Human Services MA Course Descriptions
HS 505 Case Management, 3 cr.
Basic skills needed for the management and guidance of cases in the Human Services Field will be taught, with an emphasis on challenges of case management on the reservation. Students will be made aware of the historical perspective, case management models, assessment process, effective interviewing skills, and ethical issues of case management. In addition, the student will learn the group facilitation skills including working with support groups: conducting team and staff meetings, family conferences; and presenting psycho education programs. The student will also be taught how to build a case le to meet managed care and third party requirements, in addition to surviving as a manager of cases and being knowledgeable of the services available to families on the reservation. (Pre: Graduate Standing or Permission).
HS 520 Research and Program/Organizational Evaluation, 3 cr
The student will study research methods, statistical analysis, needs assessment, and program/organizational evaluation. The course will include the use of appropriate computer technology and statistical methods. Principles, models, and applications of needs assessment, program/organizational evaluation, and the use of findings to effect organizational modifications will be examined in the context of legal and ethical considerations. Research that is particularly beneficial with in the reservation/rural context will be considered. (Pre: Graduate Standing or Permission).
HS 530 Social & Cultural Diversity, 3 cr.
This course will provide an understanding of the cultural context of relationships, issues, and trends in a multicultural and diverse society. Racism, prejudice, acculturation, theories of cultural identity development, multicultural competencies, multicultural counseling will be addressed in reservation mental health and school settings. Characteristics and concerns between and within diverse groups will be explored. This will include an investigation of attitudes, beliefs, understandings, and experiences related to culture, ethnicity, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation, mental and physical factors, educational, environmental concerns, family values, religious and spiritual values, socio-economic status, and unique characteristics of the individual, couple, family and community. (Pre: Graduate Standing or Professor Permission).
HS 570 Foundations of Mental Health, 3 cr.
This course will include the specific concepts and ideas related to leadership, mental health education, outreach, prevention, intervention and mental health promotion, with special focus on the Native American Communities in both school and clinical mental health settings. The stages of the intervention process, conflict resolution, negotiation, mediation, and advocacy will be studied. Emphasis will be on using prevention and intervention strategies in the development of a mental health model in school and mental health settings on the reservation. (Pre: Permission of Instructor or Graduate Standing).
HS 574 Professional Orientation, Ethics, & Cultural Values, 3 cr.
This course will provide an understanding of all aspects of professional identity including orientation, history, philosophy, roles, societies, organizational structures, ethics, standards, credentialing, licensing, and leadership. Self-awareness and self-care as a professional will be introduced. Public policy processes including advocacy on behalf of one’s profession, its clientele and operations, will be studied along with relevant legal issues for School Counseling, Lakota Leadership/Administration, and Clinical Mental Health. Case studies will be a significant part of class study. Issues that relate to working in the reservation/rural environment will be a priority. (Pre: Graduate Standing or Professor Permission)
HS 580 Supervision, 3 cr
Supervision in the Human Services field will address the abilities needed to be an appropriate and helpful supervisor. An overview of supervisory responsibilities will be studied, with content including the supervisory relationship, methods and models of supervision, being a multiculturally competent supervisor, ethical issues, multiple relationships in supervision, and evaluating a supervisee. Focus will be on applying this knowledge to the Lakota people. (Pre: Graduate Standing or Permission)
HS 677 Independent Study, 1-3 cr.
The student may seek permission from a faculty member to do concentrated study on a speci fi c topic related to the emphasis area. (Pre: Graduate Standing or Permission).
HS 686 Seminar for Professionals, 1-3 cr.
This class will serve to present other important and relevant subjects to the student for study. Topic will vary as needed. For emphasis block credit, this topic must be specific to the student’s plan of study and be approved. (Pre: Graduate Standing or Permission)
HS 696 Capstone, 1 cr.
This capstone course provides a review of the studies the students undertook throughout their graduate studies. It will consist of portfolio review, comprehensive exam, and inspirational gathering. (Pre: Advanced Standing, Professor Permission).
HS 698 Thesis I, 3 cr.
