Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The CMHC Program’s assessment system includes broad Degree Learning Outcomes (DLOs) in three areas; Knowledge, Professional Skills, and Personal Attributes. Each of these more general degree learning outcomes is composed of a number of more specific degree learning outcomes as indicated below. (Degree learning outcomes are attained through “student learning objectives” (SLOs) which are specified in course syllabi.)

• DLO-I. Knowledge Objectives

  By the conclusion of their program, students will be able to distinguish the clinical information needed by professional counselors (“Knowledge Objective” or “KO”). More specifically, the student will be able to:

  • KO1. Articulate the history, professional roles, organizational structures, ethics, standards and credentialing of professional counseling;
  • KO2. Explain the importance of social and cultural diversity, including the cultural context of relationships, issues, and trends in a multicultural society;
  • KO3. Describe human growth and development and the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental levels, and in multicultural contexts;
  • KO4. Discuss career development and related life factors;
  • KO5. Describe the helping relationship and counseling process in a multicultural society;
  • KO6. Define group work, including group purpose, development, dynamics, theories, methods and skills, and other group approaches in a multicultural society;
  • KO7. Interpret assessments, including individual and group approaches to assessment and evaluation in a multicultural society;
  • KO8. Review research methods, statistical analysis, needs assessment, and program evaluation; and
  • KO9. Identify the role that personal faith or belief systems play in the counseling process.
• DLO-II. Professional Skills Objectives

  By the conclusion of their program, students will demonstrate ability in professional counseling skills (“Professional Skills Objective” or “PSO”). More specifically, the student will be able to:

  • PSO1. Demonstrate adherence to ethical and legal standards of the professional counseling;
  • PSO2. Demonstrate effective treatment planning and intervention in counseling;
  • PSO3. Demonstrate recognition of personal limitations as a professional counselor and the need to seek supervision or refer clients when appropriate;
  • PSO4. Demonstrate effective service provision to clients in a multicultural society;
  • PSO5. Demonstrate skill in interviewing, assessment, diagnosis, and case management for working with individuals, couples, and families; and
  • PSO6. Demonstrate application of research findings in professional counseling.
• DLO-III. Personal Attributes Objectives

  By the conclusion of their program, students will exhibit personal characteristics important for professional counseling and counselors (“Personal Attributes Objectives” or “PAO”). More specifically, the student will be able to:

  • PAO1. Explain the importance of boundaries and limitations to competency;
  • PAO2. Act with integrity and honesty;
  • PAO3. Demonstrate interpersonal strength and maturity; and
  • PAO4. Act professionally, as is generally recognized, within the counseling profession.

Melanie Poorman - 2018 Graduate

Amy Dowdy - 2018 Graduate