Counseling and Human Development (MA)

Comprehensive Mission Statement

The CHD program mission and philosophy statement for the CHD program extends to professional counselor education the following mission of Walsh University: "The University provides its students with a higher education that fosters critical thinking, effective communication, spiritual growth, and personal, professional, and cultural development. Walsh University encourages the individuals to act in accordance with reason guided by the example and teachings of Jesus Christ." The CHD program mission is centered around the core values of leadership, service, justice and educational excellence; it describes the priorities, expectations and goals of CHD education.

Program Philosophy

The CHD program mission and philosophy statement is as follows: The Master’s program in Counseling and Human Development (CHD) is committed to developing conscientious, professionally skilled counselors who are responsive to the needs and individual differences of all people. We seek to cultivate within each student a greater self-awareness, a respect for the uniqueness, human dignity, and cultural background of each person, and the moral commitment to work, first and foremost, in the best interests of clients and students.

To accomplish this end, the CHD program provides students with a professional foundation in both theory and research about human behavior and in counseling practice skills. We focus on how the understanding of human behavior and diversity is integrated into counseling practice. Consequently, our students are involved in both the practice of professional helping and the science of professional understanding.

We seek students with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will join in promoting the mission, values and goals of the CHD program.

Program Goals

  1. Develop students’ core knowledge and competencies necessary to function as professional counselors in school and clinical mental health counseling.
  2. Prepare students for specialized professional roles as clinical mental health counselors and school counselors.
  3. Assist students to develop a sense of their identity as counselors and the professional orientation needed to work for the welfare of diverse clients and students.

Student Learning Objectives

Graduates of the CHD program will:

  • Articulate a personal counseling orientation that reflects ethical principles and chosen theoretical orientation as demonstrated by self-awareness and ongoing commitment to professional development, advocacy, counselor identity and the ACA Code of Ethics.Understand the impact of diversity (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability) on the counseling process and demonstrate culturally humble counseling practices.
  • Articulate an understanding of human development across the lifespan, encompassing biological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual factors applying developmental theories to effectively counsel clients/students facing challenges at various life stages.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of career development theories and models by utilizing career counseling techniques to assist clients in exploring career options, making career decisions, and developing job search skills.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in core counseling skills by effectively utilizing a range of counseling techniques and interventions based on theoretical orientation and client/student needs.
  • Exhibit competence of the theory and practice of group counseling and demonstrate mastery in facilitating group counseling sessions.  
  • Select, administer, score, and interpret a variety of assessment tools relevant to counseling practice and integrate assessment data into the counseling process. 
  • Critically evaluate counseling research and apply research methods to practice.
  • Apply the specialty knowledge competencies required to practice as Mental Health Counselors and/or School Counselors. 
  • Apply the specialized counseling skills competencies required to practice as Mental Health Counselors and/or School Counselors. 

Accreditation

Walsh's M.A. in Counseling and Human Development includes two license-eligible specialty areas: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. Both the Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the School Counseling programs are accredited by the Council for

Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) under the 2016 Standards until the next accrediting cycle, when CHD will seek reaccreditation under the 2024 Standards.