M.A. in Counseling Psychology

Course Descriptions - 500-600 Level

PSY 500-Abnormal Psychology
Summer/Fall
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the main forms of emotional disorder, with a special focus on description and analysis of the experiential world of the patient. The most important theoretical approaches to "mental illness" are compared and contrasted so that the student gains critical appreciation of the different insights provided by the various approaches.
3 credits

PSY 501-Psychology of Personality: Theory and Research
Summer/Fall
Analysis of a variety of theoretical formulations or perspectives that attempt to articulate "personality" phenomena. Work is focused on the logical structure of personality concepts and the relationship of these concepts to actual human phenomena. The positive contributions and the limitations inherent in various theoretical perspectives are treated in this course.
3 credits

PSY 502-Psychology of Development
Fall/Spring
An examination of human growth and development during infancy through adolescence. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between theory, research, and application of knowledge in child development through a consideration of different theoretical perspectives (psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive-developmental), current research on selected topics (e.g. prenatal influences, perceptual and cognitive development, cross-cultural differences in child rearing), and intervention programs designed to stimulate cognitive and social development in infants and young children.
3 credits

PSY 504-Psychological Measurement
Fall/Spring
An introduction to the instruments and the methods used in the measurement and evaluation of the psychological characteristics of human beings, including elementary principals of statistical analysis.
3 credits

PSY 600-Counseling (Principals and Practices)
Summer/Fall
Examines basic approaches, principals, and procedures of counseling. Students engage in some directed role playing of counseling techniques as well as prepare a class demonstration based on their personal integration of readings and practice. Research related to counseling as well as issues regarding the nature of the counseling relationship are considered. (PSY 500 and PSY 501 must be taken as prerequisites or concurrently.)
3 credits

PSY 604-Ethicial Principles for Counselors
Summer/Fall
The purpose of this course is to provide students with a working knowledge of ethical issues in mental health care practice. The course will consider the manner in which governing principles of health care ethics are articulated within the general values and specific prescriptions/proscriptions (legal and moral) which constitute current moral wisdom of the mental health professional. Ethical codes of the American Counseling Association, American Mental Health Counselors Association, and the American Psychological Association will be examined. Lectures, case analysis, class discussion of assigned readings, and written assignments will provide both the conceptual and practical tools for addressing the critical ethical issues which arise in your practice.
3 credits

PSY 627-Issues in Professional Practice
Spring/Summer
This course is designed to introduce the counseling psychology student to the varied facets of professional practice and development. It begins with an in-depth study of the Massachusetts' law on the Requirements for Licensure as a Mental Health Counselor covering topics from educational to pre-and post-masters supervised practice requirements. Other topics covered include the history and reasons behind professional regulation in the mental health profession, the licensing exam, job searching, specialization of practice, continued education and training, private practice considerations, and licensing laws in other states. A major emphasis is on helping the student explore professional identity issues by asking such questions as "What does it mean to be a counseling psychologist?" "What skills do I have and what role do I play as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team?" "What professional organizations should I belong to?" "Why?" "What is the difference between a profession and a job?" The core requirement for the course is a semester-long project that will be used as a class presentation.
3 credits

PSY 630-Cultural Competencies in Counseling
Spring
Competent mental health professionals must use culturally appropriate intervention strategies when working with a diverse clientele. The purpose of this course is to foster the development of multicultural competence in counseling practices. The course is designed to promote the awareness of cultural factors that can affect counseling practices, knowledge about various cultural backgrounds and experiences. Issues to be addressed in this course include prejudice, racism, oppression, and discrimination that affect individuals from various racial or ethnic groups, elders, individuals with disabilities, women, gay men, and lesbians.
Prerequisites: PSY 500, PSY 501, PSY 600
3 credits

PSY 650-Research Seminar
Spring/Summer
This course provides students with the conceptual tools necessary to design and critically evaluate research in the areas of psychology and counseling. Problems in methodology are explored through readings, discussion, and involvement in research.
Prerequisite: PSY 504.
3 credits

PSY 660-Special Topics Seminar in Counseling Psychology
TBA
This course is designed to provide students with contemporary topics and issues in psychotherapy. Topics will be chosen based on timeliness, interest, and relevance to current psychological practice. The course will allow students the opportunity to examine current issues with greater detail than would be possible in other course offerings.
Prerequisites: PSY 500, PSY 501, PSY 600.
3 credits