Department of Counseling and Special Populations

Location: 105 Education Building

Phone: (409) 880-8978

Interim Department Chair: Rebecca Weinbaum

Counseling and Special Populations Program Coordinators

School Counseling: Patricia Harris

Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Randy Davis

Special Populations: Anna Nguyen

Gifted Education: Dorothy Sisk

Graduate Faculty Counseling Campus and Online Programs

William R. Holmes, Associate Dean and Professor

Mohammad K. Hamza, Professor

Randy Davis, Assistant Professor

Wendy Greenidge, Assistant Professor

Belinda Lopez, Assistant Professor

Kimberly McGough, Assistant Professor

Donna Sheperis, Associate Professor

Joy Snook, Assistant Professor

Rebecca Weinbaum, Associate Professor

Lisa Wines, Assistant Professor

Rachael Whitaker, Assistant Professor

Graduate Faculty Online Counseling Program

Robert Carlisle, Distance Clinical Professor

Brande Flamez, Distance Clinical Professor

Robika Mylroie, Distance Clinical Professor

Ruth Moore, Distance Clinical Professor

Melissa Wheeler, Distance Clinical Professor

Ann Ordway, Distance Clinical Professor

Graduate Faculty Special Populations Campus and Online

Dorothy Sisk, Professor

Cheryl Nelson, Assistant Professor

Anna Nguyen, assistant Professor

Sedef Smilth, Assistant Professor

Counseling and Special Populations Degrees

Undergraduate 

  • Bachelor of Science in Special Education, EC-12 Special Education – 121 hours

Graduate Degrees 

  • Master of Education in Professional School Counseling
  • Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Master of Education in Special Education
  • Master of Education in Special Education with Educational Diagnostician Specialization
  • Educational Diagnostician
  • Generic Special Education
  • Counseling and Development (on campus only) with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Professional School Counseling
  • Endorsements: Gifted Education
  • Certificate: (16 hours) Counseling and Development (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)

Undergraduate Program

The Counseling and Special Populations Department offers an undergraduate program leading to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education. 

Candidates to this program must satisfy provisions of the Texas Success Initiative Program. Developmental coursework does not qualify for GPA (with the exception of determining full-time status and issues relating to probation and suspension) and do not count toward graduation.

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education consists of the following courses:

Required Core Curriculum Courses (42 Hours)

  • ENGL 1301
  • ENGL 1302
  • COMM 1315
  • MATH 1314
  • MATH 1350
  • BIOL 1308
  • PHYS 1405
  • ENGL Lit (2000 Level)
  • CREATIVE ARTS (One from ARTS 1301, ARTS 1303, COMM 1375, DANC 2304, MUSI 1306, PHIL 1330)
  • HIST 1301
  • POLLS 2301
  • POLS 2302
  • SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES (One from PSYC 2301, SOCI 1301)

Major/Certification Courses (18 Hours)

  • SPED 2371 FOUNDATIONS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
  • SPED 3371 APPRAISAL PROCESSES FOR EXCEPTIONAL LEARNERS
  • SPED 3372 BEHAVIORAL MODIFICATION AND CLASS MANAGEMENT FOR EXCEPTIONAL LEARNERS
  • SPED 3373 TEACH READ/LANG ARTS TO EXCEPTIONAL LEARNERS
  • SPED 4307 CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION FOR INCLUSIVE CLASSROOM
  • SPED 4311 CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION FOR LIFESKILLS CLASSROOM

Math and Science Required Courses (13 Hours)

  • MATH 3312
  • MATH 3313
  • CHEM 2411
  • GEOL 4390

Reading Required Courses (9 Hours)

  • READ 3390 LITERACY DEVELOPMENT AND READING INSTRUCTION IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
  • PEDG 4370 ASSESSMENT
  • READ 4305 TEACHING WRITING: ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL

Pedagogy and Professional Responsibly Courses (24 Hours)

