Counseling and School Psychology (CSP)

CSP 800 – Advanced Educational Psychology 3 credit hours

This course introduces core concepts and principles of classroom learning, focusing on theories, instructional and assessment strategies, and factors such as development, diversity, motivation, and social influences. Learner exceptionalities, behavior management, and current issues in effective teaching and learning will also be examined, with opportunities for individual exploration.

CSP 801P – Counseling Skills 3 credit hours

This class is for those entering or already in one of the helping professions. It focuses on understanding and applying a broad range of listening and communication skills in one-to-one interactions as well as in small group settings. Students actively practice building skills in class and out of class.

CSP 802 – Research Methods In Psychology and Education 3 credit hours

A survey of the techniques of research with emphasis on counseling and educational applications. Content includes knowledge of: (a) scientific knowledge and research; (b) research questions and hypotheses; (c) reviewing research literature; (d) types of variables and operational definition; (e) types of research; (f) data collection; (g) date entry and analysis using a variety of statistical techniques; and (h) models of program evaluation.

CSP 804P – Counseling and Mental Disorders 2 credit hours

This course provides an orientation to the various abnormal behaviors and mental disorders that may be encountered in students/clients by counselors, athletic trainers, school psychologists, and student affairs personnel. It introduces medical model terminology, symptomology of disorders, and current treatments associated with the various disorders.

CSP 805 – Child and Adolescent Development and Interventions 3 credit hours

This course offers helping professionals the chance to deepen their understanding of children and adolescents by examining the biological, cognitive, emotional, and social factors that influence development. It covers development from the prenatal period through adolescence, highlighting typical developmental trajectories as well as potential concerns, with attention to social and environmental contexts. Students will study specific childhood disorders, their causes, behaviors, and interventions, gaining practical knowledge for supporting youth in school, home, and clinical settings.

CSP 806P – Learning from Children 3 credit hours

This course provides opportunity to study teaching/learning interactions in which the teacher is a child and the learner is an adult. There is direct observation of child/adult interaction, a brief study of class members' recollections of their own childhoods, and a study of neotenous (childlike) adults. The course is graded credit/no credit at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

CSP 807P – Clinical Treatment Issues in Addictions Counseling 3 credit hours

This course addresses the study of treatment issues specific to chemical dependency/addictions including screening/assessment, diagnosis, denial, resistance, minimization, family dynamics, disease concept, relapse, cross-addiction, non-chemical dependencies, co-occurring disorders, spirituality, and influences of self-help groups. Also included are strategies for prevention, intervention, and treatment of chemical dependency, taking into consideration gender, culture, and lifestyle. This course is intended to meet the requirements for licensure as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor as 45 hours of clinical treatment issues in chemical dependency.

CSP 808P – Assessment, Case Planning & Management of Addiction 3 credit hours

This course addresses the process of collecting pertinent data about client or client systems and their environment and appraising the data as a basis for making decisions regarding alcohol/drug disorder diagnosis and treatment and/or referral. Instruction on coordinating and prioritizing client treatment goals and working with other services, agencies and resources to achieve those treatment goals are included. The course addresses practice in assessing and managing a case including the development of sample case records and utilizing the written client record to guide and monitor services with emphasis on the development of the social history and intake, initial assessment, individual treatment plan with measurable goals and objectives, documentation of progress and ongoing assessment. Confidentiality of client information and records as defined in 42 CFR Part 2 shall be addressed. The strengths and weaknesses of various levels of care and the selection of an appropriate level for clients are studied. Basic information on two or more objective assessment instruments are studied for alcohol/drug disorders including the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI), Addiction Severity Index (ASI), and the Western Personality Inventory. This course meets the requirements for licensure as a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor as 30 hours of alcohol/drug assessment, case planning and management

CSP 809P – Medical & Psychosocial Aspects of Addictions 3 credit hours

This course addresses the physiological, psychological and sociological aspects of alcohol/drug use, abuse and dependence. The classifications and basic pharmacology of drugs, basic physiology and the effects of drug use on the systems of the human body and alcohol and drug tolerance are discussed. The course also includes the etiological, behavioral, cultural and demographical aspects and belief systems about alcohol/drug use along with the processes of dependence and addiction including signs, symptoms and behavior patterns. This course meets the requirements for licensure as a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor as 45 hours of medical and psychosocial aspects of alcohol/drug use, abuse and addiction.

