Courses in ethics have to do with the professional principles and guidelines that are codified in each state's licensing laws for counselors. This course is generally taken in the first semester of study in order to provide a foundation on which to build all other coursework.
Coursework in psychology should begin at the undergraduate level and continue through graduate school. This broad category covers everything from fundamental principles, theory and basic research in social psychology to advanced electives on cognitive neuroscience. Topics of study vary greatly from college to college. Statistical reasoning for the behavioral sciences is a fundamental course along with an introduction level course in human psychology.
Human development courses include human physiology and human behavior. At least one course in this category is taken in the first year of study. Theories relating to human behaviors that occur during the different stages of life are examined.
Coursework in counseling research methodologies is foundational to understanding all aspects of the counseling profession. Academic institutions typically require it as a prerequisite to other coursework. The study of the accepted methodologies covers existing established research, psychological studies and statistical analysis in order to teach the student to analyze and interpret relevant data.
Required for all specialties, patient assessment courses train students in interviewing, testing, evaluation and assessment using accepted methodologies.
Courses in this category have to do with the social and emotional issues of children and adolescents, as well as the appropriate techniques for treating young patients. Even without a specialization in children and adolescent counseling, this coursework is generally required and typically taken in the second year of study.
Marriage and couples counseling is often grouped under this heading. These courses examine the family framework and influences of the family on family member relationships . They are typically taken near the middle of the program.