Curriculum and Courses

Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The master of arts in clinical mental health counseling is offered as a 60 hour online program. In order to be licensed in Indiana, students must complete 60 hours in the clinical mental health counseling program. The graduate clinical mental health counseling curriculum meets or exceeds state licensure requirements for Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).

All students completing the master of arts in clinical mental health counseling must be involved in the CN 600 Personal Development Skills Process Group. CN 600 combines a three-day residency with online coursework. In addition, all students are required to identify with the counseling profession by maintaining annual membership in at least one professional organization (student membership) and by participating in at least one conference/seminar/workshop while enrolled in the program.

Students pursuing the 60 hours in the master of arts in clinical mental health counseling must also complete CN 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, 613, 640, 641, 649, 650, 651, and 652.

Student Readiness Evaluation

In the semester prior to a student’s scheduled registration for CN 650 Supervised Practicum, the director of clinical experiences will send out a Student Readiness Evaluation to all faculty, full-time and adjunct. Students will receive feedback after the initial review process has been conducted. If a concern has been indicated, the student will be notified.  If remediation is necessary, the student will be required to meet with the program director, or the director of clinical experiences, to review the remediation process.  For more information regarding the Student Readiness Evaluations for CN650, please see the Student Handbook.

Master of Arts in Mental Health Studies

By permission, students may complete the master of arts in mental health studies if the students are not able to successfully complete the clinical requirements of the master of arts in clinical mental health counseling. The master of arts in mental health studies does not meet the requirements for professional licensure, but allows students to complete a graduate degree. To earn the master of arts in mental health studies, students are required to complete CN 600, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, 613, and two elective courses from CN 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 645, 646, and 649.

Credential in Counseling 

The Credential in Counseling provides students with the ability to help others heal and grow. Students are given the skills and techniques to facilitate productive relationships that allow others to better know themselves and reach their potential. The Credential in Counseling focuses on the relational aspects of counseling, in combination with task-based, targeted skills that allow students to become successful counseling practitioners. Students may complete one of the following levels in the Credential in Counseling program: Professional or Advanced.  The Professional Counseling Credential requires the completion of 12 credit hours from CN 600, 601, 603, and 606. The Advanced Counseling Credential requires the completion of 18 credit hours from CN 600, 601, 603, 606, 611, and 612.

Courses in Counseling

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CN 600 Personal Development Skills Process Group
(3 credits )

Students will participate in a process group training experience led by a trained faculty facilitator. They will grow in the critical relational skills that are necessary to lead well, have stimulating interactive times and receive targeted feedback. Students will have a confidential place for personal character development.

CN 601 Human Growth and Development
(3 credits )

The study of individual and family development across the life span. An examination of cognitive, personality and moral development throughout life stages, as well as strategies for facilitating optimal development.

CN 602 Legal, Ethical and Professional Issues
(3 credits )

The study of the history, professional roles and responsibilities of the counseling profession, including ethical, legal and Christian standards/principles for conduct. An examination of professional organizations, preparation, credentialing and the creation of a plan for lifelong professional and personal development.

CN 603 Theory and Techniques of Helping Relationships
(3 credits )

An investigation of significant counseling theories and models of the helping relationship. This course is a study of counseling theories, basic and advanced interventions, and techniques and client characteristics that impact change in the helping process. Additional emphasis will be placed on consultation theory and practice.

CN 604 Theory and Practice of Assessment
(3 credits )

The study of the history, theory and application of tests and other assessment methods that provide an understanding and evaluation of individuals, families and groups. An examination of appraisal measures, including validity, reliability and other relevant psychometric statistics.

CN 605 Social and Cultural Foundations
(3 credits )

The study of the social and cultural foundations of the attitudes and behavior of individuals, families and diverse groups. An emphasis on multicultural awareness and strategies that promote understanding and effective interventions.

CN 606 Theory and Practice of Groups
(3 credits )

The study of group theory, dynamics, process and stages. An examination of group roles, member behaviors and leadership as well as basic and advanced group interventions.

CN 607 Career and Lifestyle Development
(3 credits )

An investigation of career development theory, including career decision-making, gender, family and social/cultural issues. Additional emphasis on career counseling theory and practice as well as the use of assessment instruments that facilitate lifelong career development.

