Biology - Major in Biology Program

Required Courses:
CNS 600 Orientation to Counseling Processes

This course provides students with an introduction to the field of counseling. Students will be provided an overview of theories, models, and strategies for practicing within the field. Students will learn and apply the basics of counseling and collaboration to individuals, families, schools, colleges, and community organizations/agencies. Students will learn about the profession, including the history and roles of counselors, organizational structures, ethics, standards, and credentialing. Students will develop skills for basic interviewing, counseling, conceptualizing cases, and developing treatment plans for clients. 3 credits.

CNS 601 Professional Standards and Ethics

This course will review, discuss, and evaluate situational ethics and issues of professionalism in counseling. We will review the ethical codes of professional organizations, including the American Counseling Association (ACA) and American School Counselor Association (ASCA). Students will practice applying government laws and ethical codes to challenges commonly faced in a counseling profession. Open for Graduate students; Undergraduates can only enroll in this course when offered in Session 1 of any semester. 3 credits.

CNS 621 Social and Cultural Diversity

Students will learn about the impacts of individual differences on the counseling relationship. To prepare students to work with diverse populations, this course will explore a variety of topics including race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, mental and physical characteristics, education, and socioeconomic status. These characteristics will be considered in the context of delivering ethical and culturally sensitive assessment and counseling services. Open for Graduate students; Undergraduates can only enroll in this course when offered in Session 1 of any semester. 3 credits.

CNS 735 Student Development Theory and Practice

This course examines foundational frameworks in student development theory, evidence-based student affairs administration, and best practices to foster inclusive, holistic, student growth in higher education. Emphasis is placed on effective use of student development theory, practical application of developmental models, consideration of sociocultural influences, holistic program development, and leadership in higher education. 3 credits.

CNS 751 Research Methods and Statistics

This course will develop skills in the design, implementation, and interpretation of psychological research, with particular emphasis on evidence-based counseling practices. Students will review a range of research methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, single-case designs, and program evaluation), along with an introduction to the fundamentals of statistics and statistical analyses within the context of developing and evaluating counseling programs and outcomes. Ethical and legal considerations in research and the importance of research within the counseling profession will be addressed. 3 credits.

CNS 781 Assessment in Data Driven Higher Education

This course equips higher education professionals to analyze, interpret, and apply statistical data for evidence-based decision-making. Students master program and institutional evaluation methods, predictive analytics and data visualization techniques. Emphasis is placed on the role of institutional research, avenues to identify and evaluate student success metrics, budget management, and leveraging data to address complex educational challenges. 3 credits.

CNS 782 Supporting the Contemporary College Student

This course prepares higher education professionals to support contemporary college students through holistic, evidence-based practices. Students consider student demographics, mental health trends, basic needs security, and inclusive support structures. Emphasis is placed on designing and developing proactive intervention strategies that foster student well-being, belonging, and academic success. 3 credits.

CNS 889 Capstone in Student Affairs

Students gather professional knowledge, hone their leadership skills and professional dispositions, and gain necessary preparation for working in higher education. Students will complete a 300-hour internship experience that includes a capstone project. 3 credits.

Choose One Concentration from the following:

College Student Affairs Concentration:
CNS 712 Career Counseling and Development

This course examines the field of career counseling through examination of the theories of career choice and their influence upon entry into the world of work. Topics include career development theories and decision-making models, understanding connections between work and mental well-being in other life roles, career information resources, career planning and career counseling practices. Ethical standards in career counseling, multicultural issues, gender and age bias, and career trends across the lifespan will also be addressed. 3 credits.

CNS 771 Higher Education Leadership

This course prepares future leaders to navigate higher education administration through the study of administrative and organizational leadership theories. Students evaluate change management models, ethical decision-making frameworks, and governance structures. Students will learn inclusive leadership strategies to address strategic challenges to drive innovation. 3 credits.

Crisis Intervention & Student Support Concentration:

Two Courses from:
CNS 711 Group Dynamics

This course provides students with a theoretical and experiential understanding of group development and dynamics. Topics will include theories of group counseling, principles of group dynamics, group member roles and behaviors, leadership styles, types of groups, group formation, and preparation of group leaders. In order to facilitate self-understanding, students will spend 10 hours as members of a group during the course and will reflect upon that experience. Prerequisite: CNS 600 and CNS 720. 3 credits.

CNS 733 Trauma Counseling

In this course, students will develop a foundation for assessing and treating post-trauma reactions, including an understanding of the personal and systemic impact of crises, disasters, and other trauma-causing events on individuals, families, and communities. Topics will include mechanisms of PTSD development and maintenance, diagnosis of specific trauma-related conditions, clinical interventions including disaster-related mental health, and self-care strategies to prevent compassion fatigue in counselors. Prerequisite: CNS 600 and CNS 720. CNS 720 is waived for students pursuing only the Trauma-Informed Counseling Certificate. 3 credits.

CNS 804 Crisis Intervention and Prevention

This course will examine theories and techniques involved with crisis and prevention counseling. Counseling techniques surrounding a wide range of crises will be examined including suicide, grief/loss, public acts of violence such as school shootings, domestic violence, natural disasters, and other traumatic events. Preventative methods such as safety plans, policies, and procedures will be discussed, including the implementation of an emergency management response team. The impact of crises on individuals, families, and communities will be addressed. Prerequisite: CNS 600 and 720. CNS 720 is waived for students pursuing only the Trauma-Informed Counseling Certificate. 3 credits.

CNS 811 Grief Counseling

This course will cover theories for understanding grief, as well as strategies and resources that can be utilized for helping clients who undergo grief and bereavement. Societal, cultural, familial, and personal factors that influence grief will be addressed. Additionally, students will be required to reflect on their personal values, thoughts, and emotions surrounding grief. Prerequisite: CNS 600 and 720. CNS 720 is waived for students pursuing only the Trauma-Informed Counseling Certificate. 3 credits.

CNS 814 Military and Police Counseling

This course will cover best practices that allow counselors-in-training to understand and respond to clients with military/police backgrounds. Counseling techniques, research, and community resources will be examined as they pertain to macro-oriented implications (e.g., international, cultural, community, and family) and micro-oriented implications (e.g, mental health, positive and negative coping mechanisms, as well as grief, bereavement, and trauma-informed care). Prerequisite: CNS 600 and 720. CNS 720 is waived for students pursuing only the Trauma-Informed Counseling Certificate. 3 credits.