Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling

Based on the unique characteristics of adult learners, the course will focus on the development of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes which the adult education teacher should process. Methods for teaching adults used by adult educators in formal and informal learning environments, including higher education settings, will be evaluated and connected to educational theory and application with adult learner populations.

This course focuses specifically on teaching in the community college setting. Research, theory and principles of teaching are combined with clear application to practice. Anaylsis of theories of teaching and application specifically to the community college student are the central focus.

This course focuses on the areas of curriculum, assessment and evaluation at the community college level. Principles for the development, design and implementation of curriculum materials is included. As well, students will examine in-depth the principles of evaluation and assessment within and among programs at the community college level.

This course provides a comprehensive look at understanding the complexities of administration of an adult education program through organization and administration. It will focus on the use of the Five Functions of Management in the context of adult education. Students will develop administrative knowledge and skill in areas such as administration, organization, leadership, budgeting, funding and support, marketing, human resources, strategic planning, program evaluation, and legal and ethical issues.

Research, theory and principles of adult learning and development explored. Evaluation of adult interests and skills through a variety of strategies discussed. Application of theory presented through class projects.

A historical and structural overview of the adult education movement as well as a systematic examination of the role of the adult education across a wide range of institutional settings, with detailed focus on the higher education setting.

An in-depth examination of principles of testing and measurement with particular reference to adult learners in a variety of adult and higher education settings. Students will gain a working familiarity with the numerous testing instruments available for adults as well as gain skill in developing teacher-made measurements.

An overview of community education for the adult learner population. Students will examine adult education through formal and information community settings in support of the adult learner. Guided exploration of a community education organization purpose, management and structure, and programming through the lens of serving the adult population in a community is a major component of the course.

A review and analysis of the major theories, research findings and practices in the planning of adult and higher education and training curricula. Appropriate practice and on-site application of concepts learned will be a major activity of this course.

Principles of research are examined in the context of the literature of the field of adult and higher education. Guided opportunities for research of current adult education, higher education or training issues of theoretical and practical concern are provided under direction of a member of the adult and higher education program faculty.

TEST Comprehensive Exam for the program.

Comprehensive Exam Course. Credit/Non-credit

Introduction to the principles, practices and philosophy in the field of Counseling and Guidance, and an exploration of the various work settings where counselors are found. This is an overview of the counseling field and explores historical development as well as professional orientation of counselors and their ethics and responsibilities. Must be accepted to EDCG or EDCM program to register.

Study selected theories of counseling and their implications on selected personality and developmental theories. Various theorists have developed theories to explain and to account for human development and human behavior. All personality theories have counseling implications and this is an exploration of those counseling theories.

Designed to combine the study of theory and philosophy of individual counseling with techniques and practices in the field. This is a "hands on" course where the student is taught through practice and observation, the dynamics of providing individual counseling services. Both classroom and laboratory experiences are offered in this course.

Introduction to, and an exploration of, professional ethics in the counseling profession. Learning to deal with the professional and ethical issues that most affect the practice of counseling and related professions. A number of view points will be presented to stimulate discussion, exploration and reflection.

An in-depth look at the varieties of psychopathology, its etiology, classification and treatment. A look at the history and treatment of mental illness over the years with special attention to the various classification schemes and systems as they have evolved. The emphasis of this course will be to give the student skills to recognize the nature of the abnormal behavior and to determine what services, if any, the counselor might be able to provide. Proper referral services, methods and procedures will be explored.

Exploration of the nature of chemical dependency/addiction including alcohol and other legal and illegal substances. Also explored are related phenomena which produces and/or results in obsessive and compulsive behaviors. Implications for education, prevention, treatment and recovery will be explored. Attendance at several meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12 step programs are a part of this course.

Designed to provide the student with an understanding of group dynamics, theories and techniques.

Historical perspective concerning the nature and meaning of assessment. Statistical concepts, social and cultural factors related to the assessment and evaluation of individuals, groups, and specific populations, and ethical strategies for selecting, administering and interpreting assessment and evaluation instruments and techniques in counseling.

