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College Policies and Procedures for Students
THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA IOWA CITY, IA 52242-1529 Programs for Advanced Degrees Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation and Student Development Mission Statement: The Mission of the Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation and Student Development is to generate and disseminate knowledge, develop skills, and promote attitudes about effective professional practices that foster human development across the life span. (Adopted by CRSD faculty, 2000; Reaffirmed, 2003) Statement of Core Values: We believe in:
Purpose of Department: The Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation and Student Development prepares students at the master's and doctoral levels to function as counselors or student affairs professionals in a variety of levels and settings. In addition, the Department provides opportunities for graduate students from other areas to complete a minor in selected areas of concentration. The Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation and Student Development assumes there are fundamental and common areas of knowledge and skills necessary for the preparation of all counselors and student affairs professionals regardless of the setting or population served. These fundamental and common areas are referred to as the Department core. The Department core at the M.A. and Ph.D. level consists of both knowledge areas and skill training. Department Comprehensive Examinations are designed to evaluate students at the M.A. and Ph.D. level on their mastery of the Department core requirements. Upon completion of an academic program in CRSD, students will be evaluated and expected to have awareness, knowledge, and skills in the following areas: a. current definitions, professional standards, and appropriate professional practices regarding multiculturalism. b. what it means to be a multiculturally competent helping professional. c. integrated feedback into practice and professionalism in interpersonal interactions. d. personal limitations and strengths (that could ultimately support or harm a client/student). e. a personal plan for future practice in the field regarding multicultural relationships. The Counselor Education Program (Ph.D.), School Counseling Program and Student Development in Postsecondary Education Programs (M.A.) are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The M.A. program in Rehabilitation Counseling is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). The Rehabilitation Counseling program also offers a Community Counseling program accredited by CACREP. Department Admission Requirements for M.A. and Ph.D. Applicants are typically expected to supply the following information to be considered for admission: 1. Completed graduate application form. 2. Copies of official transcripts of all previous college work--undergraduate and graduate. 3. Official report of Graduate Record Examination scores--verbal and quantitative. 4. A statement of candidate's reasons for seeking an advanced degree in the program selected, including a statement of personal career objectives. 5. A personal or telephone interview may be requested. 6. Three current letters of recommendation from persons who are in a position to assess the applicant's prospects for completing either the M.A. or Ph.D. and their knowledge and skills relative to requirements to succeed in the profession. Minimum requirements for admission are: M.A. Candidates: Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a four-point scale Composite (V & Q) GRE score of 1,000 or better Ph.D. Candidates Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or better or a graduate GPA of 3.0 or better if a graduate degree has been completed Composite (V & Q) GRE score of 1100 or better Typically doctoral students are not admitted unless they have completed a master's degree in counseling or related field. Relevant work experiences are important. In those cases where a student is accepted without a master's (or with a master's unrelated to their doctoral program), master's course work is to be completed before taking doctoral level advanced courses. Master's level courses and experiences to be completed are typically designated by the advisor in consultation with program faculty and included in a student's curriculum plan. International Students: International students must also provide a TOEFL score with their applications. Typically a score of 550 on the paper-based test (213 on the computer-based test) is required to demonstrate necessary language proficiency. Depending on the TOEFL score, the Department may require such students to take and pass course work in English usage offered by The University of Iowa. NOTE ON ADMISSIONS STANDARDS All the
criteria listed above are considered minimum
standards for consideration for admission.
