Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Slippery Rock University

Counseling & Development

Contact Info
ChairSecretaryLocationDepartment Phone
Dr. Molly MistrettaAnnamarie Phillips114 Carruth-Rizza Hall724-738-2035

Department Web Site URL

The Rock Difference

The Department of Counseling and Development provides undergraduate coursework that focuses of human development, knowledge and skills for helping professionals, and mental health studies.  Department offerings include master’s programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Student Affairs in Higher Education, College Counseling, and School Counseling. Our students are prepared according to professionally accepted standards and, where appropriate, for licensure/certification in their field of study.

The Student Counseling Center is also part of the Department of Counseling and Development. For information regarding the Student Counseling Center see the Student Counseling Center link.

Faculty

Thomas Crissman
Instructor
Counseling & Development
B.S., Clarion University
M.A., Slippery Rock University

Christopher Cubero
Associate Professor
Counseling & Development
Ph.D., East Carolina University
M.S., East Carolina University
B.S., Penn State University

Jennifer Culver
Assistant Professor
Counseling & Development
Ph.D., University of Missouri
M.A., Indiana Wesleyan University
B.A., The College of Wooster

Rachel DeMaria
Instructor
Counseling & Development
B.S., Slippery Rock University
M.A., Slippery Rock University

Natalie Drozda
Assistant Professor
Counseling & Development
Ph.D., Duquesne University
M.A., Slippery Rock University
B.A., University of Illinois

Aaron George
Instructor
Counseling & Development
B.S., University of the Pacific
M.A., University of the Pacific

Jane Hale
Associate Professor
Counseling & Development
Ph.D., Duquesne University
M.S., Youngstown State University
B.A., Westminster College

John Mathe
Assistant Professor
Counseling & Development
Ph.D., Duquesne University
M.A., Slippery Rock University
B.S., Robert Morris University

Justin McDonald
Instructor
Counseling & Development
B.A., Messiah College
M.A., Indiana University of PA

Kenneth Messina
Associate Professor
Counseling & Development
Ph.D., Duquesne University
M.A., Slippery Rock University of PA
B.A., Waynesburg College

Molly Mistretta
Assistant Professor
Counseling & Development
Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh
M.S., Indiana University
B.A., Westminster College

Melissa Nard-Mitchell
Associate Professor
Counseling & Development
D.Psy., Nova Southeastern University
M.S., Nova Southeastern University
B.A., Washington and Jefferson College

Jodi Sindlinger
Assistant Professor
Counseling & Development
Ph.D., Duquesne University
M.A., Slippery Rock University of PA
B.A., Pennsylvania State University

Courses

CDEV 139 -  Foundations of Academic Discovery  

Foundations of Academic Discovery serves as the entry point to the Rock Integrated Studies Program. With its strong faculty-student interaction, the course promotes intellectual inquiry, critical and creative thinking, and academic excellence. Through varied content, the course introduces students to academic discourse and information literacy while exploring topics such as diversity and inclusion and global awareness. This course will set students along the path to becoming engaged with issues and scholarship important to a 21st century education while they learn about themselves and their place in the world.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Freshman 1 or Freshman 2.
Enrollment limited to students with the ROCK STUDIES 2 STUDENT or ROCK STUDIES STUDENT attributes.

CDEV 190 -  Experimental  

A unique and specifically focused course within the general purview of a department which intends to offer it on a "one time only" basis and not as a permanent part of the department's curriculum.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

CDEV 195 -  Workshop  

A workshop is a program which is usually of short duration, narrow in scope, often non-traditional in content and format, and on a timely topic.

Credits: 1-6

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

CDEV 198 -  Selected Topics  

A Selected Topics course is a normal, departmental offering which is directly related to the discipline, but because of its specialized nature, may not be able to be offered on a yearly basis by the department.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

CDEV 201 -  Interpersonal and Group Dynamics  

Interpersonal behavior in small groups, with attention to group structure, individual factors, communication, and techniques. Treatment of leadership, group pressures, the effect of the group on personality, and group aims.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

CDEV 248 -  Human Development and Education  

A study of the various stages of physical, intellectual, and emotional development, from pre-school age through adolescence, with reference to the effects upon the learning and educational process.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall & Spring Terms

Thematic Thread(s): Citizenship & Social Problems, Cultural Literacy & Community Building, Conservation, Technology & Imagination, Transfer Thread Completion Course

CDEV 249 -  Child Development  

A study of the various stages of development from conception to adolescence. Attention is directed to the physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of the child.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

CDEV 250 -  Adolescent Psychology  

A study of the physical, mental and emotional development during the changes from childhood and the influence on attitudes and behavior of the age group in relation to the theories. Psychological principles are applied to the problems of family, community and school adjustment, as well as to the development of the persons.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

CDEV 251 -  Mental Health in America  

What is mental health? How does American society view mental illness? What systems are there to support people who struggle with mental health concerns? Do these systems work? How and why does someone get diagnosed? This course will explore all these questions and more as students will explore mental health in the context of American society past and present with implications for the future. Current issues and trends in mental health and wellness will be explored including the current mental health system in America, advocacy for mental health issues and treatment, stigma in society related to mental health, how issues of diversity impact mental health and treatment, and how the topic of mental health impacts individuals and society.

Credits: 3

Thematic Thread(s): Citizenship & Social Problems, Institutions & Human Innovations, Transfer Thread Completion Course, United Stated in Global Context

CDEV 290 -  Experimental  

A unique and specifically focused course within the general purview of a department which intends to offer it on a "one time only" basis and not as a permanent part of the department's curriculum.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

CDEV 295 -  Workshop  

A workshop is a program which is usually of short duration, narrow in scope, often non-traditional in content and format, and on a timely topic.

Credits: 1-6

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

CDEV 298 -  Selected Topics  

A Selected Topics course is a normal, departmental offering which is directly related to the discipline, but because of its specialized nature, may not be able to be offered on a yearly basis by the department.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

CDEV 390 -  Experimental  

A unique and specifically focused course within the general purview of a department which intends to offer it on a "one time only" basis and not as a permanent part of the department's curriculum.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CDEV 395 -  Undergraduate Workshops  

Special topics of interest to undergraduates and selected community members. A workshop is a program which is usually of short duration, narrow in scope, often non-traditional in content and format, and on a timely topic.

Credits: 1-6

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CDEV 398 -  Selected Topics  

A Selected Topics course is a normal, departmental offering which is directly related to the discipline, but because of its specialized nature, may not be able to be offered on a yearly basis by the department.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CDEV 490 -  Independent Study  

A program of independent work con-ducted by a student who has demonstrated academic proficiency. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor, advisor, departmental chairperson, and dean of the college where the study will be conducted. Independent Study courses give students the opportunity to pursue research and/or studies that are not part of the university's traditional course offerings.Students work one on one or in small groups with faculty guidance and are typically required to submit a final paper or project as determined by the supervising professor.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CDEV 495 -  Workshop  

A workshop is a program which is usually of short duration, narrow in scope, often non-traditional in content and format, and on a timely topic.

Credits: 1-6

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CDEV 498 -  Selected Topics  

A Selected Topics course is a normal, departmental offering which is directly related to the discipline, but because of its specialized nature, may not be able to be offered on a yearly basis by the department.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.