This is the major “capstone” course Student work will utilize all of the conceptual, research, statistics, and writing skills covered in previous M.A.-H.S. courses. The project topic will be relevant and beneficial to the reservation/rural setting. This second section of the thesis course will be the data collection, analysis, discussion section of the thesis. The student will do a final oral presentation of the literature review (last two chapters of the thesis) at the end of the class. (Pre: Core Courses)
HS 699 Thesis II, 3 cr.
This course is the second phase in the completion of the Thesis. During this phase, the student will conduct, analyze, and discuss the research initiated in Thesis I. The Thesis will be completed with a final defense of the thesis to the student’s committee. (Pre: HS 698 Thesis I).
PY 533 Counseling Theories, 3 cr.
This course will cover basic theories and principles of psychotherapy and counseling. The philosophic basis of the helping relationship will be addressed in relationship to current research on the factors related to counseling effectiveness. Counseling theory and principles will be explored in relationship to working with Native Americans. (Pre: Graduate Standing or Professor Permission)
PY 538 Psychopharmacology, 3 cr.
This course will study the use of psychoactive drugs in the treatment of mental health, and actions and side effects of drugs of addiction. Students will learn about the various kinds of theraputic drugs, their effects, when drug treatment is appropriate, the role of drug therapy, coordination with medical professionals, and monitoring the treatment process. Treatment issues with Native Americans will be a special focus. Students will conduct a special research project on a selected neurotransmitter and the effects of alcohol/drugs on the functioning of this transmitter. (Pre: PY 644)
PY 556 Group Counseling, 3 cr.
An understanding of group purposes, development, dynamics, counseling theories, group counseling methods and skills, and other group approaches will be obtained through this course. Group leadership styles, specific types of groups (therapeutic, focus, task, support, prevention, education, etc.) and ethical and legal considerations will also be studied. How group counseling is utilized in the reservation/rural setting will be explored. (Pre: PY 533, PY 614, Co-occurring with PY 624)
PY 577 Human Development & Psychosocial Intervention, 3 cr.
Normal development will be contrasted with abnormal development. There will be a focus on development crisis, addictive behavior, psychopathology, and environmental factors as they affect normal development across the life span. Theories of learning and personality development will be addressed, as well as strategies to prevent or improve pathological development. Perceptions of the developmental process as it applies in the School and Mental Health settings on the reservation will be explored. (Pre: Graduate Standing)
PY 574 Family Counseling, 3 cr.
Theories and techniques of family counseling will be presented. Basic principles and concepts of systemic theories that apply to both families and communities, assumptions inherent in each of the theories, and implications for practice and treatment will be studied. Essential skills will be taught, which will be applicable to school, clinical mental health, and chemical dependency counseling. (Pre: PY 533, PY 614, Co-occurring with PY 624)
PY 594 Issues Involving Children & Youth on the Reservation, 3 cr.
This course will provide an understanding of the primary issues that counselors in schools and mental health settings will need to better understand children and youth on the reservation. Emphasis will be on Substance Abuse, PTSD, ADHD, Disruptive Behavioral Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, and Dual Diagnosis.. Other issues covered include Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, cutting, bullying and use of appropriate medication. Correlations with the newest diagnostic manual including the diagnostic criteria, behavioral factors, and treatment of each disorder will be discussed. How to develop resiliency in the face of these issues will conclude the course. (Pre: Graduate Standing or Professor Permission).
PY 614 Assessment in Counseling, 3 cr.
This course will provide an understanding of the framework for assessing the individual and individuals. Methods of data gathering for a client or client systems and their environment in order to properly assess children, adolescents, and adults will be taught. The student will learn how to make decisions regarding treatment and/or referral. Awareness of diagnostic criteria and impressions, knowledge of psychopathology, and assessment of substance abuse and their addictions will be provided. Cultural diversity, gender issues, and specific populations will be discussed as they are related to assessment. Assessment issues with Native Americans in Schools and Mental Health settings will be the special focuses. (Pre or Co-Ocurring)
PY 617 Career & Life Style Development, 3 cr.
