Division of Counseling & Family Therapy
R. Rocco Cottone, Ph.D.,
Division Coordinator of Doctoral Training
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Overview
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Counselor Education and Supervision
at the University of Missouri-Saint Louis is a degree program with a
clear and focused mission. It is designed to prepare leaders who are
competent at identifying and solving complex problems in education,
in general, and counseling, in particular. It is targeted to train counselor
educators, supervisors of counselors-in- training, supervisors in and
administrators of counseling service agencies or organizations, and
practitioners with a well-grounded knowledge base.
The University of Missouri-St. Louis Division of Counseling & Family Therapy (the Division) in the College of Education has two doctoral programs: the Ed.D. in Behavioral Developmental Processes with an emphasis in counselor education and supervision; and the Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in counseling. The degree programs are quite distinct and designed for different purposes. The Ed.D. program is designed to hone a practitioner's skills, to build on a counseling knowledge base, to provide practitioner's with a research foundation for directed enquiry and interpretation of research findings, and to prepare them for education and supervisory roles. Theory, research, and practice are integrated throughout the program. The Ed.D. program is designed around the model of the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Graduates of the Ph.D. program, on the other hand, will have a degree that clearly distinguishes them as researchers in the field of counseling. Where the Ed.D. is designed to produce scholar practitioners, the Ph.D. is designed to produce researcher practitioners.
The Ed.D. is designed to enhance the training of those already holding or near holding credentials for licensure as professional counselors. (Note: licensure standards vary by state, and the acceptability of the Ed.D. program for counselor licensure should be explored in the state of relevance before enrollment).
The University Campus
The University of Missouri-St. Louis prides itself on being an urban campus of a state land-grant university. Approximately 16,000 students are enrolled at the University. By enrollment, the University of Missouri-St. Louis is the largest urban university in the State of Missouri. It is committed to intellectual, professional, and cultural diversity. It is an equal opportunity and an affirmative action institution. It is located in the suburbs of metropolitan St. Louis, an urban and cultural center of nearly 3 million people. As with other major urban areas in the United States, living conditions within the greater St. Louis metropolitan area vary. Students are generally able to find affordable and acceptable housing on campus or within a short commuting distance from the University. While mass transit is available, with Metrolink (light rail) and bus service on the campus, most students find a car necessary.
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Philosophy
Counseling has established itself as a profession and as an academic discipline. Counseling is a licensed profession, with most state licensure boards requiring at least master's level training. As an academic discipline, academic degree programs in "counseling" exist in a majority of major universities. Counseling programs, which have traditionally been housed in schools or departments of education, are graduate programs designed to train entry level counseling practitioners for school and community practice. The "body of knowledge" of counseling is defined and agreed on by professional associations, certifying and licensing authorities, and accreditation bodies. The "body of knowledge" is derived from counseling's rich history, including developments in vocational and career guidance, the individual and group therapy movements, appraisal of individuals, rehabilitation, and the school guidance movement.
The program does not adhere to any one theory of human development or any one theory of counseling or psychotherapy. The interests of the faculty members reflect many theories currently used by professional counselors (e.g., psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, family/social systems, constructivist, person-centered, solution focused, etc.). The study of diverse theories, research methods, assessment techniques, and therapeutic techniques is encouraged. The interdependence of theory, research, and practice is emphasized.
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- To build upon and enhance the knowledge base in core counseling areas through successful completion of advanced doctoral seminars in research and clinical practice.
- To refine clinical practice skills and enhance the supervised experience base through successful completion of an advanced doctoral practicum and doctoral internships.
- To enhance the identification of complex but manageable problems in education and counseling through advanced counseling coursework.
- To develop problem solving strategies in education and counseling.
- To train counselor educators and supervisors of counselors-in-training.
- To train supervisors of counseling service agencies in schools or other organizations.
- To provide and assess services designed to enhance the lives of individuals from all walks of life facing extraordinary challenges throughout the life span, through advanced training in inclusive theories of counseling and multicultural and ethical sensitivity.
