View our EdD Early Childhood specialization completion requirements
Minimum degree requirements:
60 quarter credits
- Core courses (50 cr.)
- Capstone (10 cr.)
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Students accepted into Walden University’s PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program who are not licensed professional counselors with a master’s degree in counseling or who have not graduated from a CACREP-accredited master’s program are required to demonstrate curricular experiences equivalent of CACREP entry-level standards and curricular requirements of a specific program area. To fulfill these requirements, students will complete the following courses prior to beginning doctoral-level counselor education coursework.
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COUN 8215 | Lifespan Development Students in this course are provided with an advanced overview of development through the lifespan, including prenatal, childhood, adolescent, adult, and late adult phases. Basic developmental processes and theories are examined and applied to developmental milestones that occur within these phases of development. Themes of diversity are highlighted throughout the course. Additional topics include ethics, research, global perspectives, and social change. | (5 cr.) |
| COUN 8723 | Multicultural Counseling Students are provided with the opportunity to increase their knowledge of multicultural counseling and the delivery of psychological services as well as related skills needed in professional practice. Students explore diversity and identity issues and discuss their impact on the therapeutic relationship. They examine the application of traditional theoretical orientations and current multicultural theories to culturally diverse groups. Through a variety of assignments designed to provide practical application of content, students also investigate counseling concepts related to race and ethnicity, sex and gender, sexual orientation, social class, age, and ability. | (5 cr.) |
| COUN 8722 | Theories of Counseling This course introduces theories of counseling and psychotherapy to prepare students to conceptualize problems and respond with appropriate, evidence-based interventions and techniques. Students will become familiar with the origin, key concepts, and interventions and techniques of each of the theories presented. Students will develop an awareness of how counseling theories drive the treatment process and apply theories to diverse case studies. A major focus of this course is to support students as they develop their personal theoretical orientation. | (5 cr.) |
| COUN 8250 | Group Process and Dynamics Group work is an effective counseling method that allows group members to share perspectives and provide useful feedback and information in a structured setting. Using relevant literature, multimedia resources, and a scholar-practitioner model, students examine stages of group process; group dynamics; and ethical, legal, and training standards. Students examine the types of counseling groups as well as the unique leadership skills required for each type of group. Students are provided with a comprehensive review of theoretical approaches applicable to group counseling. Students engage in a variety of practical application assignments and discussions, focusing on the efficacy of using group counseling with multicultural and diverse populations. Students will develop an evidence-based mental health group proposal appropriate for potential implementation in field experience. Students engage in a process of self-reflection to increase self-awareness for enhanced group leadership knowledge and skills.Group lab is a separate 0-credit, required course that occurs simultaneously with the Group Process and Dynamics course. Students need to ensure that they are enrolled and participating in both courses. | (5 cr.) |
| COUN 8753 | Career Counseling Academic and career counselors are concerned with student life on all levels to support the personal and educational development of each student. Students in this course examine educational, developmental, and counseling theories related to academic and career counseling. The focus of this course is on academic and career development from elementary school through college. Students will explore intellectual and emotional intelligence, multicultural issues, attitudes, values, and psychosocial needs of the life-long learner. Students will gain skills required to assist a highly diversified student body in academic planning, career exploration, decision making, and personal growth. | (5 cr.) |
| COUN 8320 | Counseling Practicum The focus of this course is on experiential learning, which is an essential component of applied professional training. Students complete a supervised practicum experience at an approved site with a minimum of 100 hours, allowing them to develop their counseling skills and professional knowledge while under supervision. Students communicate their learning at the site with their colleagues and instructor in the practicum course and gain additional knowledge regarding clinical practice by interacting with their colleagues and instructor. There is an offline requirement of a group supervision teleconference once a week with the practicum instructor. Prerequisites
| (3 cr.) |
| COUN 8682B | Counseling Internship II Through this internship, mental health counseling students have an upper-level, supervised "capstone" clinical experience designed to refine and enhance their basic counseling skills, integrate their professional knowledge and skills, and continue their development in specialization areas. Prerequisites
| (3 cr.) |