CSP 810 – Legal and Ethical Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling 1 credit hour

This course explores the legal, ethical and professional choices faced by clinical mental health counselors. A wide variety of ethical issues and topics are covered. Topics include ethical principles, decision-making, professional standards, counselor values and attitudes, multicultural perspectives and diversity, counselor competence, client rights and confidentiality, managing boundaries and multiple relationships, and ethical issues in research and testing, supervision and consultation, theory, research and practice, couples and family therapy, group work. Specific ethical and legal considerations related to counselor work setting in mental health are also addressed.

CSP 811 – Legal and Ethical Issues in School Counseling 1 credit hour

This course explores the legal, ethical and professional choices faced by practicing school counselors. A wide variety of ethical issues and topics are covered. Topics include ethical principles, decision-making, professional standards, counselor values and attitudes, multicultural perspectives and diversity, counselor competence, student/parent rights and confidentiality, managing boundaries and multiple relationships, and ethical issues in research and testing, supervision and consultation, theory, individual counseling, and group work.

CSP 815 – Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Counseling 3 credit hours

This course explores the legal, ethical and professional issues faced by practicing counselors in mental health and school settings including ethical principals, decision-making, professional standards, counselor values and attitudes, multicultural perspectives and diversity, counselor competence, client rights and confidentiality, managing boundaries and multiple relationships, and ethical issues in research and testing, supervision and consultation, theory, research and practice, couples and family therapy, and group work. Professional identity with specific considerations related to counselor work setting in either school or mental health will be promoted. Interagency referral, collaboration, and evidence-based practice concerning clinical issues such as physical and sexual abuse, self-harm, grief and loss, eating disorders, school violence/bullying prevention, special population mental health needs (e.g., children, adolescents, incarcerated, elderly, rural, etc.), crisis intervention and management, suicide assessment and prevention, trauma informed care, and so on will be examined.

CSP 830 – Professional Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling 2 credit hours

The seminar provides special investigation into the core elements and issues of mental health counseling including the role of theory in practice, assessment, multicultural counseling, professional identity, credentialing and ethics, work settings, the variety of roles mental health counselors play as practitioners, consultants, researchers and political activists, recovery and treatment of victims of terrorism and disasters. Specific professional topics such as gerontology, domestic violence, disaster/trauma response, terrorism, addictions and substance abuse, sexual abuse, psychopharmacology, conflict mediation, consultation, legal and ethical issues, expert witness, establishment of a mental health practice, technology literacy, client assessment and evaluation, needs assessment and program evaluation will also be examined.
Total Credits Allowed: 6.00
Prerequisite: CSP 885

CSP 831 – Seminar: Professional Issues/Ethics in School Counseling 1-6 credit hours

Total Credits Allowed: 6.00
Prerequisite: CSP 885

CSP 835 – Independent Study 1-6 credit hours

The student develops and implements a plan of study with the help of a member of the graduate faculty in the CSP Department.
Department Consent Required
Total Credits Allowed: 6.00

CSP 840 – Adult Development 3 credit hours

The course is designed to provide a broad knowledge base concerning adult/human development as it affects the counseling process. A knowledge base in the areas of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, moral, and spiritual development is essential to the counseling process. The classical and contemporary theories of development will be studied and their applicability to the counseling process. Counseling strategies/interventions for developmental needs will be studied and a systemic approach to self, family, and career will be used for assessment of the adult. Societal and cultural factors influencing human development will be explored as well.

CSP 845 – Global Perspectives in Higher Education Student Affairs 3 credit hours

This course explores a broad spectrum of global perspectives and internationalization efforts in the field of higher education and student affairs (HESA) through various lenses including context of international education, outcomes of internationalized higher education, global student mobility, recruitment and admission, international student services, study abroad and global learning opportunities, international partnership and global engagement, internationalizing curriculum, future models and outlooks in the field of international education.

