Course variations

Course summary

This specialization offers a broad overview of advanced research and study in counseling theory and techniques, including contemporary and emerging issues in the field as well as specialized courses in such areas as human sexuality, grief and bereavement counseling, child and adolescent counseling, geriatric mental health issues and compulsive and addictive behaviors. People who choose this specialization are often human service or counseling professionals pursuing leadership, consulting or faculty positions in public or private human services or educational settings.

Program modules

Core modules include: CST8002 - Advanced Research in Adult Human Development and Behavior, CST8731 - Psychopathology: Assessment and Treatment, CST8739 - Theories of Psychotherapy, CST8779 - Life Planning and Career Development, CST8106 - Epistemology of Practice Knowledge, CST8100 - Fundamentals of Social Science Research, CST8111 - Quantitative Research Methods in the Human Services, CST8112 - Advanced Qualitative Research Methods and CST8113 - Advanced Study in Research Methods. Specialization modules include: CST8478 - The Family in the Social Context, CST8501 - Contemporary Issues in Counseling Studies, CST8725 - Human Sexuality, CST8741 - Group Counseling and Psychotherapy, CST8745 - Grief and Bereavement Counseling, CST8754 - Child and Adolescent Counseling, CST8758 - Mental Health and Aging, CST8764 - Contemporary Issues in Compulsive and Addictive Behavior Treatment, CST9919 - Doctoral Comprehensive Examination, CST9920 - Dissertation Course room - non-credit, CST9921 - Dissertation Research 1 - 5 quarter credits, CST9922 - Dissertation Research 2 - 5 quarter credits, CST9923 - Dissertation Research 3 - 5 quarter credits and CST9924 - Dissertation Research 4 - 5 quarter credits.

Entry requirement for international students

Applicants should have completed master’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution. They should have obtained a cumulative GPA of 3.00 from a master’s degree granting institution. International students whose language of instruction is not English are required to take one of the following tests: the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum acceptable score of 550 on paper-based test, 213 on computer-based test with a score of 4.0 or higher on the Test of Written English (TWE), or 79 on internet based examination; Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) score of 80; International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a score of 6.5; or Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 59.

Qualification

Doctoral

Awarding body

Capella University

Department name

Admissions Office