Specialization in Counseling

The specialization in Counseling is oriented toward the training of high quality professionals who can perform in organizations, corporations, institutions, government agencies, and educational institutions, both public and private.

The Arecibo, Metropolitan and San Germán campuses are authorized to offer this Specialization.

Program Objective

1. Develop a counseling and health professional with self-identity, and the knowledge, skills, sensitivity, and ethics that allows for efficient performance in the functions stipulated by the laws and codes of ethics that regulate the profession.
2. Prepare counseling professionals equipped with research skills and who can implement counseling programs that facilitate the academic progress and development of the biopsychosocial dimensions of students.
3. Train students to use different assessment tools in personal and vocational decision making processes.

Competencies Profile of Graduates

The graduate of the Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Counseling will be able to:

Knowledge

1. Integrate the theoretical and ethical knowledge of the discipline as a professional counselor in the different educational levels.
2. Evaluate counseling programs according to research findings and the needs of the population to be served.

Skills

1. Demonstrate the required skills during the case management data collection process that includes the intervention and evaluation plan.
2. Develop therapeutic interpersonal skills appropriate for professional practice.
3. Design a counseling program that incorporates technology and that responds to the needs identified in the educational community.

Attitudes

1. Value personal, psychological and social development that encourages the optimal use of human potential.
2. Act in accordance with the ethical standards of respect and sensitivity in working with the needs of diverse populations.

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the admission requirements for master’s degree studies established by the University, candidates for admission to the Master of Arts in Education with a Specialization in Counseling Program must satisfy the following requirements:

Have approved the following courses or equivalents with a minimum grade of B:

1. EDUC 2022 Society and Education (3 credits)
2. EDUC 2060 Integration of Technology in Education (2 credits)
3. EDUC 2870 Exceptional Student Population (4 credits)
4. PSYC 1051 General Psychology I (3 credits)
5. PSYC 3001 Statistical Methods I (3 credits)

Have a minimum academic index of 3.00 points in the last sixty (60) credits of academic work.

Note: Candidates interested in becoming certified as a school counselor must comply with the general requirements stipulated by the Department of Education of Puerto Rico.

Requirements for the Master of Arts in Education with a Specialization in Counseling

Foundation Requirements	9 credits
Specialization Requirements	43 credits
Total	*52 credits

Foundation Requirements - 9 credits

EDUC 5047	Psychosocial Foundations of Education	3
EDUC 6220	Human Development and Diversity Processes	3
EDUC 6931	Research or Application Project in the Area of Specialization I	3

Specialization Requirements - 43 credits

EDUC 5370	Fundamentals of Counseling and Professional Ethics	3
EDUC 6420	Counseling for Life and Career Transition	3
EDUC 6451	Counseling Theories	3
EDUC 6452	Individual Counseling	3
EDUC 6455	Assessment of the Individual	2
EDUC 6457	Assessment and Evaluation in Counseling	2
EDUC 6460	Child and Adolescent Counseling	3
EDUC 6470	Group Counseling	3
EDUC 6472	Family Counseling and Consultation	3
PSYC 6090	Psychopathology Throughout the Life Cycle	3
EDUC 6912	Practicum in Counseling	2
EDUC 6918	Internship in Counseling I	5
EDUC 6919	Internship in Counseling II	5
EDUC 697G	Integration Seminar in Counseling	3

*The course EDUC 697G should be taken after having approved the specialization courses and prior to the practical experiences.