American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

Niles, S.G., and Harris-Bowlsbey, J.  (2004). Career Development Interventions in the 21st Century. (2nd ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

All graduate students should be prepared to utilize the UMUC online library at http://www.umuc.edu/library/.  The library contains a large number of full text academic journals that are free of charge and immediately available.  The library homepage also contains a number of links related to improving students’ research and writing skills.

Two standardized assessment instruments that students can
take online and that are reflective of what they may encounter in a school or testing center will be available for credit card payment, costing under $30.  These are:
1. The Campbell Interest and Skill Survey (CISS), a Campbell Development Survey from Pearson Assessments http://www.pearsonassessments.com/tests/ciss.htm; and
2. The Self-Directed Search by Dr. John Holland http://www.self-directed-search.com/payment.html.

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of career development as it impacts on individuals throughout the life span. A basic assumption of the course is that understanding the adjustment of individuals is highly dependent upon understanding the choices they have made throughout their lives. Emphasis is placed on career and vocational choice theories, counseling delivery systems, career information, and social and psychological factors in career decision-making. Formal and informal occupational classification systems are covered. A great deal of emphasis is placed on practical applications of career theory to individual counseling, group guidance, job search and placement, and career adjustment. As this course replaces GUCO 508, students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GUCO 608, GUCO 508 or EDCP 611.

The course focuses on theory and the development of skills needed to offer career counseling. The class examines the developmental and longitudinal changes people experience in a life span. Information is provided on service delivery models, application of counseling skills, and discussion of key professional issues. The course provides opportunities for students to administer, score, and interpret select career assessment instruments.

• Understand, compare, and contrast the different theories of career development through their own life and through the journey of others.
• Understand and apply the process of assessment to their own career development.
• Understand cultural and cross-cultural issues related to career development and career counseling.
• Identify resource information systems for career guidance and counseling which will include on-line computer resources.
• Develop appropriate entry-level skills and strategies to assist individuals in educational, occupational, and career decision making.
• Develop appropriate entry-level competencies in acquiring, evaluating, and programming for the dissemination of career information.
• Understand the role of current research that refines, and updates theories of career development.
• Develop an enhanced self-awareness of personal strengths, interests, and abilities.
• Be familiar with legal and ethical issues in career counseling.

Grades for this course will be assigned as follows:

   A    90 - 100%
   B    80 – 89%
   C    70 – 79%
   F    69% and Below

Please note that Bowie State University does not use "D" for graduate students. The grade "F" is used to designate academic failure. "FN" is used to designate failure for non-completion.  Grades of Incomplete or Withdrawal are governed by UMUC-Europe policies. For further details, please refer to the UMUC-Europe Graduate Catalog, available in your local Education Center or online at http://www.ed.umuc.edu/general_info/publications/catalogs.

Graduate school at the masters level focuses on helping students obtain the education needed for success as professionals in their chosen fields. Thus, UMUC-Europe Graduate Programs and Bowie State University share the common goals of promoting excellence in academic scholarship through thoughtful inquiry and the skillful application of knowledge and theory for the betterment of society.

In order to maximize your graduate educational experience in general and this course in particular, you are required to:

Participate in classroom discussions and activities.................. 20%

Write a graduate level case study using online career assessments.....20%

Present a critical analysis of web resources..........................20%

Complete a midterm and final written examination......................40%

Successful graduate students in American universities dedicate approximately three hours of preparation/study time for every hour spent in the onsite classroom. Thus, the following course requirements were developed on the assumption that students would be prepared to spend approximately 150 hours of their own time working on them. In an eight-week term, that is the equivalent of a half-time job. Most twelve-week graduate distance education courses require at least eleven hours per week of dedicated time, plus time spent in the virtual classroom.

Participate in classroom discussions: You are expected to regularly participate in our virtual class. You are further expected to engage in all discussions in a professional and informed manner.

Write graduate level papers or case studies: You are required to conduct professional-level research, including appropriately citing works of others and avoiding plagiarism. Resubmission of coursework from previous classes (whether or not taken at UMUC, UMUC-Europe or BSU), partially or in its entirety, is not acceptable in this course and will result in an automatic failure on the assignment. APA style is mandatory for all graduate counseling course work. Plan on committing approximately 150 hours over the duration of this course to producing professional level work.

Orally/visually present prepared material: You are required to present your research in a professional manner. In an onsite course, this typically means an oral presentation accompanied by appropriate visual material. In an online class, this means creating a visual/textual presentation for your instructor and classmates.

Complete two written examinations: The examination process in this class will assist you in developing the writing and critical thinking skills necessary for successfully passing the comprehensive exam required of all graduate students. The questions used in this course will either be taken directly from past comprehensive exams or written as though to be included on a comprehensive exam.