Final decisions on admissions are made by faculty committees
which take into account all indicators of a student's
potential for success in the Department. Any special
admission requirements are listed with individual programs. Transfer of Credit Students who have completed graduate work at other institutions may transfer credit towards the M.A. degree. Transfer of credit must be consistent with policies of the Graduate College and the College of Education. The advisor is responsible for deciding the appropriateness of courses taken at other institutions and whether any of these courses may substitute for a required course. Professional Improvement Students may apply to a program for the purpose of taking limited course work in order to enhance knowledge or skills, to update certificates, or to obtain certification. Admission for professional improvement or certification status is not admission to a degree program such as M.A. or Ph.D. Students interested in Professional Improvement will be assigned an advisor to assist in planning course schedules. Applicants may apply any time for consideration for Professional Improvement status. Applicants must complete the required application materials requested by the Graduate College indicating that they wish to be considered for Professional Improvement. A faculty committee will make admission decisions for all Professional Improvement applicants. Student Disability Services Individuals with disabilities who are considering application to any degree program in the Department are encouraged to contact the Student Disability Services (SDS) at 133 Burge Hall, 335-1462. SDS provides a wide array of support services for students with disabilities. Conditional Admissions Applicants who do not meet all the minimum requirements to be considered for regular admissions may still be admitted on a conditional basis if the faculty determine that the individual has the potential to succeed. The following are Departmental Conditions: A. M.A. Level - A student must complete 12 semester hours of core courses (approved by advisor) over two consecutive sessions and earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. B. Ph.D. Level - A student must complete 12 semester hours of core courses (approved by advisor) over two consecutive sessions and earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Deadlines for Admission APPLICANTS SEEKING GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP/FELLOWSHIP SUPPORT DURING THEIR GRADUATE PROGRAM ARE URGED TO COMPLETE THEIR APPLICATIONS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. NOTE: SEE SPECIFIC PROGRAM FOR APPLICATION DEADLINE Applications must be complete before they will be reviewed. The applicant is responsible for providing a complete application dossier. Application forms are available from the Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation and Student Development Secretary, N338 Lindquist Center N, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242. Phone (319) 335-5275. Application also available on-line at www.uiowa.edu/admissions/applications/graduate_college.html In order to check on whether an application dossier is complete contact: Office of Teacher Education and Student Services N310 Lindquist Center N University of Iowa Iowa City, IA 52242-1529 (319) 335-5260 Applicants are notified in writing immediately after admission applications have been reviewed. Applicants who are accepted must reply in writing in order to maintain their admission status. Curriculum Plan M.A. Level – Each M.A. student is required to complete a curriculum plan by end of the first semester. The curriculum plan is a framework of courses and experiences that a student must complete in order to graduate. The curriculum plan should include a list of all courses and experiences that have been or will be completed. The curriculum plan is to be approved by the major advisor. Revisions in the curriculum plan may be made with approval of advisor. Ph.D. Level - Each Ph.D. student is required to complete a curriculum plan. This should be completed before the end of a student's first year. The curriculum plan is a framework of courses and experiences that a student must complete in order to graduate. The curriculum plan should include a statement of professional and career goals and a list of all courses and experiences that have been or will be completed. The curriculum plan is to be approved by a committee consisting of the major advisor, minor advisor, and at least two other Department faculty. Revisions in the curriculum plan may be made with committee approval. If a Department core requirement is to be waived, a Department waiver form must be signed by the major advisor and the Department Chair. Annual Review of Students Master's and doctoral students' progress will be reviewed by the faculty annually. The review focuses on the student's progress toward completing the curriculum plan. A written summary of the review is sent to the student with a copy to the Department Chair for the doctoral students. PROBATIONAL STATUS Any M.A. or Ph.D. student who receives less than an overall 3.0 GPA will be placed on probational status. A student on probational status will have two (2) consecutive sessions to raise their GPA. If the probational status is not removed, then the student may be dropped from the program. Each student is allowed one probational status during his/her program of study. ASSISTANTSHIP INFORMATION There are a number of research and teaching assistantships available to Department students. Students interested in assistantships should complete the Department Assistantship application and give it to the Department Chair. Assistantship forms are available from the Department Secretary. