centers  (3)  

Policies and procedures relative to the operation of a media center.

LM 515  Internship in Media Services  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): Approval of the instructor.

Directed experience in performing various services in a school library media center. Must be completed at JSU.

LM 516  Practicum in Media Services  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): approval of the instructor.

Directed experience in performing various services in a school library media center.

LM 530  Librarian as Instructional Partner  (3)  

Examines the techniques needed for successful instruction across various grade levels and disciplines with a focus on standards-based instruction and assessment.

LM 531  Trends, Issues, Innovation and Leadership in Libraries and Schools  (3)  

A survey of the current trends and issues that affect libraries and schools. Promotes the process of becoming a school-based leader and instructional partner.

LM 532  Collection Management, Cataloging, and Reference  (3)  

Criteria of selection and evaluation of media center materials for building a library media collection to support the curriculum and encourage reading for pleasure. Principles and procedures of classifying and cataloging print and non-print media. Study and evaluation of basic reference sources and services.

LM 612  Advanced Materials for Children and Young Adults  (3)  

Applies innovative tools and techniques for access and utilization of materials for children and young adults in the classroom as they relate to collaboration with teachers. E-books and other electronic media emphasized. Lesson plans that are technology-oriented will be developed as students explore the integration of a variety of materials as they relate to learning styles and enhancement of learning.