Department of Counseling Psychology

• Department Programs

• Multicultural Courses

• Resources

• Student and Faculty Comments

Counseling as a profession must address the cultural diversity that exists in America.  It must also acknowledge the inequities that have existed as a result of ethnocentrism, especially racism, and take measures to address these inequities. One of the standards for program accreditation by the American Psychological Association (1986) reads as follows: "Social and personal diversity of faculty and students is an essential goal if the trainees are to function optimally within our pluralistic society."

The Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services at Ball State University is committed to the training and professional representation of students from diverse cultural and ethnic communities. As a reflection of this commitment, the department has established a Multicultural Programming Committee (MPC) consisting of interested faculty and graduate students. The MPC meets regularly to review issues relevant to providing a multicultural perspective in the training of all students in the program.  The committee also addresses programmatic issues to ensure a productive, positive experience for ethnic minority students. An additional goal of the MPC is to assist the department in the recruitment of graduate students from cultural and ethnic groups underrepresented in the profession.

Students currently enrolled in the program may experience the departmental commitment to training and development in two ways: in department programs and special multicultural courses.

Department Programs

The Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services offers graduate programs in counseling psychology (Ph.D.), counseling (M.A. with an emphasis on community, school, or vocational rehabilitation counseling), and social psychology (M.A.). Departmental instruction and research facilities are excellent and include practicum clinic rooms, group observation rooms, and computer access. The department operates an in-house Counseling Practicum Clinic that serves more than six hundred clients from the community each year. The department emphasizes each student's development on both a personal and a professional scientist-practitioner level.

The M.A. program in counseling (community counseling track) is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The Ph.D. program in counseling psychology holds full accreditation from the American Psychological Association.

Multicultural Courses

In addition to the goal of including a multicultural perspective in all courses, specialized courses provide focused study. 

CPSY 470, Introduction to Cross-Cultural Counseling, is an undergraduate course that offers an opportunity for graduate students to gain teaching experience. The course focuses on increasing students' knowledge about themselves and other cultural groups, providing a format for discussion and unique experiences. This elective, offered each semester, is part of the undergraduate minor in interpersonal relations.

CPSY 678, Theories and Techniques of Counseling the Culturally Different (required for all counseling psychology graduate students), allows students to begin building expertise in counseling people of black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American heritage. Emphasis is placed on understanding the social and political bases of counseling and therapy.

These two courses, in addition to electives in the department and other departments, give students the opportunity to explore issues that might be of personal and professional interest to them. 

Resources

At Ball State, there are a number of campus resources that meet the various needs of students. The department and the MPC offer support mechanisms and direction for professional mentoring in addition to recruitment and retention efforts. The Office of Multicultural Affairs sponsors a variety of events centered on culturally enriching themes. Students will find that Ball State offers many organizations that will meet their professional, educational, and social needs, including:

• Black Student Association

• Social Fraternities and Sororities

• Asian American Student Association

• Black Greek Council

• International House

• Native American Student Association

• La Allianza de Estudiantes Latinos

• Professional Associations

• Spanish Club

• United Ministries

• Student Government

• Hispanic Student Association

Student and Faculty Comments

Sabrina Henson, Master's Student

"The counseling program at Ball State offers a top grade education. Since I started here, I have already learned so many things to aid in my development as a counselor. Multicultural education is infused in most of my classes and offers an opportunity to become more aware of the multicultural issues in counseling. So far my experience at Ball State has been one of tremendous growth and learning. I would not trade it for any other."

Sharon Bowman, Faculty Member

"The Department of Counseling Psychology is truly dedicated to bringing a more diverse student body to this campus. Clearly, we've been successful in recruitment, but we are also proving successful in graduating students. In fact, we are one of, if not the, top graduate programs on campus in terms of numbers of ethnic minority students."

Yaphet Bryant, Master's Student

"Coming from a historically black college, I did not know what to expect when I arrived at Ball State. Fortunately, I found a warm and inviting climate. The openness of my colleagues and faculty smoothed the transition. The MPC's dedication to multicultural issues within the department is commendable."

Clover Bearfield, Master's Student

"My decision to continue my education at Ball State University is largely due to knowing that Ball State truly is interested in promoting cultural diversity and the diverse abilities students and faculty bring to the university. As a disabled student, I have been provided adaptations needed to continue my education. The Department of Counseling Psychology has given me opportunity to meet people of all backgrounds and to learn by various educational styles. I would strongly recommend Ball State University as a leader in multicultural opportunities, as well as a leader in providing accommodation to achieve academic excellence."

Danielle Wright, Master's Student

"I was persuaded by ethnic minority students in the program to continue my education in counseling psychology. The students who recruited me have remained interested in my educational development and my growth as a person. Their efforts are an indication of the department's commitment to recruitment and diversity."  

S. Ashraf Kagee, Doctoral Student

"As an international student, I have found many opportunities at Ball State and in the department to develop academically and socially. The counseling psychology doctoral program is thorough, comprehensive, and very well organized. At the same time, there is considerable latitude for students to develop in the direction they would like, and the program can be tailored to suit one's individual needs. I also enjoy debating ideas and presenting my point of view in an environment that is supportive and respectful."

Karen R. Fraser-Mills, Doctoral Student

"The deciding factor in my decision to attend Ball State's counseling psychology program was its commitment and visible demonstration by faculty and students to focus on creating a rich culturally and ethnically diverse environment. The commitment of faculty to produce competent clinicians and academicians provides a setting of challenge and support in which a diverse student population can flourish. The department provides a wealth of training opportunities and encourages all students to maximize their potential in a myriad of diverse endeavors. As an African-American student, I am pleased to be a part of an academic culture that fosters and promotes cultural and ethnic diversity."