This course will provide an understanding of career development and related life factors. Career development theories and decision-making models will be studied. The inter-relationship among work, family and other life roles will be considered in the context of cultural diversity and gender issues. Sources of career information, instruments of career assessment and career counseling strategies will be explored to facilitate career placement and planning programs in School Counseling, Clinical Mental Health, and Lakota Leadership/Administrative Settings. Assisting reservation/rural resident to realize their full career/life potential will be explored. (Pre: Graduate Standing or Professor Permission)
PY 624 Counseling Techniques, 3 cr.
Counseling practices, facilitative skills, and the application of these skills as helping professionals will be studied. Students will practice these skills in a laboratory setting. Experience and services with Native American clients in school and mental health settings will be the primary components of this class. (Pre: PY 533 and PY 614)
PY 634 Practicum, 3 cr.
Practica are offered in individual and group counseling. Practicum is an advanced laboratory experience in counseling clients under close supervision. The student will complete a minimum of 100 clock hours of supervised experiences which will include at least 40 hours of direct service with clients, 2 hours per week of group supervision, and 1 hour per week of individual supervision. Students enrolled in school counseling will be enrolled in a school setting, while students enrolled in clinical mental health will be involved in a clinical setting. (Pre: All Core Courses. For CMH add PY 533, PY 614, PY 624. For SC add PY 614, PY 624; Malpractice-Liability Insurance).
PY 644 Diagnosis & Study of Mental Health Disorders, 3 cr.
The general principles and practices of etiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental and emotional disorders and dysfunctional behavior will be studied. In addition, the general principles and practices for the promotion of optimal mental health, especially in the Native American community, will be presented. Pre: PY 533, PY 614)
PY 654 Clinical Assessment & Testing, 3 cr.
This course includes the study of methods for assessing mental status, identification of mental illness, abnormal, deviant, or psychopathology of behavior, by obtaining appropriate behavioral data using a variety of techniques. This will include the study of non-projective personality assessments, achievements, aptitude, and intelligence testing. The student will learn to interpret the finding into diagnostic and statistical manual categories. It will include basic concepts of testing, reliability and validity concerns, strategies for selection and administration of test instruments. Assessment issues as they relate to Native Americans will be a special focus. Ethical concerns, cultural diversity themes, gender issues, and specific population issues will be discussed as they are related to the interpretation of the assessments. (Pre: PY 533, PY 614)
PY 664 Organizational Psychology, 3 cr.
Organizational Psychology applies the theories, research methods, and intervention strategies in the workplace. Focus will be on helping organizations be more productive through the enrichment of their employee ’ s physical and mental health. Relevant topics include personnel, motivation, leadership, employee selection, training and development, organizational development organizational behavior, and work and family issues, especially in Lakota families. Emphasis will be on organizations within the Lakota world. (Pre: Core Courses)
PY 694 Internship I, 3 cr.
This course is a field-based experience required of students who are seeking to become licensed professional counselors (LPC) and certified school counselors. The setting(s) will be appropriate to mental health and school counseling and will involve a total of 600 clock hours and a minimum of 6 credit hours accumulated over the course of two semesters (second semester will be Internship II). Of the 600 hours, a minimum of 240 hours will be spent in direct service to clients and the remainder in individual supervision, group supervision, professional activities, the development of audio and video tapes of sessions, and experience with a variety of professional resources. (Pre: All Core Classes. For CMH add PY 614, PY 624, PY 634. For SC add PY 634; Malpractice-Liability Insurance)
PY 695 Internship II, 3 cr.
This is the second course for the field-based experience required of HS students who are seeking to become licensed professional counselors (LPC) or certified school counselors. The setting(s) will be appropriate to mental health and school counseling and will involve 300 hours total for three credits. Of the300 hours, a minimum of 120 hours will be spent in direct service to clients and the remainder in individual supervision, group supervision, professional activities, the development of audio and videotapes of sessions, and experience a variety of professional resources. (Pre: PY 694 Internship I; Malpractice-Liability Insurance).