  • PEDG 3300 HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING
  • PEDG 3350 MATH/SCIENCE
  • PEDG 3351 LA/SS
  • PEDG 3352 SCIENCE METHODS FOR TEACHERS
  • PEDG 4340 CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
  • PEDG 4630 STUDENT TEACHING SPECIAL
  • PEDG 2231 TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION

Admissions to the Undergraduate Program

  • Complete the Application Form via ApplyTexas at and pay a one-time application fee of $25.
  • Complete the admissions to the Teacher Education Program (before enrolling in courses)
  • To qualify for state certification, candidates i must meet all degree requirements and pass the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibility (PPR), Content Area, and Special Education Certification in accordance with Texas Regulations for Highly Qualified professionals.

Graduate Programs

The Counseling and Special Populations Department offers graduate programs leading to a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Professional School Counseling, and Special Education. For students who already hold a master’s degree and teacher certification, the department offers coursework leading to certification in Educational Diagnostician and Special Education. 

Admissions to the Master’s Degree Programs

Admission to a master’s degree program is required of all students taking courses in the Counseling and Special Populations graduate-level programs. A maximum of nine semester hours may be taken prior to admission. For on-campus applicants, transferred hours from another university must be approved in the department before registering for courses. For online applicants, transfer hours from other universities are not accepted.  

Admissions Requirements to 91ÖÆƬ³§ Graduate College

  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (institutional or last 60-hour count) or undergraduate GPA of 2.5-2.99 GPA (institutional or last 60 hours) or higher with corresponding GRE. Students who do not have a 3.0 GPA (institutional or last 60 hours) must have a qualifying GRE score within the first 9 credit hours. Admission score will be developed with the formula GPA x 50 + GRE (composite of Verbal and Quantitative)> or =428
  • Applicants who do not have a 3.0 GPA (cumulative or last 60 hours) must have a qualifying GRE score within the first 9 credit hours
    • For full admission, these candidates must apply for Admission to Degree Candidacy by completing applications with the department. Students are notified of full admission within 30 days after submitting the application.
  • Departmental Essay
  • Professional Reference

 

Step-by-Step Procedures for Admissions to the Master Degree Programs in Counseling and Special Populations

  • Complete the Application Form via ApplyTexas at and pay a one-time application fee of $25.
  • Complete and submit the Departmental Essay and Informed Consent following the instructions provided via ApplyTexas.org.
  • Applicants must provide the name of a professional reference, who will receive a Professional Reference Form from the department. This form must be submitted by the professional reference for the applicant to be admitted.
  • Send official transcripts of all college and university course work following the instructions given in the ApplyTexas.org Application.

Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (institutional or last 60-hour count) or undergraduate GPA of 2.5-2.99 GPA (institutional or last 60 hours) or higher with corresponding GRE. Students who do not have a 3.0 GPA (institutional or last 60 hours) must have a qualifying GRE score within the first 9 credit hours. Admission score will be developed with the formula GPA x 50 + GRE (composite of Verbal and Quantitative)> or =428

Applicants who do not have a 3.0 GPA (cumulative or last 60 hours) must have a qualifying GRE score within the first 9 credit hours

 

Additional Requirements for Application to Professional School Counseling and Special Education Programs

  • Applicants most hold a valid state-issued teaching certificate upon enrolling in the program.
  • Applicants must have at least two years of teaching experience in a K-12 setting and be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident.
    • Waivers of any experience or certification requirements will be initiated by 91ÖÆƬ³§ Admissions staff as necessary in instances such as applications from states that do not require certification for professional practice.
    • Incomplete department applications will not be reviewed or considered for admission. Applicants who do not complete all application components within a one-semester term must reapply to the program. 
    • Upon admissions to the selected master’s-level program, candidates will be required to sign a formal acceptance of the invitation before or within their first course.

** Out-of-state applicants must determine whether the program will meet state credentialing requirements by contacting their respective state Department of Education.