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS In addition to the required course work defined by each program, the following requirements must be completed in accordance with program requirements. M.A. Comprehensive Examinations (Comps) M.A. students must complete a total of 6 hours of comprehensive examinations. All M.A. students must complete a 3-hour Department comprehensive examination (written by a Department Comprehensive Examination Committee composed of at least one representative from each program's faculty) and a 3-hour comprehensive examination in their program area. Any variation in the hours of examination either at the Department or program level must be approved by the advisor and Department Chair. The comps represent a final and cumulative experience. A student may not take the examination unless all course requirements are completed or will be completed during the semester of the examination. Comprehensive examinations are given fall, spring and summer of each year. Exception: Rehabilitation Counseling and Student Development Program examinations are not offered during the summer term. M.A. Thesis The purpose of the M.A. thesis is to provide M.A. students an opportunity to engage in original research culminating in an oral defense. The thesis should make an original contribution to knowledge in counseling or student affairs work, as well as demonstrate proficiency in research skills. The M.A. thesis committee consists of the student’s advisor and at least two other Department faculty. A student may earn up to 8 s.h. of M.A. thesis credit towards graduation. Ph.D. Minor Outside the Department Each Ph.D. student is required to take a minor area of study outside the Department. A minor advisor from this outside area will recommend the course work and competencies that must be demonstrated for the successful completion of a comprehensive examination in the minor. The minor advisor will submit a letter to the student’s major advisor listing the required coursework and agreeing to write and evaluate the minor area comprehensive examination. 9-12 s.h. Ph.D. Comprehensive Examinations (Comps) Each Ph.D. student in collaboration with the major advisor will select a comprehensive examination committee. This committee will consist minimally of five faculty including the major advisor, minor advisor and two Department faculty. The committee will evaluate the written comprehensives as well as the required oral defense of the written comprehensives. Comprehensive examinations should reflect a final and cumulative experience. A student cannot take comprehensives until all curriculum plan courses are completed or will be completed during the semester in which comprehensives are taken. Doctoral comprehensive examinations are offered fall and spring semesters. Dissertation The purpose of the Ph.D. dissertation is to demonstrate original scholarship as well as mastery of research skills. A formal dissertation prospectus is required in which a student presents his/her research idea and work in progress to the dissertation committee for approval. The dissertation committee consists of the major advisor, and at least four other faculty members, one of whom must be a graduate faculty member from outside the department. A dissertation prospectus meeting may be scheduled only after a student has successfully completed the comprehensive examinations. The successful completion of a dissertation includes not only the written project but successful completion of an oral defense. NOTE: The Department standards apply to all programs. However, each program may have some modifications. Students should carefully read the Department standards as well as the specific program descriptions. DEPARTMENT OF COUNSELING, REHABILITATION AND STUDENT DEVELOPMENT MINOR AREA OF STUDY The Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation and Student Development offers a minor concentration for doctoral students from other departments. The purpose of the minor is to provide students outside the Department an opportunity to receive introductory knowledge and skills in the areas of counseling and student affairs. A Department faculty member must act as minor advisor and will determine the courses and experiences appropriate for the completion of the minor. Typically Ph.D. minors are offered in specific programs, for example a minor area in Counselor Education, Student Development, Student Affairs Administration and Research or Rehabilitation Counseling. It is the responsibility of the minor advisor and student to plan a coherent set of courses and experiences that will lead to a minor area of study. 9 s.h. minimum M.A. students in other departments may take courses in the Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation and Student Development leading to an area of concentration. An area of concentration is a set of related courses that provides an introductory knowledge base appropriate at the M.A. level. The M.A. area of concentration consists of a minimum of 9 s.h. as approved by a Department faculty member acting as advisor. Unique Characteristics and Support Units The Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation and Student Development is composed of individual programs yet has commonalities across programs. Students are exposed to points of view and expertise across the spectrum of counselor education, while at the same time receiving clearly defined curriculum in their program area. The Department has also made a commitment to all graduate students to provide experiences and instruction outside the Department. Such exposure enriches the graduate experience. The Department has developed practicum and internship sites in schools and agencies. On campus, the Department has ties with a variety of programs and agencies including the University Counseling Service, Student Special Support Services, Foreign Student Office and Women's Studies Program. Individual programs in the Department are accredited by the following agencies: Council on Rehabilitation Education (Rehabilitation Counseling) (CORE) Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (School Counseling K-12, Student Development Program in Postsecondary Education, Community Counseling, M.A., and Counselor Education, Ph.D.) Iowa State Department of Education (School Counseling K-12 and Community College Endorsement)
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