CN 608 Methods and Practice of Research and Evaluation
(3 credits )

An examination of basic research methods and practice, including quantitative and qualitative designs, research reporting and evaluation, ethical considerations and the use of computers in data collection and analysis. Additional emphasis on need assessment and program evaluation.

CN 609 Models and Application of Integration
(3 credits )

The study of integration models and the application of these models to the practice of Christian counseling. Included is the basic assumptions of Christianity and psychology, the nature of the Christian experience and the direct application of the major teachings of the Bible to helping relationships.
Prerequisites: CN 602 and 603

CN 610 Foundations and Contextual Dimensions of Mental Health Counseling
(3 credits )

An investigation of the history, philosophy and cultural dimensions of mental health counseling, including the roles and identity of mental health counselors, ethical considerations and the training and credentialing of mental health counselors. Includes professional issues and practice guidelines for the mental health counselor, including conducting community needs assessments and creating and overseeing community interventions to address those needs.

CN 611 Knowledge and Skills of Mental Health Counseling
(3 credits )

This course is designed to help students develop an understanding of the philosophical foundations of the helping process and the application of basic (active listening, attending, building rapport, and demonstrating empathy) and advanced (the integration of skills with counseling theory, case conceptualization, treatment planning, providing corrective experiences, and the development of personal counseling approach) counseling skills within a multicultural framework.
Prerequisite: CN 610

CN 612 Clinical Psychopathology and Diagnosis
(3 credits )

The study of abnormal behavior, personality disorders and psychopathological conditions specific to developmental phases throughout the life span. A thorough examination of etiology and diagnosis of mental disorders according to the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for mental and emotional disorders and an understanding of the International Classification of Diseases. Students will learn advanced therapy techniques that build character structure in their clients leading to symptom reduction.
Prerequisites: CN 601 and 603

CN 613 Foundations of Spiritual Formation and Direction
(3 credits )

An investigation of the history, traditions and application of spiritual formation/direction. Emphasis on the knowledge and application of the spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation, study, solitude, fasting, etc.; as well as the practice of directing the spiritual growth of others.

CN 618 Level 1 Clinical Training: Gottman Method Couples Therapy
(3 credits )

A thorough examination of the data generated by Dr. John Gottman's research that offers a scientifically-based glimpse into the anatomy of couple relationships. Students will explore the Gottman Sound Relationship House theory and how to achieve the three main goals of the Gottman Method: modify conflict, enhance friendship and create shared meaning. Students will acquire beginning therapeutic skills and tools to help couples build stronger, happier relationships. The integration of the Gottman Method with the Christian world view will be studied.

CN 619 Level 2 Clinical Training: Gottman Method Couples Therapy
(3 credits )

The study of advanced therapeutic interventions using the Gottman method. Students will investigate inventories used to assess a couple's Friendship, Conflict and Shared Meanings profile. A thorough examination of strategies to help couples with the five comorbidities that are associated with distressed couples will be discussed. An investigation of how these advanced principles integrate with the Christian world view is included.
Prerequisite: CN 618

CN 624 Methods and Practice of Integration
(3 credits )

As the sequential course for CN 609 Models and Application of Integration, this course will further explore several, selected counseling approaches and interventions that exemplify the integration of Christianity and counseling. Additionally, students will explore the inclusion of spiritual formation and spiritual direction practices in an integrated counseling process.
Prerequisites: CN 609 and 613

CN 625 Advanced Evaluation and Diagnosis of Mental and Emotional Disorders
(3 credits )

This course focuses on the evaluation of mental and emotional statuses and includes the use of assessment procedures in diagnosis and treatment planning. This course will include administration and interpretation of individual and group standardized tests of mental ability, and personality and measurement. In this era of managed health care and continued emphasis on documentation and justification of mental health care, it is crucial that individuals entering the counseling field have a solid understanding of the origins and environmental factors that influence the development and evaluation of mental disorders, prevention, and diagnosis and treatment planning. This course will build on previously learned basics of assessment and psychopathology towards the implementation of related skills in clinical work.

CN 640 Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy
(3 credits )

The history and philosophy of the marriage and family therapy movement, including roles and identity of marriage and family therapists, marriage and family systems and practice, ethical considerations and the training and credentialing of marriage and family therapists.

CN 641 Foundations of Addiction Counseling
(3 credits )

The theological and psychological study of the issues that contribute to various addictive behaviors. Assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of addictions, as well as various models of recovery.

