MA in Psychology and CounselingRequired CoursesThe following course descriptions for the low residency Masters in Psychology and Counseling Program are meant to define the foundational minimum each student will acquire in the required study areas. In addition to this foundation, each student will bring to each course issues of their own interests and passions.
All courses, if successfully completed, earn three credits.
History and Systems of Psychotherapy, PSY 500 Learners examine the evolution of the field with an emphasis on how theory and practice change over time. Emphasis is on psychotherapy as a fluid combination of art and science, subject to frequent revisions. Mental health delivery systems, their evolution and operation, are surveyed with a focus on ideal compared with actual services.
Ethics and Professional Development, PSY 510 This course examines legal and ethical issues related to the privileged relationship between the counseling professional and the client, as well as issues for researchers. Learners are required to gain competency in the general legislation regarding licensing and the practice of psychology and counseling. Learners will become acquainted with professional codes of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Counseling Association (ACA). Learners will know the difference between mandatory ethics and aspirational ethics, which will ultimately assist them to operate out of the highest level of professional functioning, as therapists, researchers, and citizens.
Human Development, PSY 600 Learners survey theories of human development, on which the practice of psychology is based, with a historical and critical perspective. In addition, the learner also has the opportunity to focus on a particular theory of choice.
Social Bases of Behavior, PSY 610 Learners examine social forces as they influence individual, family, and group dynamics. Studies focus on a range of social norms and institutions, and the ramifications these have for psychological functioning (e.g., economic opportunity, impact of racial stereotypes, heterosexist norms, idealized body types, etc.).
Cognition and Learning, PSY 620 Learners gain knowledge of current concepts, theories, and research on information processing in humans, including: perception, attention, memory, decision-making, skill proficiency development, and language acquisition.
Biological Bases of Behavior, PSY 630 Learners examine a broad overview of the biology of behavior. Neurophysiology, neurochemistry, and hormonal influences are explored as contributors to a wide range of behaviors, including learning and memory, emotions, and specific disorders. Treatment implications are reviewed.
Psychopathology, PSY 700 Learners gain a basic understanding of mental disorders and the multiaxial approach to evaluation and assessment. In learning the classification of mental disorders, the learner gains understanding of diagnoses in terms of treatment and management decisions in varied settings. Learners understand the meanings of diagnostic validity and are able to clearly define diagnostic terms used in psychopathology.
Counseling Theory and Practice, PSY 710 Learners survey current theories of psychotherapy and counseling, within a critical framework. In addition, the theory(ies) are applied to client work. Techniques and interventions within the theory are described and applied. The intention of this course is to help the learner become a more reflective, effective, and critical practitioner of counseling and psychotherapy.
Assessment and Evaluation, PSY 720 Learners gain knowledge of theories and measures of intellectual, personality, academic, and organizational functioning. Learners obtain a basic understanding of the evaluation processes and the measures used to assess the abilities of adults and children. Learners understand the concepts of validity and reliability, as they relate to measures used.
Research Methods, PSY 730 Learners gain knowledge of basic research concepts, including the natures of, and differences between, quantitative and qualitative methods. Learners create research proposals and reports using current professional standards, including a literature review. Learners review ethical principles relevant to research in the social sciences.
Cultural Competency, PSY 740 Learners explore cross-cultural traditions, mores and values, with emphasis on understanding effective counseling approaches among different identity groups. Learners increase their awareness of their own complex identity and their identity development. Learners gain knowledge about a board range of racial/ethnic groups, as well as other groups (e.g., sexual orientation, disability, etc.), for the purpose of making cross-cultural comparisons of clients’ adaptive strengths within their social groups and communities. Learners acquire skills needed to therapeutically interact with clients of diverse backgrounds.
Student-Initiated Elective Courses, PSY 800 To complete their programs, students will work with their Academic Advisor and Course Mentors to create elective courses that serve their personal interests and professional goals. Course descriptions are to be created as part of the course contract process and should appear on the course contract.
Supervised Practicum or Internship Elective, PSY 810 This course adds an academic context to the supervised practicum or internship experience. Students work at least 10 hours per week in supervised clinical service, per standard internship requirements. In addition to the other requirements of the internship site and the internship policies of the Psychology & Counseling Program, the student’s Course Mentor will evaluate products created, which reflect learning in the context of the internship. Such products will be negotiated and described in the course contract. Such products may include essays and anonymous case studies, as appropriate.
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