Counseling and Human Services Department

Associate Professors: J. Davis (co-chairperson), J. Richards, D. Stone
Assistant Professors: P. Deal, A. Goodman, K. McCoy Coleman
Co-Chairperson: E. O’Hara-Gonyea
Lecturers: P. Allie-Turco, K. Dague, P. McQuinn
Adjunct Faculty: L. Holzer, S. Matthews

The Programs

Social Work, B.S.
Student Affairs and Higher Education, M.S.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, C.A.S.

These comprehensive programs combine theoretical and skill-based approaches to serving clients, focusing on the preparation of professional who have the commitment, knowledge, skills, attitudes, values and self-awareness to offer quality counseling and human services to individuals, families, and groups in educational and community settings.

Social Work:

The social work program prepares students for generalist professional practice in a wide range of agencies, including social services, health, mental health, developmental disabilities, education, aging, youth services, addictions, and related organizations. The social work program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

The social work program is completed in the junior and senior years. The curriculum includes both course work and an agency-based field internship under professional supervision. During the first year and sophomore year, social work students complete a liberal arts base that includes the General Education requirements and a minimum of 57 credits.

Both SUNY Plattsburgh students and transfer students may apply for admission to the social work program. Transfer students apply through the college’s admissions office. Currently enrolled Plattsburgh students apply through the Social Work Department. Applications are available in Ward Hall, main office, room 109, in February of each year. Admission requirements include substantial completion of SUNY Plattsburgh’s General Education program, or its equivalent as determined by admissions. Applicants must have completed: SOC 101 , PSY 101 , MAT 161 , and BIO 100 or BIO 103 (human biology). A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, completion of the application form, and a letter of reference assessing applicant’s suitability for a career in social work are required.

Transfer credit for courses taken at another accredited social work program will be granted to prevent duplication of academic content. Procedures for granting transfer credit for courses from other accredited baccalaureate social work programs are detailed in the Program Manual, available in Ward Hall, main office. Transfer courses from unaccredited programs will only be considered for SWK 260 - Introduction to Social Welfare (3 cr.) in those instances in which a formal articulation agreement exists. No academic credit for life experience or previous work experience will be granted under any circumstances.

Practicum and internship candidates are expected to follow the external and professional practicum guidelines appropriate to their discipline (please refer to specific department/program student/internship manual for details).

Successful completion of the social work program leads to the bachelor of science with a major in social work. Students earning this degree are recognized as BSWs within the profession of social work and are eligible for membership in the National Association of Social Workers.

Student Affairs and Higher Education:

The Master of Science program in Student Affairs and Higher Education requires the equivalent of two years of full-time study and 36-42 credit hours of academic work. It prepares individuals to work on college and university campuses in positions which require counseling background, knowledge of college student development, and skill in program development and implementation. For more information, see Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Student Affairs & Higher Education, Graduate Program Information .

Clinical Mental Health Counseling:

The program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares persons for work in a broad range of positions calling for counseling expertise in private and public agencies. This program embodies a community mental health orientation with courses in psychopathology and mental health counseling, psycho-pharmacology, and substance abuse. Students who wish to work with families, or children, may take electives specific to those concerns. The mental health counseling program is registered with the New York State Education Department and is recognized as a license-eligible program. Upon completion of the program graduates may take New York state’s licensure exam, the Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination. For more information, see Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Student Affairs & Higher Education, Graduate Program Information .