General admissions questions can be directed to Counseling and Special Population Admissions using the following email: cospadmission@lamar.edu

Program Descriptions and Coursework

 

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The Master's Degree in Education with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is designed to prepare professionals to provide clinical counseling services to a broad population of clients in a range of professional settings (e.g., clinics, hospitals, school-based mental health programs, and private practice) and to be eligible to seek professional licensure. 

The Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree is a 60-credit hour program consisting of the following courses:

  • CNDV 5301 HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
  • CNDV 5302 FOUNDATIONS OF CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
  • CNDV 5310 COUNSELING SKILLS
  • CNDV 5311 INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING THEORIES & TECHNIQUES
  • CNDV 5312 ROUP COUNSELING THEORIES & TECHNIQUES
  • CNDV 5320 MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING
  • CNDV 5322 PROFESSIONALISM, ETHICS, AND THE LAW
  • CNDV 5323 CAREER DEVELOPMENT
  • CNDV 5324 SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELING
  • CNDV 5334 MEASUREMENT AND ASSESSMENT  
  • CNDV 5350 ABNORMAL HUMAN BEHAVIOR
  • CNDV 5351 CONSULTATION
  • CNDV 5352 CRISIS PREVENTION & INTERVENTION
  • CNDV 5353 RESEARCH AND PROGRAM EVALUATION
  • CNDV 5380 SEMINAR 1 RESIDENCY (REQUIRES FACE-TO-FACE WEEK ON CAMPUS)
  • CNDV 5380 SEMINAR 2 RESIDENCY (REQUIRES FACE-TO-FACE WEEK ON CAMPUS)
  • CNDV 5381 MARRIAGE, COUPLE, AND FAMILY COUNSELING
  • CNDV 5393 PRACTICUM (3 CREDIT HOURS AND 100 FIELD HOURS)
  • CNDV 5394A INTERNSHIP 1 (3 CREDIT HOURS AND 300 FIELD HOURS)
  • CNDV 5394B INTERNSHIP 2 (3 CREDIT HOURS AND 300 FIELD HOURS)

Professional School Counseling

 

The Master’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Professional School Counseling is designed to prepare educators to provide professional school counseling services. This master’s degree program is specifically for certified teachers who possess at least a bachelor’s degree and are interested in becoming part of a school’s professional support services team. This non-thesis program is designed to prepare educators to meet the requirements of School Counselor credentialing articulated by national and state standards and the Texas State Board for Educator Certification standards. Students are required to complete 48 hours of coursework specifically related to school counseling.

The Master of Education in School Counseling degree is a 48-credit hour program consisting of the following courses:

  • CNDV 5301 HUMAN GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT 
  • CNDV 5303 FOUNDATIONS OF SCHOOL COUNSELING 
  • CNDV 5310 COUNSELING SKILLS 
  • CNDV 5311 INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING THEORY/TECHNIQUES 
  • CNDV 5312 GROUP COUNSELING THEORIES/TECHNIQUES
  • CNDV 5320 MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING 
  • CNDV 5322 PROFESSIONALISM ETHICS & LAW 
  • CNDV 5323 CAREER DEVELOPMENT 
  • CNDV 5330 DEVELOPMENTAL GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING
  • CNDV 5334 MEASUREMENT & ASSESSMENT 
  • CNDV 5352 CRISIS PREVENTION INTERVENTION 
  • CNDV 5353 RESEARCH & PROGRAM EVALUATION 
  • CNDV 5380 SEMINAR 1 (RESIDENCY REQUIRES FACE-TO-FACE WEEK ON CAMPUS)
  • CNDV 5390 SCHOOL COUNSELING PRACTICUM (3 CREDIT HOURS)
  • CNDV 5394C INTERNSHIP IN COUNSELING (3 CREDIT HOURS AND 300 FIELD HOURS)
  • CNDV 5394D INTERNSHIP IN COUNSELING (3 CREDIT HOURS AND 300 FIELD HOURS)

Special Education

 

The Master’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Special Education is designed to prepare educators to provide services to meet the diverse needs of K-12 learners. This program is offered online and on campus. The Special Education courses include complete requirements for a standard 5-year renewable Certificate as an Educational Diagnostician and requirements for a Certificate in Special Education-Generic. Both concentrations are 36-semester hours, non-thesis programs. Additional information should be obtained by the program coordinator.