Basic skills needed for the management and guidance of cases in the Human Services Field will be taught, with an emphasis on challenges of case management on the reservation. Students will be made aware of the historical perspective, case management models, assessment process, effective interviewing skills, and ethical issues of case management. In addition, the student will learn the group facilitation skills including working with support groups: conducting team and staff meetings, family conferences; and presenting psycho education programs. The student will also be taught how to build a case le to meet managed care and third party requirements, in addition to surviving as a manager of cases and being knowledgeable of the services available to families on the reservation. (Pre: Graduate Standing or Permission).
HS 520 Research and Program/Organizational Evaluation, 3 cr
The student will study research methods, statistical analysis, needs assessment, and program/organizational evaluation. The course will include the use of appropriate computer technology and statistical methods. Principles, models, and applications of needs assessment, program/organizational evaluation, and the use of findings to effect organizational modifications will be examined in the context of legal and ethical considerations. Research that is particularly beneficial with in the reservation/rural context will be considered. (Pre: Graduate Standing or Permission).
HS 530 Social & Cultural Diversity, 3 cr.
This course will provide an understanding of the cultural context of relationships, issues, and trends in a multicultural and diverse society. Racism, prejudice, acculturation, theories of cultural identity development, multicultural competencies, multicultural counseling will be addressed in reservation mental health and school settings. Characteristics and concerns between and within diverse groups will be explored. This will include an investigation of attitudes, beliefs, understandings, and experiences related to culture, ethnicity, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation, mental and physical factors, educational, environmental concerns, family values, religious and spiritual values, socio-economic status, and unique characteristics of the individual, couple, family and community. (Pre: Graduate Standing or Professor Permission).
HS 570 Foundations of Mental Health, 3 cr.
This course will include the specific concepts and ideas related to leadership, mental health education, outreach, prevention, intervention and mental health promotion, with special focus on the Native American Communities in both school and clinical mental health settings. The stages of the intervention process, conflict resolution, negotiation, mediation, and advocacy will be studied. Emphasis will be on using prevention and intervention strategies in the development of a mental health model in school and mental health settings on the reservation. (Pre: Permission of Instructor or Graduate Standing).
HS 574 Professional Orientation, Ethics, & Cultural Values, 3 cr.
This course will provide an understanding of all aspects of professional identity including orientation, history, philosophy, roles, societies, organizational structures, ethics, standards, credentialing, licensing, and leadership. Self-awareness and self-care as a professional will be introduced. Public policy processes including advocacy on behalf of one’s profession, its clientele and operations, will be studied along with relevant legal issues for School Counseling, Lakota Leadership/Administration, and Clinical Mental Health. Case studies will be a significant part of class study. Issues that relate to working in the reservation/rural environment will be a priority. (Pre: Graduate Standing or Professor Permission)
HS 580 Supervision, 3 cr
Supervision in the Human Services field will address the abilities needed to be an appropriate and helpful supervisor. An overview of supervisory responsibilities will be studied, with content including the supervisory relationship, methods and models of supervision, being a multiculturally competent supervisor, ethical issues, multiple relationships in supervision, and evaluating a supervisee. Focus will be on applying this knowledge to the Lakota people. (Pre: Graduate Standing or Permission)
HS 677 Independent Study, 1-3 cr.
The student may seek permission from a faculty member to do concentrated study on a speci fi c topic related to the emphasis area. (Pre: Graduate Standing or Permission).
HS 686 Seminar for Professionals, 1-3 cr.
This class will serve to present other important and relevant subjects to the student for study. Topic will vary as needed. For emphasis block credit, this topic must be specific to the student’s plan of study and be approved. (Pre: Graduate Standing or Permission)
HS 696 Capstone, 1 cr.
This capstone course provides a review of the studies the students undertook throughout their graduate studies. It will consist of portfolio review, comprehensive exam, and inspirational gathering. (Pre: Advanced Standing, Professor Permission).
HS 698 Thesis I, 3 cr.
