Counseling and Special Education

Brigham Young University

COUNSELING AND SPECIAL EDUCATION

Chair: Ronald D. Bingham
Graduate Coordinator: Darwin F. Gale
328 MCKB
Provo, UT 84602-5093
(801) 378-3859

THE PROGRAM OF STUDIES

The Department of Counseling and Special Education prepares educators and professionals who work primarily with individuals or small groups. Several programs are offered in the department, but they all pursue at least two common goals. The first is to help individuals enhance the quality of their lives through meaningful personal, educational, and career development. A second common goal is to assist people in overcoming barriers to learning and to success and happiness in life.These barriers include difficulty in communicating, thinking, reading, studying, learning, making decisions, relating to others, understanding the impact of their behavior, etc.

The programs offer a scientist/practitioner model where students and faculty enhance science and learning through research and inquiry. Further, they learn to apply the principles learned in dealing with those whom they serve. Since their work is often highly personal and effective in others' lives, it is essential that students possess/develop high personal integrity and professional standards of ethical conduct. They must also develop the knowledge and skills essential to promote positive change in individuals struggling with important aspects of their lives.

The settings in which graduates serve include such places as public and private schools and colleges and universities. Each program assists students in developing a study list of appropriate courses and in acquiring appropriate practical experience under supervision. Students are also assisted in obtaining appropriate credentials, certifications, or licensure.

Four degrees are offered through the Department of Counseling and Special Education: Special Education—MS; Counseling—MS; School Psychology—MS; and Counseling Psychology—PhD. The School Psychology—MS Program is an interdepartmental program cosponsored by the Counseling and Special Education Department and the Psychology Department and administered by the Counseling and Special Education Department.

The average number of students admitted each year varies by program as follows:

Special Education 20

Counseling 16

School Psychology 8

Counseling Psychology 5

Special Education—MS

The program in special education focuses on the preparation of thoughtful, ethical professionals who understand and respond effectively to the needs of students with disabilities and to their families. Additionally, the program emphasizes the development of collaborative relationships with general education personnel in meeting the needs of all students.

Three areas of emphasis are available within the graduate program. These include mild/moderate disabilities, severe/profound disabilities, and gifted education.

Admission and Entry.

Semesters of entry and application deadlines: fall, February 1 (U.S. and international).
Application requirements: GRE examination and the Area of Special Education Application for Admission and related candidate evaluation forms.
Prerequisite: completion of an undergraduate degree in early childhood, elementary, secondary, or special education and successful experience as a general or special education teacher in a public school or related setting.

Requirements for Degree.

Credit hours (36-42): depending on area of emphasis.
Required courses: consult area specialty coordinators.
Residence: all course work must be completed on BYU campus or in related partnership or approved school site.
Paper, project, or thesis.
Examinations: written comprehensive examination.

Counseling, School Psychology—MS

The MS degrees in counseling and school psychology prepare students to pursue dual certification as counselors and school psychologists. Primary focus is given to the needs of elementary school students in regular and special education settings.

The counseling and school psychology programs are currently being revised. Please consult the department for current specific information.

Admission and Entry.

Semesters of entry and application deadlines: fall, February 1 (U.S. and international).
Application requirements: the entrance examination is the GRE general test. When taking the GRE, use the institutional number R 4019. Application will not be considered without GRE scores. Because of the nature of the counseling and psychology professions, both academic and personal qualifications are considered in selecting applicants and in evaluating, retaining, and graduating students.
Prerequisite: appropriate educational and professional experience as determined by major area of study. Adequate background in education and/or psychology; undergraduate major in one or the other is preferred but not necessary.

Requirements for Degree.

The program is currently revising all degree requirements. Specific information may be acquired by contacting the area coordinator, Lane Fischer, at 328 MCKB, (801) 378-3857.

Counseling Psychology—PhD

The PhD in counseling psychology is primarily psychological in nature and is based upon the scientist-practitioner model of training as recommended by the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American Psychological Association (APA). The scientist-practitioner model is an integrated approach to training that acknowledges the interdependence of theory, research, and practice. The counseling psychology program at BYU emphasizes the educational, developmental, and preventive functions of counseling psychologists and counselor educators. Students are also prepared to intervene remedially with people who are experiencing abnormal development and psychopathology. Students will be placed in practicum and clerkship for the first two years at the BYU Counseling and Development Center, which is an APA-approved training site. Internship sites are primarily in college counseling centers. Graduates should anticipate careers on college and university campuses as counselors, counseling psychologists, or counselor educators.