Use of resources, techniques and basic skills.

An understanding of the processes of human development in individual, familial, cultural, and community contexts, including the following topics: cognitive and personality development; the influence of crisis and trauma on human behavior, psychopathology, addictions and situational factors that affect normal and abnormal behavior, and the facilitation of wellness models for human processes.

Major problems of educational and vocational guidance covering selection, orientation, personnel, training programs, placement and re-education. Prerequisite: 6 semester hours of advanced education. May be repeated when the topic changes.

This course offers an introduction to basic sandtray therapy and offers practical experience as a therapeutic intervention for children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups. Students will learn and apply sandtray theories and techniques to assist clients in exploring awareness, expressing emotions, discovering meanings, addressing distortions, finding resolutions, facilitating motivational interviews, and coping with counseling issues.

This course is designed to equip students with advanced experience in Sandtray therapy. Students will practice Sandtray therapy with diverse client populations, such as children, adolescents, adults, elders, families, veterans, trauma victims, PTSD survivors...etc. Students will enhance competency in Advanced Sandtray therapy through group supervision and peer observation. Prerequisite: EDCG 5343.

Diagnosis in counseling covers types of human distress, as described in the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), including the development of tools for the understanding and critical appraisal of abnormal human behavior across the life-span. Students will learn strategies and techniques for assessing client needs and strengths, diagnostic impressions, counselor characteristics, and treatment planning when working with clients in a variety of settings.

Cross-cultural and pluralistic counseling, the dynamics of minority ethnic group life-styles, and the uniqueness of multiethnic education.

This course will introduce students to the study of marriage, couple, and family counseling. Students will gain knowledge and skills in personal and family development, family system dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and social roles and boundaries within marriage, couple, and family counseling. The course will include a variety of theories and techniques for marriage, couple, and family therapy with particular importance on multicultural sensitivity, as well as legal and ethical issues in the practice of marriage, couple, and family counseling.

Philosophical, sociological and psychological principles and concepts related to guidance and counseling and the helping professions.

Theories and techniques of developing, classifying, analyzing and disseminating vocational and career information.

​Supervised practice in the application of counseling strategies and techniques in environmental settings appropriate to the professional interests of the counselor trainee. May be repeated once in a subsequent semester to a total of 6 semester hours. Prerequisites: EDCG 5310, EDCG 5311, EDCG 5312, EDCG 5315, EDCG 5321, EDCG 5323, EDCG 5339, EDCG 5347.

This course is designed to give special attention to the particular personal, social and academic needs of elementary age children.

Fee: $55.00

This is a specialized online course designed to address the unique needs of counseling rural communities and populations. Attention will be given to the uniqueness of rural counseling and communities, ethical considerations, working with existing educational and community entities, multicultural issues and challenges, and the various roles of the rural community counselor.

This is a specialized online course designed to address the challenges of Counseling Leadership and Advocacy within a rural community context. Attention will be given to the changing role of the professional counselor (particularly within the rural settings). Key considerations of multicultural issues, ethical and legal practices, the uniqueness of rural clientele, and contemporary issues for Counseling Leadership and Advocacy will be covered in this course.

This course is designed to deepen counselors’ understanding of a child’s perception of their world and how this perception influences their behavior. It will examine major theories of play therapy and explore the use of play media as a therapeutic tool to support a child’s self-exploration, self-expression, self-awareness, and personal growth. Through this course, counselors will gain essential skills for effectively integrating play therapy techniques into their clinical practice.

This course will review crisis counseling techniques related to a variety of crisis situations that may occur within families and with individuals in mental health agency and school settings. Students will learn the foundations of successful crisis intervention to assist in prevention and encourage personal growth and coping following a crisis experience. Issues related to family violence and other issues of trauma will be discussed. Students will participate in lecture and online discussion. For course credit, you must attend both online and discussions and class.

This is the first of two courses designed to provide an internship experience to meet certification and licensing requirements. This internship must provide opportunities for direct counseling experiences. Supervision is provided to assist the student in managing cases, improving counseling skills, and dealing with professional issues.