CSP 850P – Introduction to Counseling and Social Advocacy 3 credit hours

This course is designed to introduce the student to the broad field of counseling and to provide an orientation to counseling as a helping profession. A knowledge base related to the characteristics and training of effective counselors as well as a description of clients who enter counseling is the content foundation of this course. This involves both information and experience focused on the nature of helping relationship and the skills, attitudes, and beliefs involved in developing and maintaining this relationship. Finally, the therapeutic benefits to the client are explored.

CSP 855 – Techniques of Counseling 3 credit hours

Techniques of Counseling provides an understanding of the philosophic bases of the helping process, with an emphasis on helper self-understanding and self-development. The purpose of the course is to provide a laboratory experience to enable you to learn and practice in a culturally responsive way the skills basic to the counseling process, to integrate and structure skills to meet client needs, and to gain an understanding of the ethical standards of the profession. Attention is given to understanding the psychological significance of the counseling relationship and to the development of the specific skills of counseling. This course is a pre-practicum experience.
Additional Course Fee Required

CSP 856 – Multicultural Counseling 3 credit hours

This course addresses trends, issues, theories, concepts and professional practice in multicultural counseling by building awareness of one's assumptions, values and biases regarding cultural diversity, promoting understanding of the worldview and sociopolitical history of culturally diverse clients, and developing appropriate intervention strategies and techniques for working with and/or advocating for culturally diverse clients. The philosophical basis for reflective thinking suggests that it begins with uncertainty and requires that we suspend conclusions until we have looked inward at our thoughts as well as outward to the situations at hand. This reflection requires active, careful consideration as we work with clients/students. The purpose of the course is to assist students to develop knowledge regarding psycho-social trends and changes in society that influence client's perceptions of self and society regarding work in a pluralistic world.

CSP 859 – Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental and Emotional Disorders 3 credit hours

This course addresses individual diagnosis from a variety of perspectives: biologic, developmental, cultural and interpersonal. It will provide students with a broad theoretical base for understanding psychopathology, from not only an individual, descriptive, symptomologic perspective as presented in the DSM-IV-TR, but also from a contextual systemic perspective including developmental hallmarks, familial patterns and socio-cultural contributors. This ability to diagnose will form a beginning foundation for treatment planning associated with various diagnostic categories. Moreover, the student will learn how to develop goals and objectives toward effective treatment outcomes.

CSP 860 – Theories of Counseling 3 credit hours

The purpose of this course is to study the classical and contemporary theories of counseling. Students will be exposed to models of counseling including historical and philosophical background that are consistent with current professional research and practice in the field so that they begin to develop a personal model of counseling. These models will be the foundation for students to conceptualize client presentation and select appropriate counseling interventions. Students will understand and apply theories of human behavior, ways to bring about change. Texts, class discussion and assignments encourage the learner to examine counseling and development theories, research, and socio-cultural issues critically and comparatively. Socio-cultural diversity is examined focusing on counseling methods and consciousness-raising regarding stereotypes that infringe on the helping process. Through various experiences students will be introduced to counseling theories in a way that offers personal and thought provoking challenges to conceptualize human behavior, cognition, affect, and the process of change.

CSP 861P – School Counseling Organization and Practice 3 credit hours

The focus of this course is on organization and structure of the comprehensive K-12, developmental counseling/guidance programs.

CSP 862 – Administration and Consultation in Clinical Mental Health Counseling 3 credit hours

The course will orient students to the concept of change as it directly impacts the community. For the purposes of this course a broader view of community counseling is taken with regard to prevention, intervention and community reach-out in a variety of practice settings. Although organization and practice with individuals, groups/families will be covered, greater attention will be placed on the macro level (i.e., working with organizations and communities) of community agency practice. Professional identity, licensure, and best practices will be discussed.

CSP 864 – Student Affairs Organization & Practice 3 credit hours

The goal of this course is to provide a comprehensive introduction to the organization and structure of student affairs programs in American higher education settings. The course will cover the history of the student affairs profession, the development of specific functions within the field of student affairs, and the relation to and integration of those functions into the educational mission of higher education institutions. Scholarly skills in the areas of research, critical evaluation, and writing will also be emphasized.

