Master of Science in Psychology (MSPsy)

Foundations of Counseling examines the philosophic bases of clinical psychology and the helping relationship focusing on the foundational concepts necessary for working with individuals, groups, and families. Attention is given to the development of professional identity and client relationships. (Credits: 3)

Examines the importance of understanding cultural and ethnic attributes and the dynamics these attributes have on the clinical relationship. Attention is given to gender roles, ethnic groups, subcultures, urban and rural societies, cultural mores, and differing family life patterns. (Credits: 3)

The course aims to equip the entry-level clinician with an understanding of the variety of ethical dilemmas faced in clinical psychology. Students will learn an ethical paradigm with which effective counseling can be practiced. Students will study legal precedents that have been established in the clinical field. This course will stimulate students’ self-awareness of personal, values, and multicultural issues concerning ethical decision making. Prerequisites: None Credits: 3

Provides an overview of developmental psychology from a life-span perspective. Topics include: basic concepts and theories of human development; research methodology and issues in the study of developmental change; biological, environmental and social influences on development; processes of physical development over the life-span; attachment and emotional development; development of personality and social relationships and psychopathology from a developmental perspective. Prerequisites: None Credits: 3

Focuses primarily on Axis I disorders, including unipolar and bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders and anxiety disorders and examines the intersection between Axis I and Axis II disorders. The course emphasizes diagnostic and therapeutic issues at an applied level through research finding, case analyses and clinical material from real cases. (Credits: 3)

Provides students with the didactic foundation and practical experience to develop basic clinical skills that are vital for clinical interviewing and psychotherapy. Relevant theory and research will be reviewed that will help students learn how to (a) empathically listen to clients' concerns, (b) conduct a thorough clinical interview, and (c) describe and implement a range of core interventions to ameliorate clients' presenting problems. Specific clinical skills will be discussed, applied, and practiced throughout the semester. Special emphasis will also be given to learning how to work with clients of diverse backgrounds. Additionally, speciality interviews such as the Mental Status Examination, crisis intervention, and Motivational Interviewing will be studied. (Credits: 3)

Gives the student "hands-on", practical training in the process of clinical assessment in the mental health profession. It will include an introduction to the science and art of clinical assessment as a foundation for the actual practice of assessment in a clinical setting. The focus will be on the use of assessment techniques, such as interviewing and psychological testing, in a professionally and ethically responsible manner. The course includes an experiential component in which the student will develop beginning skills in the use of clinical assessment techniques. As a graduate level course in clinical assessment, it is assumed that the student is familiar with various conditions of psychological disorders to be assessed and has mastered the content of a graduate level course in psychopathology. (Credits: 3). Prerequisite: MSPsy520 or permission of the instructor.

This first course in cognitive-behavioral approaches to clinical psychology focuses upon Behavior Therapy. Students will discuss learning theory and develop skills in the basic techniques of assessment and therapy using applied behavior analysis (ABA) for contingency management and the skills of relaxation training and imagery enhancement as part of systematic desensitization procedures and the varieties of exposure therapy. (Credits: 3)

In this second course of the cognitive behavioral sequence, students learn cognitive restructuring based theories and techniques of Ellis' Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy and Beck's Cognitive Therapy. In this second year course, students will have supervised practical in the HAUniv. counseling center where they will work with clients from the HAUniv and/or local communities and apply their skills in cognitive behavioral therapy. (Credits: 3). Prerequisite: MSPsy524.

An overview of etiological and treatment issues regarding substance abuse with an emphasis on alcohol abuse. Different models available to understand and treat substance abuse. Students will learn to conceptualize substance abuse from differing theoretical perspectives and then integrate these models into a biopsychosocial approach to understanding and treating abuse and addiction. Primary skills will focus upon assessment and diagnosis of these disorders followed by working with the problems of personal denial and resistance, as well as the family and/occupational difficulties that often accompany these problems. Additional topics will include motivational interviewing, treatment planning, and community sources of support. (Credits: 3)

This foundation course covers topics such as exploratory data analysis, sampling and probability theory, statistical inference for hypothesis testing for one and two samples, ANOVA, correlation and power. (Credits: 3)

The third course of the cognitive behavioral sequence focuses upon "third wave" approaches to therapy such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness Meditation. Clinical Psychology students continue with supervised practical in the HAUniv counseling center working with clients from the HAUniv and/or local communities. (Credits: 3). Prerequisite: MSPsy525.