The Master of Education in Special Education (Generic Certification) degree is a 36-credit hour program consisting of the following courses:

Required Core Courses

  • PEDG 5310 RESEARCH/CURRENT ISSUES IN EDUCATION
  • PEDG 5340 NORMAL HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
  • PEDG 5350 THE LEARNING PROCESS
  • SPED 5302 TESTS, MEASUREMENT, AND EVALUATION
  • SPED 5301 URVEY OF EXCEPIONAL LEARNERS
  • SPED 5314 READING AND LANGUAGE ARTS FOR DIVERSE LEARNERS
  • PEDG 5344 SCHOOL LAW
  • PEDG 5375 CONTENT AREA READING

As part of this program, students must also complete a specialization track in Autism (12 hours) or Special Education (12 hours).

 

Specialization Track Autism Concentration (12 hours – online only)

  • SPED 5370 INTRODUCTION TO AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
  • SPED 5371 AUTISM AND APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
  • SPED 5372 MODELS OF BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION
  • SPED 5373 BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT AND DATA ANALYSIS

 

Specialization Track Special Education Concentration (12 hours)

  • SPED 5320 PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL EVALUATION OF EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN
  • SPED 5312 FUNCTIONAL BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENTS
  • SPED 5311 INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES FOR HIGH INCIDENCE DISABILITIES
  • SPED 5313 INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES FOR LOW INCIDENCE DISABILITIES

 

The Master of Education in Special Education (Educational Diagnostician Certification) includes the following courses:

Required Core Courses

  • PEDG 5310 RESEARCH/CURRENT ISSUES IN EDUCATION
  • PEDG 5340 NORMAL HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
  • PEDG 5350 THE LEARNING PROCESS

 

Required Resource Area

  • SPED 5301 SURVEY OF EXCEPTIONAL LEARNERS
  • SPED 5313 INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES FOR LOW INCIDENCE DISABILITIES
  • SPED 5314 READING AND LANGUAGE ARTS FOR DIVERSE LEARNERS

As part of this program, students must also complete a specialization track in Educational Diagnostician (18 hours).

 

Specialization Track Special Education Diagnostician

  • SPED 5321 TEST ADMINISTRATION AND INTERPRETATION
  • SPED 5302 TESTS, MEASUREMENT, AND EVALUATION
  • SPED 5320 PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL EVALUATION OF EXCEPTIONAL LEARNERS
  • SPED 5322 PRACTICUM FOR EDUCATIONAL DIAGNOSTICIAN
  • SPED 5312 FUNCTIONAL BEHAVIOR ASSESSMENTS
  • SPED 5311 INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES FOR HIGH INCIDENCE DISABILITIES

 

General Information Concerning Professional Certificates

The Professional Certificate is a specialized program of study intended to add to an individual’s professional expertise area and enhance the individual’s scope of practice.

 

Certificate in Counseling and Development

The Certificate in Counseling and Development is designed to extend coursework for a professional career and licensure as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor. This program has been designed to prepare professional counselors to practice in a broader range of settings including community agencies, hospitals, and other mental health related facilities and meet state licensure requirements for licensed professional counselor.

The Certificate in Counseling and Development is a 16-credit hour program consisting of the following courses:

  • CNDV 5302 FOUNDATIONS OF CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
  • CNDV 5324 SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELING
  • CNDV 5350 ABNORMAL HUMAN BEHAVIOR
  • CNDV 5381 MARRIAGE, COUPLE, AND FAMILY COUNSELING
  • CNDV 5393 PRACTICUM (3 CREDIT HOURS AND 300 FIELD HOURS)