The mission of the Department of Counseling and Special Education is to develop professional counselors, intervention specialists, and related helping professionals. We seek to produce graduates who are sensitive to the impacts of human development, culture, and context upon students and consumers of education and counseling services. Graduates are caring and compassionate teachers, counselors and professionals; who are self-reflective; who promote opportunity and social justice for the impoverished urban and rural populations; and, who are committed to empowering individuals to thrive, and to achieve their fullest potential.