CSP 865 – Group Counseling 3 credit hours

Designed to enable the counselor to (1) gain understanding concerning the theory of group dynamics as it relates to counseling; (2) form a point of view concerning the process and function of counseling in groups; (3) gain competency in the use of effective group counseling techniques. It is designed to foster knowledge of skills and ethical considerations in group leadership. The course combines the use of lectures, discussion, experiential exercises, readings, journaling, and videos to advance students' knowledge and skills. Students will also explore group leader and member roles through participation in an experiential group laboratory experience.
Department Consent Required
Prerequisite: CSP 855 and advisor approval

CSP 867P – Psychodrama 3 credit hours

This course is an introduction to psychodramatic techniques. Psychodrama is an action therapy that uses movement, motion, and action as part of the therapeutic process. It integrates verbal and action techniques into a holistic process that produces insight and learning for the client. Learning in this course is primarily experiential.

CSP 868 – Student Development Theory 3 credit hours

Student Development is viewed as a life-long process that has impact on self as a person develops their intellectual, ethical, and operational maturity. The course will cover the development of a human from Birth to Death and discuss the issues which arise with each stage in a person's life. The course focuses on theories, strategies, assessment and case demonstrations to prepare the student affairs and/or professional counselor to work with students or clients in a wide variety of settings. One focus of this course is to provide a comprehensive introduction to post-secondary student development theory. The course will cover a multitude of aspects concerning student development theory. Scholarly skills in the areas of research, critical evaluation, and writing will also be emphasized. This course will utilize the internet to a high degree for research, presentation of materials, group interaction, and testing.

CSP 869P – Foundations of Student Affairs 3 credit hours

The goal of this course is to provide a comprehensive introduction to the organization and structure of student affairs programs in American higher education setting. The course will cover the history of the students affairs profession, the development of specific functions within the field of student affairs, and the relation to and integration of those functions into the educational mission of higher education institutions. Scholarly skills in the areas of research, critical evaluation, and writing will also be emphasized.

CSP 870 – Marriage and Family Counseling 3 credit hours

The purpose of the course is to orient students to the theories of family counseling and the interrelationship of development to the dynamics of the family system. The purpose of this course is to provide future counselors the history, process, and theoretical constructs of systemic therapeutic approaches to working with families. Students will be able to identify various theories (i.e., Structural, Strategic, Milan, Psychodynamic, Experiential, Solution Focused, Social Construction, and Narrative Family Therapy). The challenges of working with families in a therapeutic manner are considered whether in the role as a school counselor, community counselor, or student affairs personnel. Gender roles as well as consideration for multicultural patterns and larger society concerns that impact normal family development are studied.

CSP 875 – Career and Lifestyle Development 3 credit hours

Career development is viewed as a life-long process that has impact on self, significant others, career choice, leisure pursuits and geographical location. The course focuses on theories, strategies, assessment and case demonstrations to prepare the professional counselor to work with clients in school, agency, college settings and business. This course is also designed to emphasize the interrelationship of career counseling with other types of mental health counseling. This course will utilize the internet to a high degree for research, presentation of materials, group interaction, and testing.
Additional Course Fee Required

CSP 880 – Appraisal and Evaluation of Individuals and Systems 3 credit hours

This course deals with fundamental principles in appraisal of individuals and systems. Students examine purposes of appraisal, historical and current issues that affect purposes and principles of appraisal, typical means of assessment and their interpretation, use of standardized and nonstandardized appraisal techniques, sociometric and environmental assessment, responsible use of appraisal information, professional issues and standards, and current trends in the appraisal process.

CSP 885 – Practicum in Counseling and Guidance 3 credit hours

Practicum requires extensive time for direct counseling experience, self-evaluation, critical interaction with other students, and critiquing of taped interviews with the practicum supervisor. The practicum setting is designated by the program: Community, Elementary, Secondary School, Student Affairs. Other settings are available by prior arrangement.
Total Credits Allowed: 6.00
Prerequisite: CSP 855 and CSP 865 and admission to candidacy and advisor approval or by special permission of the Counselor Education Committee.
Additional Course Fee Required

