Opportunities in Counseling and Development

Many experiences are available to round out personal growth and professional development throughout the period of study at Purdue. A few people may become too active but most students do not use fully the opportunities available to them. Students are encouraged to pursue active involvement with other students and the faculty. These experiences reinforce the development of professional competencies and the ongoing process of learning which must be continued after the program of studies is completed.

In academic areas, students can individualize their programs of study with projects focusing on such areas as research training, literature searches, field practice, project and grant planning, workshop programming, and volunteer experience with particular populations. A research training program was initiated in 1987 to encourage the scientist emphasis of the scientist-practitioner model. In this training program students participate in student-faculty teams. Various levels of participation are available, ranging from observer to experimenter, but all are designed to foster scientific and critical thinking of students and faculty.

Each program cohort also elects a student representative to attend faculty meetings once a month. The student rep system provides a mechanism for student-faculty communication.

Prior to the beginning of the school year in August, orientation is held for incoming master's and doctoral students. These programs are designed to provide essential information, establish a sense of community, and get new students off on the right foot.

Students can extend their professional identities by becoming student members of appropriate professional or scientific associations. Both the American Counseling Association and the American Psychological Association have divisions targeted to special interests. Participation in professional meetings, conferences and annual conventions at the state, regional and national levels provides valuable opportunities. Attending and presenting programs at these meetings are exciting involvements. Completing the National Counseling Examination (NCE) prior to graduation is encouraged to establish professional credentials.