Counselors, as skilled, perceptive broadly educated professionals, assist clients in identifying areas for improvement and in carrying out changes that promote life fulfillment. Drawing upon a foundation of research and theory in philosophy, psychology and education, counselors use therapeutic skills and consultation techniques with both individuals and groups. In any setting, the goal of counseling is to help people expand their potential, facilitate development and live more satisfying and productive lives. In order to prepare students for this difficult task, the Master s Degree Program in Counseling at Oakland University sets forth a 48 semester hour curriculum designed to foster both personal development and the acquisition of a broad range of knowledge and skills. Initial courses introduce the theoretical and professional components of the field.
Later courses emphasize research and clinical skills.
Finally, students are supervised intensively as they apply their knowledge and skills in courses that use on-campus laboratory facilities and approved field training sites. Careers in Counseling The knowledge and skills that the Master s Degree Program imparts can be applied in a wide variety of settings. Graduates may use the counseling degree as a step on their career ladder in a current occupation, as a mechanism for shifting into a related field or as an avenue to new career. Employment opportunities include all levels of education, human resource services in business and industry, rehabilitative services, career development, mental health and community agencies and private practice. A GPA of 3.0 is ordinarily the minimum standard for admission.