CSP 886 – Advanced Practicum in Clinical Mental Health Counseling 3 credit hours

Advanced Practicum in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is an advanced clinical experience from a broad counseling modality (i.e., individual, group, couples, and/or families) within a live (in vivo) team model of supervision. The prerequisite is completion of CSP 885: Practicum with a grade of "B" or better and permission of the instructor. All sessions are supervised in vivo and require students to video tape all clinical work. Advanced Practicum in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is provided from a multi-modal counseling approach to increase counselor trainee expertise in the modality of student choice (i.e. individual, child/adolescent, group, couples, and/or families). Supervision will provide advanced skill training to conceptualize, interview, assess, diagnose, and intervene from a developmental, systemic, or group modality.
Department Consent Required
Prerequisite: CSP 885 with a grade of B or above and by permission of the instructor
Additional Course Fee Required

CSP 892 – Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling 1-6 credit hours

Direct experience in a counselor work setting under the supervision by a qualified mental health professional and a Department of Counseling and School Psychology faculty member. 1 credit hour = 100 clock hours logged within the setting.
Total Credits Allowed: 7.00
Prerequisite: CSP 885 and by permission only

CSP 893 – Internship in School Counseling I 1-2 credit hours

This course provides the student with a direct field experience as a school counselor in a school setting under the supervision of both the UNK School Counseling Internship Coordinator and a certified school counselor who will serve as the school site supervisor. Projects and experiences are required as detailed in the CSP School Counseling Internship Handbook. The internship is an opportunity for the student to integrate what has been learned during program coursework in an applied school setting.
Total Credits Allowed: 2.00
Prerequisite: CSP 861P

CSP 894 – Internship in School Counseling II 1-2 credit hours

CSP 895 – Internship in Student Affairs 1-3 credit hours

This course provides direct experience working in the student affairs profession under the supervision of a person with expertise in a particular facet of student affairs in the college/ university environment.
Total Credits Allowed: 4.00
Prerequisite: CSP 864

CSP 896 – Thesis 1-6 credit hours

Total Credits Allowed: 6.00

CSP 899P – Special Topics 1-3 credit hours

This course addresses current and recent issues/needs related to counseling and school psychology. The course format varies depending on subject matter, instructor and student needs.
Total Credits Allowed: 9.00

CSP 901 – Ethical, Legal and Professional Practice in Schools 3 credit hours

This course will provide students a comprehensive exposure to the major and contemporary issues impacting the professions of School Psychology and School Counseling. Students will be provided the opportunity to understand fully the history of their profession; of various service models and methods of public policy development applicable to children and families; and of ethical, professional, and legal standards. Additionally, the student will identify knowledge and skills in acquiring career-long professional development. Moreover, the student will begin the review and preparation for the PRAXIS II exam.
Department Consent Required

CSP 905 – Behavioral Problem Solving Assessment 3 credit hours

Students will learn and apply their knowledge of biological, cultural, developmental, and social factors to support mental and behavioral health. Using a problem-solving model, students will learn a variety of methods and techniques to assess the social, emotional and behavioral functioning of children and adolescents. Students will also learn how to collaborate with others to design, implement, and evaluate supports that promote positive behavior and strengthen social-emotional and adaptive skills.
Department Consent Required
Additional Course Fee Required

CSP 906 – Infant/Preschool Assessment 3 credit hours

This course examines specialized assessment, intervention, and prevention approaches to the developmental challenges appearing from birth to school age. Children and parents/caregivers are treated as the primary focus for assessment and intervention. This course will provide students with the opportunity to develop a knowledge base and apply skills in assessment and intervention models to be used with children and families in the birth to five age range.
Department Consent Required
Prerequisite: CSP 907 and CSP 920

CSP 907 – Academic Problem Solving Assessment 3 credit hours

This course will focus on using the problem-solving assessment (PSA) model for evaluation, data collection, and progress monitoring of academic skills. The PSA model is utilized within the multi-tiered systems of support in schools and focuses on the identification of children at risk for struggling in an academic area, developing an intervention, and monitoring the efficacy of that intervention. The course is designed to familiarize students with the knowledge and foundational skills necessary to utilize direct and indirect assessments of academic skills and support the learning of all students.
Additional Course Fee Required

CSP 908 – Orientation to School Psychology 3 credit hours

This course introduces to the students the profession of school psychology. The topics covered will include history and foundations of school psychology, roles and functions of school psychologists, models for practice, professional development and standards, and contemporary issues and challenges. As an important component of this course, students will accompany/shadow a practicing school psychologist to be directly exposed to the roles and functions performed and to increase understanding of the school psychology service delivery.

