Click here to return to the College of Education Contents page.

Counseling and Guidance

Wist Annex 2-221
1776 University Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-7905
Fax: (808) 956-3814
E-mail: omizo@hawaii.edu
Web: www2.hawaii.edu/~dce

Faculty

*Graduate Faculty

• *M. M. Omizo, PhD (Chair)--counseling children, research and evaluation, school counseling, career counseling
• *M. J. D'Andrea, EdD--developmental counseling, adolescence and family life, counseling diverse populations, and counseling research
• *J. A. Daniels, EdD--school counseling, development counseling, adolescent counseling, loss and transition counseling, group counseling, and counseling homeless children
• *E. A. Oda, PhD--rehabilitation counseling, college counseling, counseling women, cross-cultural counseling
• *M. B. Salzman, PhD--school counseling, school-home-community partnerships, multicultural counseling, existential and Adlerian therapies, and school-based prevention
• *D. C. Smith, PhD--school counseling, social and emotional development, assessment, school psychology

Degree and Certifications Offered: MEd in counseling and guidance, License in School Counseling, Certification in Rehabilitation Counseling

The Academic Program

Counseling is providing expert, specialized assistance to a client. It stresses the facilitation of human development, rational thinking and planning, problem solving, decision-making, and stress management in practical situations. Counseling generally focuses on helping individuals with problems and concerns arising from everyday life.

Students majoring in counseling gain knowledge and understanding of normal and abnormal developments, theories of personality and counseling, counseling skills, career and vocational guidance and counseling, cultural differences, family counseling, ethical and legal issues in counseling, research, and testing. 

Accreditations

The school counseling program is approved by the state Department of Education. The rehabilitation counseling program is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education.

Graduate Study

Master's Degree

The Master of Education in counseling and guidance (EDCG) is a two-year, 54- or 60-credit professional degree for the development of counselors in four specialties: school counseling, college counseling, rehabilitation counseling, and community services counseling. All specializations except rehabilitation counseling are 60-semester hours. 

The department provides learning experiences for its students through departmental and community resources within the following required program components:

1. Knowledge and understanding of counseling: (a) normal and abnormal developments in physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and personality areas; (b) theories of personality and counseling; (c) individual and group counseling methods; (d) career development, career guidance, and vocational counseling; (e) differences related to ethnicity, culture, sex-membership, and lifestyle; (f) professional literature and research; (g) theories and procedures in assessment and evaluation; and (h) ethical and legal principles of counseling; and
2. Knowledge and competency in a professional specialty: (a) school counseling; (b) college counseling; (c) rehabilitation counseling; or (d) community services counseling.

Objectives
The objectives of the department are as follows:

1. To prepare students with knowledge and techniques in counseling and guidance;
2. To prepare students with knowledge of research and development in counseling and with skills for applying, conducting, and evaluating counseling and guidance programs;
3. To promote an understanding of ethical practices in counseling and guidance through demonstration, research, program development, faculty consultation, and in-service education;
4. To increase student's level of multicultural awareness, knowledge, and skills, especially as applied to counseling practice.

Admission Requirements
Admission is based on previous preparation and background, intellectual and affective potential for graduate study, and personal qualifications that contribute to success as a counselor. Application to the program presumes satisfactory completion of a bachelor's degree with an acceptable undergraduate grade-point average.

Results of the GRE (General Test only), three letters of recommendation relating to the candidate's personal qualifications and/or professional background, one official transcript from each institution attended, and statement of objectives must be submitted directly to the department. These should show evidence that an applicant's personal qualifications, motivation, and academic preparation indicate competence and potential success in counseling and guidance. Departmental requirements are in addition to those of the Graduate Division.

Applications will be considered for both the fall and spring semesters.

Program Requirements
Candidates may elect either Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis) options. Prior to registration, every accepted candidate will be assigned a preliminary adviser with whom he or she will develop a degree program plan. This program must be approved by the student, the adviser, and the graduate program chair. A substitute for a required course may be allowed if the substituted course is equivalent in content and caliber. Supporting documentation may be required.

A student shall be advanced to candidacy on the basis of having successfully completed EDEP 429 and 24 credit hours of required courses in his or her respective specialty, including one practicum. Continuation in the program is based on satisfactory progress toward the degree as determined by the faculty and the Graduate Division. Students who fail to attain a grade of B or better in practicum/internship will not be allowed to continue in the program. 

The curriculum in school counseling meets licensure requirements of the Hawai'i Department of Education. The curriculum in rehabilitation counseling meets requirements for certification as a rehabilitation counselor and as a rehabilitation services provider.

All classified counseling and guidance students shall preregister for counseling and guidance courses. Preregistration forms can be obtained from the department office approximately three weeks before the end of the previous semester. Students should consult their adviser before completing preregistration forms and should secure their adviser's written approval.

NEXT: Educational Administration >>
Click here to return to the College of Education Contents page.