CN 642 Foundations of Play Therapy
(3 credits )

An introduction to the field of play therapy for both graduate students and clinical practitioners working with children, adolescents and adults. Emphasis on the history of play therapy, its primary theoretical models and general applications. This class provides hours that can be applied to instruction necessary to become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).

CN 643 Foundations of Child and Adolescent Counseling
(3 credits )

The theological and psychological study of child and adolescent pathology and treatment. Examination of child and adolescent development and family systems that may contribute to pathology.

CN 644 Foundations of Gerontological Counseling
(3 credits )

The theological, psychological and physiological study of the development and treatment of older adults. Emphasis on the skills and the community and family systems necessary to ensure optimal mental health for adults.

CN 645 Intimacy, Sexuality and Gender
(3 credits )

The theological and psychological study of human interaction in relationships with emphasis on intimacy and sexuality. Additional areas of study include gender issues, sexual identity formation and the prevention and treatment of sexual abuse for both perpetrators and survivors.

CN 646 Psychopharmacology
(3 credits )

An investigation of the basic classifications and indications of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications. The study of the appropriate uses of these medications, as well as the identification of their effects and side effects.

CN 647 Foundations of Life Coaching
(3 credits )

An examination of the origins and history of life coaching and how this practice is similar and different from counseling and consulting. Focus on the process and skills of life coaching.

CN 649 Foundations of Crisis and Trauma Counseling
(3 credits )

This course is designed to introduce students to basic crisis intervention strategies. The course addresses fundamental crisis intervention theory and offers practical applications in various crisis situations. Students will explore various assessment, intervention, and crisis treatment issues. Special emphasis will be placed on the impact of trauma on the individual, family and community. Students will engage in crisis intervention role-plays and practice applying specific interventions in crisis scenarios. Also, students will learn and engage in specialized skills, methods and interventions for working with those suffering with traumatic stress.
Prerequisites: CN 609, 610 and 611

CN 650 Supervised Practicum
(3 credits )

A supervised counseling experience providing the opportunity to practice individual, family and group counseling skills in a clinic setting. The 100-hour practicum requires a minimum of 50 direct client contact hours and includes weekly individual and group supervision from a University supervisor.
Prerequisites: CN 601, 602, 603, 606, 610, and 611; and 612 (or concurrent)

CN 651 Supervised Internship
(3 credits )

The opportunity to practice and provide a variety of counseling related activities that would normally be expected of a regularly employed counselor. The 300-hour internship requires a minimum of 150 direct client contact hours and includes weekly individual and group supervision from a site and University supervisor. Grading: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: CN 612 and 650

CN 652 Supervised Internship
(3 credits )

The opportunity to practice and provide a variety of counseling related activities that would normally be expected of a regularly employed counselor. The 300-hour internship requires a minimum of 150 direct client contact hours and includes weekly individual and group supervision from a site and University supervisor. Grading: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: CN 612 and 651

CN 653 Advanced Internship
(3 credits )

The opportunity to practice and provide a variety of counseling related activities that would normally be expected of a regularly employed counselor. The 300-hour internship requires a minimum of 150 direct client contact hours and includes weekly individual and group supervision from a site and University supervisor. Grading: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisite: CN 652

CN 654 Internship Completion
(0 to 3 credits )

This course is a continuation of the Internship experience. This course becomes necessary if the student has not completed the required direct clinical hours. Students will be required to enroll for the following credit hours based upon the number of direct hours needed: 0-50 direct hours needed (1 credit hour); 51-99 direct hours needed (2 credit hours); or 100 or more direct hours needed (3 credit hours).
Students are permitted to take CN 654 only once. The Program Director reserves the right to make exceptions to this policy due to extenuating circumstances.
Prerequisite: CN 652

CN 660 Independent Study in Counseling
(1 to 3 credits )

An individualized study agreed upon by the student and faculty member that allow the student to focus on a specific area of knowledge or service to a particular population. Integrates research, theory and practice with the Christian faith.
Prerequisite: Consent

GR 011 Graduate Student Orientation
(0 credits )

New students will be enrolled in an online orientation module when accepted into a graduate program (excluding OTD students). Online learning provides a very flexible learning environment that requires students to take ownership for learning. This course is designed to be self-paced and will introduce students to the online learning management system, University policies and ensure students know how and where to seek assistance and support.

HU's Academic Catalog