CSP 920 – Cognitive Problem Solving Assessment 3 credit hours

This course emphasizes the Problem-Solving Model to guide sound assessment practices and the development of comprehensive evaluation plans that consider contextual factors and appropriate assessment methods (e.g., observations, standardized tests, interviews, and record reviews). A central focus is on understanding cognitive ability, as students develop skills in the standardized administration and interpretation of cognitive and intelligence measures.
Department Consent Required
Additional Course Fee Required

CSP 921 – School Psychology Interventions Practicum 3 credit hours

This two-semester practicum offers supervised, school-based experience (minimum 100 hours per semester) aimed at developing and applying evidence-based interventions for children and adolescents. Grounded in the scientist-practitioner and problem-solving models, the course emphasizes assessment for intervention and addresses behavioral, social, emotional, and academic needs, while considering multicultural, legal, and ethical factors. Students build skills in conducting assessments, designing and implementing interventions, evaluating outcomes, and collaborating with families, school staff, and community professionals to prepare for professional roles as school psychologists.
Department Consent Required
Total Credits Allowed: 6.00

CSP 922 – Problem Solving Assessment Practicum 3 credit hours

This two-semester practicum provides supervised, school-based experience (minimum 100 hours per semester) designed to develop skills in applying a range of assessment methods, procedures, and tools within a problem-solving framework in schools. Grounded in an ecological model of assessment, the course highlights how contextual factors affect student performance and emphasize the use of assessments that guide instruction, including standardized tests, curriculum-based measures, observations, interviews, criterion-referenced tools, and other alternative methods. Students also explore legal, ethical, and professional practice considerations related to special education eligibility and services.
Department Consent Required
Total Credits Allowed: 6.00
Prerequisite: CSP 905 and CSP 906 and CSP 907 and CSP 920 and open by permission of the department

CSP 957 – Problem Solving Consultation 3 credit hours

Consultation, an important component of the roles of both school counselors and school psychologists, is an indirect service delivery model through which expertise and services of school counselors and school psychologists can be delivered within the schools. Emphasis will be placed on the role of school counselor and school psychologist as an ally to general education who provides pre-referral intervention as well as post-referral support through consultation. Historical context, major models of consultation, and legal and ethical issues related to consultation are addressed as well as skill development in this intervention.

CSP 960 – Globalization of School Psychology 3 credit hours

The aim of the course is to increase students' understanding of topics/issues that have an impact on the well-being of children and youth, and the profession of school psychology around the world. Topics to be covered include school psychology training and practice across countries, professional ethics, child rights, children's health and mental health, crisis prevention, and cross-national research. The course will culminate with an online international research symposium to be organized and hosted by the UNK School Psychology Program.

CSP 990 – Pre-Internship Seminar 2-3 credit hours

The purpose of this course is to ensure competency in the roles and functions of school psychologists within the educational setting and prepare students for entry into an internship in school psychology. The course focuses on content and experiences related to Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for the social-emotional and behavioral functioning of students, services provided to promote safe and supportive school environments, and activities focused on preparing students for an internship in school psychology.
Department Consent Required

CSP 991 – Scholarly Study 1-6 credit hours

A seminar designed to provide knowledge, background, and practical skills in the design and formulation of a scholarly study project. Students will engage in selecting and refining topics, developing a proposal, conducting a literature review, collecting and analyzing data, applying computer tools, writing the study, and preparing results for dissemination.
Total Credits Allowed: 6.00

CSP 992 – Internship in School Psychology 1-12 credit hours

This course provides the students with direct field experience carrying out the roles and functions of a school psychologist while under the supervision of a certified school psychologist and University based supervisor. The course is designed to provide the student with extensive opportunities to integrate all prior training and apply such knowledge and skills in the educational setting. A minimum of 1,200 clock hours is required (i.e. full-time one year or halftime for two years) with at least 600 of the 1,200 clock hours logged within a school setting.
Department Consent Required
Total Credits Allowed: 12.00
Prerequisite: CSP 921 and CSP 922 and by permission only