MA in Psychology and CounselingSexual Orientation ConcentrationThe low-residency MA P&C Program offers a unique concentration in sexual orientation. As recognition of society’s need for counselors and other mental health professionals who have a specialized knowledge of the issues of sexual orientation, in 2000 the P&C program developed a special concentration as an option for students. The Sexual Orientation Concentration also informs the entire program’s curriculum and community through support for all students in their learning and cultural competency. Interested students are welcome to contact the Concentration Coordinator or their Academic Advisor to explore their interest.
Students who elect to fulfill the requirements of this concentration must also complete the requirements for the MA P&C Program. Participation in this concentration does not necessarily affect the amount of time needed to complete the program, although students may opt for an additional semester(s) to complete the program and concentration requirements. PurposeThe purpose of the Concentration in Sexual Orientation is to better prepare students to research and analyze issues pertaining to sexual orientation, and to work on them in clinical settings. The concentration addresses the expanding need for specialized education in the principles and concepts related to all sexual orientations and identities and offers training in the counseling skills related to such issues.
The Sexual Orientation Concentration is influenced by and adheres to professional resolutions, competencies, and guidelines of the ACA and APA. These include:
Invitation to InnovationAlthough the current movement to understand sexual orientation has been influenced by gay and lesbian studies, gender studies, and feminism, the Goddard concentration has been designed to encompass the broadest scope of sexuality. Sexual orientation is viewed through the lenses of race, class, culture, ability, age, and gender. Heterosexuality and bisexuality, as well as the perspectives of people who identify as Trans, intersexed, celibate or asexual, androgynous, and queer are integral parts of the concentration’s respectful inclusiveness. Attention to the issues relevant to the sexual orientation of all people, including the influences of oppressive traditions, help students in the concentration to study and work on the cutting edges of these emerging intellectual fields.
The Sexual Orientation Concentration also serves as a method for indicating that the MA in Psychology and Counseling Program is a safe learning environment for students of all orientations and identities who are interested in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender, sexual orientation, and sexuality studies. Students are always welcome to participate in any aspect of the Concentration even if they ultimately decide not to fulfill the requirements. Each student’s concentration work will be organized around core perspectives that inform the understanding of sexual orientation. Sexual Orientation Concentration Requirements:
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