- To prepare professionals adept at (a) theory development; (b) qualitative and quantitative research methods; (c) integration of research with practice in school and non-school counseling settings through advanced training in qualitative and quantitative research methodology and an advanced counseling research seminar.
- To apply counseling theory to the process and practice of individual and team consultation in various counseling and educational contexts, learned primarily through the doctoral practicum and doctoral internship, but proceeded by classroom instruction on organizational climate, ethical climate, and problem solving in "Ethical and Professional Issues in Counseling."
- To provide a firm theoretical foundation in personal and social development and assessment through the foundational area coursework.
- To provide a context for skill development and practice in individual and group assessment (including intelligence, aptitude, achievement, interest, and personality assessment) through a supervised advanced doctoral practicum and doctoral internship.
- To provide practitioners with a research foundation for directed enquiry and interpretation of research findings, through advanced coursework in research methods and a counseling research seminar.
- To encourage and facilitate linkage to the counseling professional community and academy trough organizational involvement and efforts to present scholarly findings at professional conferences or in professional journals. Students in doctoral seminar and advanced courses will be encouraged to submit their work for publication or presentation through professional and academic outlets.
General Requirements
Each student's program of study will include coursework in the following broad areas of the counseling core: (a) Counseling Theories; (b) Human Growth and Development; (c) Social and Cultural Foundations; (d) The Helping Relationship; (e) Professional Orientation; (f) Career and Life Planning Theory and Practice; (g) Assessment and Evaluation; (h) Group Counseling; (i) Research and Evaluation; and (j) Practicum and Internship.
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The Degree Program: Ed.D in Behavioral Developmental Processes with an emphasis in Counselor Education and Supervision
*Revised and Approved by the Division of Counseling and Family Therapy, September 26, 2000. The program is subject to revision without additional notice, and some program provisions may be in the administrative approval process. All students must take the listed courses (or equivalent courses, as approved by the doctoral program advisory committee).
(12) FOUNDATIONS (12 hrs. Minimum Required by Degree)
- Ed Psy 6113, Psychopathology and Diagnosis
OR
Ed Psy 6532, Psycho-Educational Differences in Childhood
- Cns Ed 6000, Personal and Professional Development in Counseling
- Cns Ed
6010, Theories of Counseling
- Ed Psy 6310, Psychology of Learning Processes
(12) RESEARCH METHODS (12 Minimum Required by Degree)
- Ed Rem
6710, Educational Research Methods and Design
- Ed Rem 7771, Quantitative Research Methods I
- Ed Rem 7781, Qualitative Methods in Educational Research
One of the following two courses must be chosen:
- Ed Rem 7772, Quantitative Research Methods I
- Ed Rem 7782 Qualitative Methods in Educational Research II
(6) C0MMON DOCTORAL SEMINARS (6 hrs Minimum Required by the Degree)
Educ 414 Elements of Educational Leadership
Educ 414 Research: Implementing Change in Educational Systems
(12) EMPHASIS AREA SEMINARS (6 hrs Minimum Required by the Degree)
All listed courses are required by the Division of Counseling and Family Therapy:
- Cns Ed 7000, Advanced Theories and Foundations of Counseling Psychology (3 sem. cr. hrs)
- Cns Ed 7010, Advanced Multicultural Counseling (3 sem. cr. hrs)
- Cns Ed 6410, Advanced Career Development (3 sem. cr. hrs)
- Cns Ed 7020, Seminar in Counseling Research (3 sem. cr. hrs)
(27) EMPHASIS AREA ELECTIVES (15-27 hrs Minimum Required by the Degree)
All listed courses are required by the Division of Counseling and Family Therapy:
- Cns Ed
6020, Ethical and Professional Issues in Individual and Relationship Counseling
- Cns Ed
6050, Individual Inventory
- Cns Ed
6040, Group Procedures in Counseling
- Cns Ed
6400, Career Information and Development
- Cns Ed
6030, Foundations for Multicultural Counseling
