Sexual Orientation Concentration - Core Courses

Each student’s work in the low residency Masters in Psychology and Counseling Sexual Orientation Concentration is organized around core perspectives that inform an understanding of sexual orientation. Four Core Courses promote a wide range of explorations designed to provide a fundamental understanding of sexual orientation from various perspectives of human experience. These become the foundation from which students build their own individualized studies within the concentration, tailored to explore the questions, issues, and populations of primary interest to them. The concentration also requires the completion of five related area courses. Students may design their own related area courses specific to the focus of their study within the concentration.

All courses, if successfully completed, earn three credits.

Constructs of Sexual Orientation

An examination of the historical, philosophical, and political foundations and ramifications of concepts such as gender, sex, and love. Courses such as The History of Sexual Orientations; Feminism, Power, and Sex; and Philosophies of Sexual Orientations would fulfill the requirement.

Etiologies of Sexual Orientations

An exploration of biological and social influences on sexual orientations across the lifespan. Courses like Development and Sexual Orientation, Youth and Identity, and Aging and Sexual Orientation would meet this requirement.

Cultural Contexts of Sexual Orientations

A review of the impact of cultural opportunities and pressures on the development and expression of sexual orientations. Courses such as Culture and Orientation, Androgyny and Feminism, and Post-structuralist Sexuality would fulfill this requirement.

Applied Issues in Sexual Orientation Counseling

An overview of clinical issues relevant to practice, research, and consulting. Courses like Polyamory and Group Therapy, Coming-out and Psychological Health, Challenging Family Structures, and Sexual Dysfunctions would meet this requirement.

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