Counseling and Human Resource Development Program

Another Level of Teaching and Training

Our programs prepare individuals to work with diverse people in a range of settings, including mental health agencies, higher education institutions, private practice, schools (pre-K-12), nonprofits, hospitals and care facilities and other public institutions. The counseling and human resource development programs provide high-quality academic and clinical preparation through evidence-based curriculum designed to train critical thinkers. With a number of field specialists across the state, SDSU is one of the few public university programs in South ��ֱ�� that delivers at the main campus in Brookings, at the Rapid City campus and online.

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Counseling and Human Resource Development – Administration of Student Affairs (M.Ed.)

This administration of student affairs specialization is designed for those who seek professional roles in student affairs or related areas of higher education in any postsecondary setting. The administrative emphasis will build skills based on both theory and experience.

Administration of Student Affairs Overview

Counseling and Human Resource Development – Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)

Graduates are endorsed as having appropriate entry-level knowledge and skills to be recognized as professional clinical mental health counselors. Career opportunities include work as a licensed counselor in community mental health organizations, outpatient care centers, residential mental health and substance abuse facilities, psychiatric hospitals and private practice.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization Overview

Counseling and Human Resource Development – College Counseling (M.S.)

This degree prepares students to work in higher education settings in the various aspects of student life that take place largely outside of the classroom. These include, but are not limited to, student affairs administration, general college student counseling, career counseling, academic advising, institutional admissions, student activities, multicultural affairs and residence hall settings.

College Counseling Overview

Counseling and Human Resource Development – Marriage and Family Counseling (M.S.)

The specialization in marriage and family counseling is designed to meet the requirements of the South ��ֱ�� Board of Counselor Examiners. Once graduates complete an approved supervised clinical experience and pass the appropriate examinations, they are eligible for licensure as a marriage and family therapist.

Marriage and Family Counseling Overview

Counseling and Human Resource Development – Rehabilitation Counseling (M.S.)

The rehabilitation counseling specialization is dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of counselors and programs of service to people with disabilities. In alliance with students, agencies, consumers and professional organizations, the specialty area will promote the independence, acceptance and dignity of all people with significant disabilities.

Rehabilitation Counseling Specialization Overview

High school teacher talking to students around a table.

Counseling and Human Resource Development – School Counseling (M.S.)

The school counseling specialization prepares students for endorsement/certification in the state of South ��ֱ��.

School Counseling Overview

Graduate Degree Details

Vital Statistics of Programs

2024 vital statistics for each program in the department.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

Minimum number of credit hours required: 60

Currently enrolled: 92

Number of graduate: 29

Completion rate: 88%

Licensed Professional Counselor Exam pass rate: 72%

Placement rate: 100%

Represents the percentage of graduates actively seeking employment.

College Counseling Program

Minimum number of hours required: 60

Currently enrolled: seven

Number of graduates: two

Completion rate: 100%

Licensed Professional Counselor Exam pass rate: 100%

Placement rate: 100%

Represents the percentage of graduates actively seeking employment.

Marriage and Family Counseling Program

Minimum number of credit hours required: 60

Currently enrolled: seven

Number of graduates: two

Completion rate: 100%

Licensed Professional Counselor Exam pass rate: 100%

Placement rate: 100%

Represents the percentage of graduates actively seeking employment.

Rehabilitation Counseling Program Under CORE Standards

Minimum number of credit hours required: 60

Currently enrolled: 14

Number of graduates: two

Completion rate: 100%

Licensed Professional Counselor Exam pass rate= 100%

Placement rate: 100%

Represents the percentage of graduates actively seeking employment.

School Counseling Program

Minimum number of credit hours required: 60

Currently enrolled: 25

Number of graduates: eight

Completion rate: 89%

Licensed Professional Counselor Exam pass rate: N/A

Placement rate: 100%

Represents the percentage of graduates actively seeking employment.

Admissions

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Counseling and Human Resource Development Admissions Family and Consumer Sciences/Develeopmental Sciences Admissions

Unique Experiences

Play Therapy Coursework

Play therapy is a specialized set of knowledge, skills and attitudes for working with children that offers a safe and trusting environment to address emotional, behavioral and cognitive difficulties. Play therapy coursework is completed in a cohort model. Play therapy studies at SDSU include at least seven graduate credits.

Play Therapy Coursework

Preparing for the Future

Internships

The graduate student internship program is an experiential course that allows students to participate in activities and to carry professional responsibilities specific to their respective fields under the direct supervision of a qualified professional. A significant number of graduates speak highly of their internship experience and regard their site supervisor as one of the most influential people in their professional development.

More about Internships

Accreditation

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs

The M.S. in counseling and human resource development specializing in clinical mental health counseling, college counseling and school counseling have been fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs since Nov. 1, 1994. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. The program is currently accredited under the 2001 standards and will be reviewed again in 2017.

The rehabilitation counseling program was first accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education in 2009. Since its merger with the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, the program has been accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs since July 1, 2017. This program is designed to prepare graduates to be eligible for licensure in counseling and certification through the Commission for Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs accreditation provides recognition that the content and quality of the counseling and human resource development program has been evaluated and meets standards set by the profession. Graduates from Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs-accredited programs score higher on national counselor exams, are perceived by others to have better counseling abilities, obtain state licensing easier and are eligible to waive two years of supervised field work after graduation that is required for the national certified counselor credential offered through the National Board of Certified Counselors.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships

Helpful Offices

Internships and Career Opportunities

Midterm Evaluation: Completed together by the intern and internship supervisor at each semester midterm.
Final Evaluation: Completed by the internship site supervisor and reviewed with the intern at the end of each semester.

Position Announcements

Forms and Documents

Clinical/Agency Mental Health Counseling

Rehabilitation Mental Health Counseling

School Counseling

Student Affairs and College Counseling

Marriage and Family Counseling

Practicum Resources

Counseling professor lecturing to students

Handbook

2021 Practicum Handbook

Evaluations

Research

Research for counseling those with developmental disabilities has been funded in part through a grant from the South ��ֱ�� Council on Developmental Disabilities. Please contact Jay Trenhaile with any questions or comments.

Solution-focused brief therapy research from members and students who were fortunate to learn from inspiring leaders Insoo Kim Berg and Steve de Shazer (both now deceased) wish to keep their teachings available to others.

Counseling Those With Developmental Disabilities