- Cns Ed
6370, Community Counseling Practicum
or Cns Ed 4
6270, School Counseling Practicum
- Cns Ed 7030, Counselor Education and Supervision
- Cns Ed 7770, Doctoral Practicum
- Ed Rem 422 Individual Assessment of Cognitive Abilities
(15) RELATED AREA ELECTIVES (12-18 hrs Minimum Required by the Degree)
Three semester hours of electives in counselor education approved by the doctoral advisory committee. Additionally, choose one of the following recommended specialty sequences of courses:
- Addictions counseling:
- Cns Ed 6700 Introduction to Addictive Behaviors and Addiction Counseling,
- Cns Ed 6782 Advanced Strategies in Addictions Counseling ,
- Cns Ed 6784 Counseling the Dual Diagnosed Substance Abuser,
- Cns Ed 7070 Advanced Clinical Issues in Counseling
- Career counseling:
- Cns Ed 6420 Career Assessment in Counseling and Rehabilitation ,
- Cns Ed 6800 Rehabilitation Counseling,
- Cns Ed 7050 Advanced Assessment in Counseling,
- Plus one additional specialty elective approved by the advisory committee
- Children, adolescent, and school counseling:
- Cns Ed 6600 Theories and Techniques of Counseling Children and Adolescents,
- Cns Ed 6404 Seminar: Group counseling techniques with children and adolescents,
- Cns Ed 6500 Introduction to Systems Theory for Marriage and Family Counseling,
- Cns Ed 6200 Foundations of School Guidance
- Community counseling:
- Choose four electives in collaboration with the advisory committee.
- Marriage, couples and family therapy:
- Cns Ed 6500 Introduction to Systems Theory for Marriage and Family Counseling,
- Cns Ed 6510 Couple Counseling and Enrichment,
- Cns Ed 6520 Family Counseling,
- Plus one additional specialty elective approved by the advisory committee.
- Mental health counseling:
- Cns Ed 6500 Introduction to Systems Theory for Marriage and Family Counseling,
- Cns Ed 6700 Introduction to Addictive Behaviors and Addiction Counseling,
- Cns Ed 7050 Advanced Assessment in Counseling,
- Cns Ed 7070 Advanced Clinical Issues in Counseling.
- Multicultural counseling:
- Cns Ed 7040 Counseling Women Toward Empowerment,
- Soc 4360 Sociology of Minority Groups ,
- Gero 6442 Minority aging,
- Psy 7418 Seminar in Human Sexuality,
- Women and gender studies:
- Cns Ed 7040 Counseling Women Toward Empowerment,
- Psy 7410 Women and Mental Health,
- Psy 7418 Seminar in Human Sexuality,
- ID 5351 Theories of Feminism .
(6) INTERNSHIP (3-9 hrs Minimum Required by the Degree)
Cns Ed 7780, Doctoral Internship
(1 - 6 sem hrs)
(12) DISSERTATION (12 hrs Minimum Required by the Degree)
102 Semester Hours Total
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Residency Requirement, Full Time Study, and Class Times
Residency. The majority of credits used to satisfy requirements for a doctoral degree must be completed in residence at UM-St. Louis. For example, for a doctoral degree requiring 90 hours of work beyond the bachelor's degree, at least 46 hours must be completed at UM-St. Louis. These 46 hours may include credit hours taken for the dissertation. Special courses such as graduate institutes and workshops, as well as courses taken through Continuing Education-Extension, may be included as part of the residence requirement.
At some point in their course work, doctoral students must successfully complete a minimum of 15 hours over two consecutive terms ("term" meaning a regular semester or a summer session). The 15 hours may not all be taken in one term.
Residency should be completed during the last two-thirds of the course work phase of the program, but not during the dissertation phase. If employed, the student is encouraged to work less than full-time. Delayed grades during this period should be avoided if at all possible. Courses offered at sites off-campus approved by the Division may meet residency requirements.
Full-time Study. Full-time studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis is enrollment in 9 semester hours of course work in a semester - the Fall an Winter semesters. Summer enrollment is optional. Full-time study during the summer term is 6 semester hours. Full-time study is encouraged, but not required, outside of the residency period.
Class times. The majority of courses in the program are offered in evenings at or after 4:15 PM. The degree may be accomplished through evening enrollment.
