The goals stated for the Collaborative Program in Counseling Psychology have been operationalized in the following manner:

Goal 1: To develop broadly competent, critically thoughtful psychological scientists who have the knowledge of and the ability to apply basic and advanced research methods.

Related Objectives:

• students show a solid grasp of major theories and bodies of research in Counseling Psychology by passing their coursework and the Comprehensive Examination

• students have knowledge of and are able to apply basic and advanced research methods (i.e., ability to define a research problem, formulate theory-based hypotheses, formulate a suitable method for testing those hypotheses, implement the method/collect the data, analyze the data, and interpret the results); that is, students have conducted independent and scholarly research, from idea to publication-quality manuscript, by the end of their Ph.D. program

• students demonstrate broad scientific competence in the areas of psychology covering both core (biological, social, cognitive-affective, and individual bases of human behavior) and specialty (theories of counseling and psychotherapy, vocational psychology, personality assessment, research design, group counseling, counseling supervision, individual differences, and ethics) inquiry by successfully completing their program of study

• many students engage in research projects in addition to those required in their academic program.

Goal 2: To develop competent, critically thoughtful psychological practitioners who integrate theory, research, and experiential knowledge to accurately assess conditions, promote well-being, alleviate distress, and increase personal and organizational functioning.

Related Objectives:

• students show the ability to form a solid therapeutic relationship with clients and to counsel effectively with them

• students are proficient in the practice of one or more models of counseling/therapy and career counseling as demonstrated in their practica and internship evaluations

• students demonstrate competent assessment skills in the ability, personality, and vocational domains

• students' practice is informed by their reading of the research

• students maintain an appropriate professional demeanor in their practice and behave responsibly with regard to record keeping and case consultation

Goal 3: To develop professionals who are aware of relevant ethical standards and guidelines, who are able to engage in ethical decision-making, and who are ethical in their functioning as professionals.

Related Objectives:

• students know the APA ethical code and all relevant specialty guidelines

• students behave ethically in their work in practica and on internship

• students successfully respond to ethics questions on their Comprehensive Exam

Goal 4: To develop professionals who are sensitive to, who appreciate, and who promote a multicultural perspective, broadly defined.

Related Objectives:

• students acknowledge and behave with consideration for their clients', colleagues', students', and others' diversity, and treat all people with respect and dignity

• students show an understanding of major issues related to diversity in their coursework and performance on the Comprehensive Exam

• students examine cases or research questions from varied cultural perspectives

Goal 5: To develop professionals who will actively identify with and be committed to the profession and positive traditions of Counseling Psychology.

Related Objectives:

• students join APA and Division 17 or other professional bodies consistent with the identity as a Counseling psychologist

• students join the program's Counseling Psychology Graduate Student Organization

• students subscribe to and read Counseling Psychology journals and publications

• students attend and may present at professional meetings relevant to Counseling Psychologists (e.g., APA, regional conferences, relevant specialty conferences)

• students publish in outlets read by Counseling Psychologists

• students participate in the program's mentoring activities

Goal 6: To provide a safe and nurturing environment for our students that fosters their growth as persons and professionals.

Related Objectives:

• supervision is structured such that students feel free to discuss important personal and professional issues

• faculty are readily available to students for discussion and interaction

• high faculty/student interaction, active advising, and professional mentoring that models commitment to professional excellence in science, practice, and personal growth are offered to students

• faculty facilitate and are accepting of students' individual choices of practice and research directions that best fit their professional interests

• funding is provided for convention presentations when possible

• students participate in program governance

• student anonymity is protected in course evaluation procedures and in Comprehensive Exam grading

• many courses include discussion components to foster reflective thought

• several courses require reaction/reflection papers to help students reflect on their learning and chart their growth

Goal 7: To facilitate students' personal development by encouraging them to engage in continuous personal and professional self-study and re-evaluation.

Related Objectives:

• faculty encourage and facilitate students' access to personal therapy

• faculty engage students in meaningful dialogue regarding personal and professional issues

• many courses include discussion components to foster reflective thought