This is the major “capstone” course Student work will utilize all of the conceptual, research, statistics, and writing skills covered in previous M.A.-H.S. courses. The project topic will be relevant and beneficial to the reservation/rural setting. This second section of the thesis course will be the data collection, analysis, discussion section of the thesis. The student will do a final oral presentation of the literature review (last two chapters of the thesis) at the end of the class. (Pre: Core Courses)
HS 699 Thesis II, 3 cr.
This course is the second phase in the completion of the Thesis. During this phase, the student will conduct, analyze, and discuss the research initiated in Thesis I. The Thesis will be completed with a final defense of the thesis to the student’s committee. (Pre: HS 698 Thesis I).
PY 533 Counseling Theories, 3 cr.
This course will cover basic theories and principles of psychotherapy and counseling. The philosophic basis of the helping relationship will be addressed in relationship to current research on the factors related to counseling effectiveness. Counseling theory and principles will be explored in relationship to working with Native Americans. (Pre: Graduate Standing or Professor Permission)
PY 538 Psychopharmacology, 3 cr.
This course will study the use of psychoactive drugs in the treatment of mental health, and actions and side effects of drugs of addiction. Students will learn about the various kinds of theraputic drugs, their effects, when drug treatment is appropriate, the role of drug therapy, coordination with medical professionals, and monitoring the treatment process. Treatment issues with Native Americans will be a special focus. Students will conduct a special research project on a selected neurotransmitter and the effects of alcohol/drugs on the functioning of this transmitter. (Pre: PY 644)
PY 556 Group Counseling, 3 cr.
An understanding of group purposes, development, dynamics, counseling theories, group counseling methods and skills, and other group approaches will be obtained through this course. Group leadership styles, specific types of groups (therapeutic, focus, task, support, prevention, education, etc.) and ethical and legal considerations will also be studied. How group counseling is utilized in the reservation/rural setting will be explored. (Pre: PY 533, PY 614, Co-occurring with PY 624)
PY 577 Human Development & Psychosocial Intervention, 3 cr.
Normal development will be contrasted with abnormal development. There will be a focus on development crisis, addictive behavior, psychopathology, and environmental factors as they affect normal development across the life span. Theories of learning and personality development will be addressed, as well as strategies to prevent or improve pathological development. Perceptions of the developmental process as it applies in the School and Mental Health settings on the reservation will be explored. (Pre: Graduate Standing)
PY 574 Family Counseling, 3 cr.
Theories and techniques of family counseling will be presented. Basic principles and concepts of systemic theories that apply to both families and communities, assumptions inherent in each of the theories, and implications for practice and treatment will be studied. Essential skills will be taught, which will be applicable to school, clinical mental health, and chemical dependency counseling. (Pre: PY 533, PY 614, Co-occurring with PY 624)
PY 594 Issues Involving Children & Youth on the Reservation, 3 cr.
This course will provide an understanding of the primary issues that counselors in schools and mental health settings will need to better understand children and youth on the reservation. Emphasis will be on Substance Abuse, PTSD, ADHD, Disruptive Behavioral Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, and Dual Diagnosis.. Other issues covered include Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, cutting, bullying and use of appropriate medication. Correlations with the newest diagnostic manual including the diagnostic criteria, behavioral factors, and treatment of each disorder will be discussed. How to develop resiliency in the face of these issues will conclude the course. (Pre: Graduate Standing or Professor Permission).
PY 614 Assessment in Counseling, 3 cr.
This course will provide an understanding of the framework for assessing the individual and individuals. Methods of data gathering for a client or client systems and their environment in order to properly assess children, adolescents, and adults will be taught. The student will learn how to make decisions regarding treatment and/or referral. Awareness of diagnostic criteria and impressions, knowledge of psychopathology, and assessment of substance abuse and their addictions will be provided. Cultural diversity, gender issues, and specific populations will be discussed as they are related to assessment. Assessment issues with Native Americans in Schools and Mental Health settings will be the special focuses. (Pre or Co-Ocurring)
PY 617 Career & Life Style Development, 3 cr.