Admission and Entry.

Semesters of entry and application deadlines: fall, February 1 (U.S. and international).
Application requirements: the entrance examination is the GRE general test. When taking the GRE, use the institutional number R 4019. Application will not be considered without GRE scores. Because of the nature of the counseling and psychology professions, both academic and personal qualifications are considered in selecting applicants and in evaluating, retaining, and graduating students.
Prerequisite: master's degree in counseling or psychology or in an approved, closely related field; appropriate professional experience as determined by major area of study.

Requirements for Degree.

Credit hours: 94 minimum, plus skill requirements.
Required courses: consult department program documents.
Minor (optional): approved by graduate committee.
Residence: minimum two consecutive full-time semesters beyond the master's degree (minimum 9 credit hours each semester) on the BYU Provo campus.
Skill requirement: consult department.
Predoctoral internship (2,000 hours).
Dissertation.
Examinations: (A) written comprehensive examination at completion of course work; (B) oral defense of dissertation.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Most of the money that is available for student financial assistance in the Department of Counseling and Special Education will be given to graduate students in the form of graduate assistantships. Only those who are in extreme financial situations will be given serious consideration for supplementary awards.

Other sources of financial aid are available to students through the Financial Aid Office, A-41 ASB, Provo, UT 84602-1009.

Graduate Assistantships. A limited number of graduate assistantships are available for full-time students. These assignments require working with selected faculty members on research projects, curriculum development, and other university faculty assignments for 5 to 20 hours per week. A student must apply for the assistantships each semester or term. Applications are due to the department secretary by the first priority registration deadline (see current class schedule).

Supplementary Awards. Applications for supplementary awards are reviewed on the basis of financial need. The award is either a one-quarter or one-half tuition waiver. Application forms are available in the department office, 328 MCKB, Provo, UT 84602-5093.

Scholarships. A small number of modest, specific-interest scholarships are also available. Contact the department for application forms and additional information about these opportunities.

RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Counseling Psychology Center. This center affords students an opportunity to learn and practice a variety of applications for the principles and theories they study in their course work. Through practical applications students gain valuable experience in diagnosing learning and achievement difficulties; remedying learning and behavioral problems; consulting with parents, teachers, and other professionals regarding strategies for helping the center's clients; counseling individuals with academic, vocational, or personal problems; and giving career assessment and guidance to young people and adults.

Computer Laboratories. Terminals in the computer laboratories provide graduate students direct line access to the university's large mainframe computers, enabling students to use several sophisticated programs, such as SPSS and SAS, to analyze research data. These terminals also enable students to search out books in the Harold B. Lee Library.

Graduate Student Project and Research Laboratory. Laboratory space is provided for graduate students who are working with faculty on research, evaluation, and development projects.

Study Areas. Graduate study areas are available in the Project and Research Laboratory and the McKay School of Education Learning Resource Center.

Faculty research interests vary among areas within the department.

For a more detailed description of the graduate program requirements, send for a copy of the department's bulletin.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Class Schedule

Note: CSE 514R and 515R courses are for certification purposes only and are listed in the BYU Undergraduate Catalog. No graduate degree credit is given for 514R; 515R credit may count toward a graduate degree if prior approval is obtained from the graduate committee.

501. Test and Measurement Theory. (3)

Independent Study also; no graduate degree credit given for Independent Study.

Basic test and measurement theories. Types of tests. Reliability and validity. Standardization and test construction.

502. Child/Adolescent Psychopathology and Interventions in Schools. (3)

Etiology and diagnosis of dysfunctional behavior and maladjustment, with interventions for school-age children.

505. Psycho-Educational Implications of Exceptionality.(1-3)

506R. Curriculum and Technology in Special Education. (3)

Prerequisite: CSE 305.

Curriculum and technology used in serving exceptional children in the classroom.

511. Curriculum for Individuals with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities. (3)

Prerequisite: CSE 510 and instructor's consent.

Instructional strategies for children with emotional and/or behavioral disabilities.

518. Education of the Gifted and Talented. (2)

Various approaches to educating the gifted and talented.

526. Curriculum for Students with Learning Disabilities. (3)

Prerequisite: CSE 525.

Organization of educational programs, curriculum development, and teaching methods for children with learning disabilities.

532. Assessment, Diagnosis, and Evaluation. (3)