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Advisement, Examinations, and Dissertation Requirements
- All students are referred to the University of Missouri-St. Louis Bulletin and the Graduate School Rules and Regulations. Both contain important information regarding general and specific doctoral requirements. EACH STUDENT IS RESPONSIBLE TO KNOW THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THESE PUBLICATIONS.
- Upon Admission to doctoral study, the student is assigned an advisor. The student should consult with the advisor before registration and it is the responsibility of the student to maintain close communication with the advisor throughout the program. During the first or second semester of attendance, an advisory committee of three faculty is appointed (determined by the student and the advisor), a "qualifying examination" is accomplished (see the next section), and a formal "program" of study is developed with the faculty members serving on the student's "advisory" committee. Of primary importance is the provision of a unified, intensive series of learning experiences under the close supervision of a carefully selected advisory committee. After program approval, a copy is returned to the student, the advisor retains a copy, and another copy is placed in the student's permanent file. The program should be filed by the end of the first or second semester of study.
- A "qualifying examination" by the advisory committee is required and is scheduled in the first or second semester of enrollment. This examination is an oral discussion and question-and-answer period (usually about two hours) which covers the major field of study. The intent of the qualifying examination is to assess the student's knowledge base in order to tailor the degree program to remedy weaknesses and build strengths. A student who fails the qualifying examination may be allowed to retake it upon the recommendation of the advisory committee. The successful qualifying examination will end with delineation of a formal "program" for the Ed.D. degree.
- Upon completion or near completion of the coursework required in the program for the degree, the student must sit for written comprehensive examinations (usually scheduled over two days), which cover the knowledge bases delineated in the program for the degree. Upon successful completion of the written comprehensive examinations, an oral examination will be scheduled to address any weaknesses defined during the written examinations (usually about a two-hour oral examination). Passing the comprehensive and oral examinations leads to "candidacy" status for the degree, and allows the student to constitute a dissertation committee and to begin work on the dissertation, an independent research project that earns 12 semester hours of credit.
- Upon completion of the dissertation, a formal public defense of the dissertation is held. Students are asked to describe their research project and to answer questions about the research intentions, design, findings, or conclusions. Successful defense of the dissertation leads to graduation.
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Admission Prerequisites and Procedures
Prerequisites
To be considered for admission, an applicant must meet all of the prerequisites listed below. It should be noted that meeting these prerequisites assures that the applicant will be considered for admission. Since the number of new students accepted into the doctoral program is limited, not all qualified applicants can be accepted for admission. Applicants should focus on presenting the strongest application packet possible, rather than meeting the minimum requirements.
- Master's degree in counseling or a related field from a regionally accredited institution including the following courses or their equivalents: (a) Counseling Theories; (b) Human Growth and Development; (c) Social and Cultural Foundations; (d) The Helping Relationship; (e) Professional Orientation; (f) Career and Life Planning Theory and Practice; (g) Assessment and Evaluation; (h) Group Counseling; (i) Research and Evaluation; (j) Practicum and Internship. Any of these courses, or equivalents, not completed before admission will be required as part of the doctoral program of studies. Students will be expected to complete the prerequisite coursework before beginning doctoral-level work.
- Good standing at the institution of higher learning last attended.
- Significantly above average grade point averages: at least a 3.0/4.0 undergraduate GPA or a 3.5/4.0 graduate GPA.
- Three letters of support (forms are supplied with the application form) from persons who can knowingly evaluate the applicant's leadership potential and probable success in doctoral studies. Individuals asked to make recommendations should be informed of the purpose and type of information needed. At least two letters should be from individuals with earned doctorates.
- Satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) aptitude section; the minimum required scores are 1500 on the Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytic sections within the last 5 years. The G.R.E. locator code for the University of Missouri-St. Louis is 6889; please advise the examiner when taking the test. Other standardized tests cannot be substituted for the GRE.