Provides an overview of the theory and practice of family counseling/therapy since its inception. Major systemic theoretical orientations will be explored with a clear emphasis on the cognitive behavioral perspective. An emphasis will be placed on the area of application of family theory to practice through use of videotapes and family treatment planning and simulated clinical sessions. Students will increase skills in critical thinking of assigned reading and self-awareness of the influences in adult life of family-of origin dynamics. Behavioral couples therapy, applied behavior analysis and problem solving models will be practiced in class and applied, when appropriate, during practicum experiences. (Credits: 3)

An applied course in group dynamics, group counseling, and group counseling and group psychotherapeutic principles and techniques that focus on student participation in various types of group experiences, student understanding of the objectives, rationale, and underlying theory of alternative group models. This course will also review group counseling and therapy issues related to addictive behaviors. (Credits: 3)

Provides students with knowledge and skills concerning Psychotraumatology. Examines Psychological First, Second and Third Aid. Focuses on Therapies recognized by the World Health Organization as well as other evidenced based treatments for Traumatic Stress and PTSD and other mental health disorders. Focusing on Trauma Focused CBT and EMDR Therapy as evidence- based choices for treating trauma. Attention is given to the development of professional and clinical skills. Prerequisites: MSPSY520, MSPSY524, MSPSY525. Credits: 3

This course will provide MSPSY students the unique opportunity to get acquainted with the field of Psychosexual Therapy and explore ways to work with adult clients who present with psychosexual concerns and dysfunctions. The course will integrate theory and practice in line with the most recent research developments and will enhance the skills of the emerging therapists of the MSPSY program, by amplifying their knowledge thus making them more competitive as future professionals. Prerequisites: None, Credits: 3

In this survey course students will learn the basic methodology of empirical research. Topics include types of variables and research design, procedures, instrumentation and other forms of data collection. Methods applied to program evaluation will be discussed. Masters' candidates are expected to generate properly written research proposals, according to American Psychological Association standards, which will result in an actual study as the basis for a final thesis project. (Credits: 3). Prerequisite: MSPsy540.

Following the successful completion of PSY 541, masters' candidates will carry out research projects based upon the proposal generated in that class. Data are to be collected and analyzed using proper methods. To successfully complete the course, the masters’ candidate will present a fully written publication manuscript, containing all article sections, as specified by the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. When this work is found satisfactory to the faculty of the MSPsy program then the candidate is acknowledged to have completed this graduation requirement. (Credits: 3). Prerequisite: MSPsy541.

Clinical Psychology candidates are required to participate in an internship for a minimum of 600 hours of supervised counseling practice in an agency or similar community based setting. This seminar will accompany the internship placement where professional issues such as topics of institutional change, structure, supervision, etc. may be addressed. Under the guidance of the clinical site supervisor, the candidate will apply clinical theory to practice and use appropriate clinical techniques. Candidates are expected to follow APA ethical guidelines. Typically students will serve as interns for a minimum of 9-12 months to acquire sufficient time to fulfill this internship requirement. This requirement will be completed by taking MSPsy551 in sequence following the completion of this course. All placements are to be approved by the director of the Clinical Psychology program. (Credits: 6). Prerequisites: All foundation and core requirements and permission of the program director.

Foundations of Counseling examines the philosophic bases of clinical psychology and the helping relationship focusing on the foundational concepts necessary for working with individuals, groups, and families. Attention is given to the development of professional identity and client relationships. (Credits: 3)

Examines the importance of understanding cultural and ethnic attributes and the dynamics these attributes have on the clinical relationship. Attention is given to gender roles, ethnic groups, subcultures, urban and rural societies, cultural mores, and differing family life patterns. (Credits: 3)

The course aims to equip the entry-level counselor with an understanding of the variety of ethical dilemmas faced in counseling. Students explore the issues and dilemmas inherent in ethical clinical practice and will discuss the parameters of what makes an ethical practitioner. Legal and other professional subjects will be additionally discussed. Finally, this course aims at stimulating students’ self-awareness on issues of diversity through the discussion of personal and cultural values and their role in ethical decision-making. Prerequisites: None Credits: 3