​This is the second of two courses designed to provide an internship experience to meet certification and licensing requirements. This internship must provide opportunities for direct counseling experiences. Supervision is provided to assist the student in managing cases, improving counseling skills, and dealing with professional issues. ​ ​Prerequisite: EDCG 0000 or EDCG 5100​

Foundations of sociological, psychological, historical and philosophical views of education; school organization, including program of study, personnel, levels and varied approaches.

Fee: $55.00

Elementary and secondary school curriculum materials, design and methods.

Federal and state legal regulations as they relate to public school administration. Ethical leadership in addressing advanced school problems, such as school safety, teaching shortages, teacher turnover, lack of school funding, and student performance (accountability system).

Theory and practices including federal, state and local levels. Theory and practices in taxing and budgeting with emphasis on Texas system. Administrative credit.

Fee: $55.00

Examines multicultural relations in American society and explores solutions to critical political, social, economic, legal and cultural problems confronting schools into the twenty-first century. Study of school problems that occur as society and political landscapes change.

School systems with emphasis upon decision making and problem solving of school boards, superintendents, principals and teachers to promote student success.

Administration and supervision of the elementary and secondary school; shared vision, leadership, organization, faculty functions, qualifications and selection.

Administration of the school. Function, organization, physical equipment, budgeting, resource utilization, technology use for safe and effective learning environments. Processes and effects of communication between public schools and their communities to promote school success.

The purpose and methods of effective school supervision. Focus on instructional leadership development. General administration.

Fee: $125.00
Fee: $125.00

On-the-job projects for the purpose of practical application of administrative tasks.

Practices of administration as they concern recruiting and retaining school personnel and operating special programs. Job placement, employee evaluations, school culture/morale, special programs such as vocation and technical education, special education, career education (CCMR) and student performance.

Creative and systematic planning of school facilities focusing on translation of psychological and educational needs into physical form and design. Development of educational specification, survey techniques, space allocation organization and conditioning with relationship to curriculum processes.

Examine current and relevant issues impacting public school in the areas of leadership, campus culture, ethics, supervision, curriculum and instruction, and school safety.

Current problems in the school superintendency are studied in depth.

Practical application of tasks in the area of the superintendent.

Explores the technological evolution as it relates to K-16 education to rethink strategies for learning and to reflect upon the technological revolution that is transforming the world. Also explores enhancing individual intelligence through interaction with "smart" machines.

This course provides an overview of the field of Instructional Technology. Course content and activities will help students develop an awareness and understanding of the history, theories, and philosophies driving the field. In addition, this course will survey current trends and issues in the field.

​Introduces students to evidence-based practices for selecting, implementing, and evaluating educational technologies across different contexts. Emphasis is placed on technology as a means of enhancing student engagement, personalizing learning, and preparing learners with 21st-century skills. Ensures graduates are technologically competent and able to make sound instructional decisions about technology use.​

Provides opportunities to experience the instructional design process as applied to the development of a computer-based instructional prototype module. Opportunity to interact with subject matter experts, draft a comprehensive design approach and implement ideas using an authoring system. Focuses on facilitating connections between instructional design literature and practice of designing and developing instruction using multimedia technology.

Analyzes the roles of the technology leader in an educational environment, including developing, planning, implementing and evaluating an initiative for technology integration. Emphasis will be placed on effective decision making strategies which optimize high quality learner outcomes.

Discusses and analyzes the federal, state and local laws regulating the use of computers and the Internet and the legal application to teaching and learning. Designed to assist technology professionals in the acquisition of the knowledge, sills and concepts to keep administrators, teachers and staff abreast of the evolving laws and rules in addition to the requirements to avoid litigation or legal problems in schools related to computer/Internet law.

Using a framework to examine current emerging trends and issues in instructional technology, students will investigate and evaulate new tools, strategies, and critical issues for teaching and learning with instructional technology. Students will also review literature and practices to identify future trends in the field.