This course will provide an understanding of career development and related life factors. Career development theories and decision-making models will be studied. The inter-relationship among work, family and other life roles will be considered in the context of cultural diversity and gender issues. Sources of career information, instruments of career assessment and career counseling strategies will be explored to facilitate career placement and planning programs in School Counseling, Clinical Mental Health, and Lakota Leadership/Administrative Settings. Assisting reservation/rural resident to realize their full career/life potential will be explored. (Pre: Graduate Standing or Professor Permission)
PY 624 Counseling Techniques, 3 cr.
Counseling practices, facilitative skills, and the application of these skills as helping professionals will be studied. Students will practice these skills in a laboratory setting. Experience and services with Native American clients in school and mental health settings will be the primary components of this class. (Pre: PY 533 and PY 614)
PY 634 Practicum, 3 cr.
Practica are offered in individual and group counseling. Practicum is an advanced laboratory experience in counseling clients under close supervision. The student will complete a minimum of 100 clock hours of supervised experiences which will include at least 40 hours of direct service with clients, 2 hours per week of group supervision, and 1 hour per week of individual supervision. Students enrolled in school counseling will be enrolled in a school setting, while students enrolled in clinical mental health will be involved in a clinical setting. (Pre: All Core Courses. For CMH add PY 533, PY 614, PY 624. For SC add PY 614, PY 624; Malpractice-Liability Insurance).
PY 644 Diagnosis & Study of Mental Health Disorders, 3 cr.
The general principles and practices of etiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental and emotional disorders and dysfunctional behavior will be studied. In addition, the general principles and practices for the promotion of optimal mental health, especially in the Native American community, will be presented. Pre: PY 533, PY 614)
PY 654 Clinical Assessment & Testing, 3 cr.
This course includes the study of methods for assessing mental status, identification of mental illness, abnormal, deviant, or psychopathology of behavior, by obtaining appropriate behavioral data using a variety of techniques. This will include the study of non-projective personality assessments, achievements, aptitude, and intelligence testing. The student will learn to interpret the finding into diagnostic and statistical manual categories. It will include basic concepts of testing, reliability and validity concerns, strategies for selection and administration of test instruments. Assessment issues as they relate to Native Americans will be a special focus. Ethical concerns, cultural diversity themes, gender issues, and specific population issues will be discussed as they are related to the interpretation of the assessments. (Pre: PY 533, PY 614)
PY 664 Organizational Psychology, 3 cr.
Organizational Psychology applies the theories, research methods, and intervention strategies in the workplace. Focus will be on helping organizations be more productive through the enrichment of their employee ’ s physical and mental health. Relevant topics include personnel, motivation, leadership, employee selection, training and development, organizational development organizational behavior, and work and family issues, especially in Lakota families. Emphasis will be on organizations within the Lakota world. (Pre: Core Courses)
PY 694 Internship I, 3 cr.
This course is a field-based experience required of students who are seeking to become licensed professional counselors (LPC) and certified school counselors. The setting(s) will be appropriate to mental health and school counseling and will involve a total of 600 clock hours and a minimum of 6 credit hours accumulated over the course of two semesters (second semester will be Internship II). Of the 600 hours, a minimum of 240 hours will be spent in direct service to clients and the remainder in individual supervision, group supervision, professional activities, the development of audio and video tapes of sessions, and experience with a variety of professional resources. (Pre: All Core Classes. For CMH add PY 614, PY 624, PY 634. For SC add PY 634; Malpractice-Liability Insurance)
PY 695 Internship II, 3 cr.
This is the second course for the field-based experience required of HS students who are seeking to become licensed professional counselors (LPC) or certified school counselors. The setting(s) will be appropriate to mental health and school counseling and will involve 300 hours total for three credits. Of the300 hours, a minimum of 120 hours will be spent in direct service to clients and the remainder in individual supervision, group supervision, professional activities, the development of audio and videotapes of sessions, and experience a variety of professional resources. (Pre: PY 694 Internship I; Malpractice-Liability Insurance).