- Completion of the personal statement from the Application for Admission to Graduate School requesting the following: "Attach a statement … describing the graduate program you hope to follow, your reasons for undertaking graduate work, and the strengths and weaknesses of your preparation for graduate study." Take special care to include a clear statement of personal goals and professional plans for the next 5 to 10 years. Also explain how doctoral study, in general, and this doctoral program, in particular, will help you achieve your goals. The faculty admissions committee members will weigh this statement heavily in their deliberations.
- A current professional resume showing past educational and professional experience.
Procedures
- For U.S. citizens or residents, for general information on the program, application forms, and specific guidance through the application process, please contact: University of Missouri-St. Louis, College of Education, Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (123 South Campus Classroom Building), 8001 Natural Bridge Road, St Louis, MO 63121-4499. Phone: 314.516.5483. Applications may also be obtained from: University of Missouri-St. Louis, Graduate School Admissions (120 Woods Hall), 8001 Natural Bridge Rd., St. Louis, MO 63121-4499; phone - 314.516.5458; FAX - 314.515.5310, e-mail: gradadm@umsl.edu.
- Any student who is not a U.S. citizen or a U.S. resident, must first apply to: University of Missouri-St. Louis, International Admissions Officer, Office of International Student Services, 8001 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, Missouri (MO) 63121-4499; phone - 314.516.5229; FAX - 314.516.6757; e-mail - intelstu@umslvma.umsl.edu
- Completed application forms, official Undergraduate and Graduate transcripts, the official Educational Testing Service score report of the G.R.E., letters of recommendation, a personal statement (of goals and objectives), and a professional resume should be sent directly to: University of Missouri-St. Louis, Graduate School Admissions (120 Woods Hall), 8001 Natural Bridge Rd., St. Louis, MO 63121-4499; phone - 314.516.5458; FAX - 314.515.5310, e-mail: gradadm@umsl.edu. Questions or concerns may also be address to: University of Missouri- St. Louis, College of Education, Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (123 South Campus Classroom Building), 8001 Natural Bridge Road, St Louis, MO 63121-4499. Phone: 314.516.5483.
- An applicant should be available for an interview on campus with a committee of faculty members. (In extraordinary cases, alternatives to the on-campus interview may be used. This decision is the responsibility of the faculty.) The committee will ascertain leadership potential, communication skills, knowledge of the field, educational goals, and commitment to pursue the degree. Applicants will have an opportunity to seek clarification of any of the program components and will be given names of faculty members who might serve as possible advisers. Applicants are encouraged to speak with potential doctoral advisers in an area of interests before the interview and may request a specific faculty member's attendance at the interview (such attendance is the prerogative of the faculty member). Interviews are conducted Tuesday through Thursday the first week of March (subject to adjustment around the University semester break). Applicants should plan to be available on these days. Specific dates for the current year can be obtained by calling 314.516.5483.
- The deadline for applications is January 15th for consideration for the following Academic year. Transcripts and letters of recommendation should be requested well in advance of this deadline. Consideration of applicants cannot be undertaken until all materials are received. Applications from minorities and students with disabilities are encouraged.
- The Graduate Admissions Office will inform applicants of the decision on admission by letter approximately three weeks after the interview. Successful applicants then have the opportunity to accept or to reject admission to the program.
Financial Assistance
A. For student financial aid, including student loans, students are directed to: University of Missouri-St. Louis, Student Financial Aid (209 Woods Hall), 8001 Natural Bridge Road, St Louis, MO 63121-4499. Phone: 314.516.5526.
B. For information regarding graduate assistantships and fellowships, students are directed to: University of Missouri-St. Louis, College of Education, Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (123 South Campus Classroom Building), 8001 Natural Bridge Road, St Louis, MO 63121-4499. Phone: 314.516.5483.
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Services for Students with Disabilities
Students who have disabilities needing accommodation should contact the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Student Support Services Program (121 Woods Hall), 8001 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, MO 63121-4499. Phone: 314.516.6554; FAX: 314.516.5221.
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Child Care
Information on childcare can be obtained from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, University Child Development Center (130 South Campus Classroom Bldg.), 8001 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, MO 63121-4499. Phone: 314.516.5658; FAX: 314.516.5227.
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