Atlanta Campus Catalog 2011-2012 - Mercer University

Capstone ProjectDuring the candidate’s first semester of study, the candidate will identify a particularpathway that he or she wishes to take in his or her school counseling career. This couldinclude, but is not limited to, one of the following:• Professional School Counseling in the P-12 Schools• Supervisory roles within the P-12 Schools• Supervisory roles at the district, state, or national level• Post secondary advisement or counselingIn addition, the candidate will complete an internship in the chosen career path whichwill inform a portion of the capstone project. This field experience is part of the requirementsfor the practice of advocacy, professional development, and research in SchoolCounseling. During the Seminar in Current Trends in School Counseling, the candidatewill complete the written portion of the project, which is the written portion of the comprehensiveexamination. The defense of comprehensive examination will be presented orallyto the counseling faculty and the candidate will be assessed both on the quality of thewriting and the oral defense.Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Counselor Education andSupervisionThe Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree complements other graduate degree programsat Mercer University and is consistent with the mission and goals of the College ofContinuing and Professional Studies. The mission of the College of Continuing andProfessional Studies is to offer undergraduate and graduate academic programs and lifelonglearning opportunities for adults who seek leadership roles in their communities andbeyond, professional transition and advancement, and lives that have meaning and purpose.The College also contributes to the quality of education provided to studentsenrolled in other academic units by offering general education and elective courses at theRegional Academic Centers and on the Macon and Atlanta campuses.This mission is based upon a fundamental belief in the diversity, dignity, and inherentworth of all human beings and in the central role education plays in a democratic society.The Counseling faculty actively supports the College of Continuing and ProfessionalStudies’ commitment to quality instruction and community service.Goals of the Ph.D. Program in Counselor Education and SupervisionThe Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision prepares professionals as practitioners,consultants, counselor educators, supervisors, and researchers. More specifically,graduates of the doctorate program in Counselor Education and Supervision will beable to demonstrate:1. Advanced expertise in the application of theories and conceptual models to counseloreducation, supervision, practice, and research;2. The ability to conduct research that advances the field of counseling;3. The ability to evaluate the influences of ethical, social, political, demographic, andeconomic issues on mental health care and counseling;4. The ability to assume leadership roles in education, supervision, training, practice,and research to improve mental health care and counseling.258 / MERCER UNIVERSITY