Provides an overview of developmental psychology from a life-span perspective. Topics include: basic concepts and theories of human development; research methodology and issues in the study of developmental change; biological, environmental and social influences on development; processes of physical development over the life-span; attachment and emotional development; development of personality and social relationships and psychopathology from a developmental perspective. Prerequisites: None Credits: 3

Focuses primarily on Axis I disorders, including unipolar and bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders and anxiety disorders and examines the intersection between Axis I and Axis II disorders. The course emphasizes diagnostic and therapeutic issues at an applied level through research finding, case analyses and clinical material from real cases. (Credits: 3)

Provides students with the didactic foundation and practical experience to develop basic clinical skills that are vital for clinical interviewing and psychotherapy. Relevant theory and research will be reviewed that will help students learn how to (a) empathically listen to clients' concerns, (b) conduct a thorough clinical interview, and (c) describe and implement a range of core interventions to ameliorate clients' presenting problems. Specific clinical skills will be discussed, applied, and practiced throughout the semester. Special emphasis will also be given to learning how to work with clients of diverse backgrounds. Additionally, speciality interviews such as the Mental Status Examination, crisis intervention, and Motivational Interviewing will be studied. (Credits: 3)

Gives the student "hands-on", practical training in the process of clinical assessment in the mental health profession. It will include an introduction to the science and art of clinical assessment as a foundation for the actual practice of assessment in a clinical setting. The focus will be on the use of assessment techniques, such as interviewing and psychological testing, in a professionally and ethically responsible manner. The course includes an experiential component in which the student will develop beginning skills in the use of clinical assessment techniques. As a graduate level course in clinical assessment, it is assumed that the student is familiar with various conditions of psychological disorders to be assessed and has mastered the content of a graduate level course in psychopathology. (Credits: 3). Prerequisite: MSPsy520 or permission of the instructor.

This first course in cognitive-behavioral approaches to clinical psychology focuses upon Behavior Therapy. Students will discuss learning theory and develop skills in the basic techniques of assessment and therapy using applied behavior analysis (ABA) for contingency management and the skills of relaxation training and imagery enhancement as part of systematic desensitization procedures and the varieties of exposure therapy. (Credits: 3)

In this second course of the cognitive behavioral sequence, students learn cognitive restructuring based theories and techniques of Ellis' Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy and Beck's Cognitive Therapy. In this second year course, students will have supervised practical in the HAUniv. counseling center where they will work with clients from the HAUniv and/or local communities and apply their skills in cognitive behavioral therapy. (Credits: 3). Prerequisite: MSPsy524.

An overview of etiological and treatment issues regarding substance abuse with an emphasis on alcohol abuse. Different models available to understand and treat substance abuse. Students will learn to conceptualize substance abuse from differing theoretical perspectives and then integrate these models into a biopsychosocial approach to understanding and treating abuse and addiction. Primary skills will focus upon assessment and diagnosis of these disorders followed by working with the problems of personal denial and resistance, as well as the family and/occupational difficulties that often accompany these problems. Additional topics will include motivational interviewing, treatment planning, and community sources of support. (Credits: 3)

This foundation course covers topics such as exploratory data analysis, sampling and probability theory, statistical inference for hypothesis testing for one and two samples, ANOVA, correlation and power. (Credits: 3)

The third course of the cognitive behavioral sequence focuses upon "third wave" approaches to therapy such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness Meditation. Clinical Psychology students continue with supervised practical in the HAUniv counseling center working with clients from the HAUniv and/or local communities. (Credits: 3). Prerequisite: MSPsy525.

Provides an overview of the theory and practice of family counseling/therapy since its inception. Major systemic theoretical orientations will be explored with a clear emphasis on the cognitive behavioral perspective. An emphasis will be placed on the area of application of family theory to practice through use of videotapes and family treatment planning and simulated clinical sessions. Students will increase skills in critical thinking of assigned reading and self-awareness of the influences in adult life of family-of origin dynamics. Behavioral couples therapy, applied behavior analysis and problem solving models will be practiced in class and applied, when appropriate, during practicum experiences. (Credits: 3)

An applied course in group dynamics, group counseling, and group counseling and group psychotherapeutic principles and techniques that focus on student participation in various types of group experiences, student understanding of the objectives, rationale, and underlying theory of alternative group models. This course will also review group counseling and therapy issues related to addictive behaviors. (Credits: 3)

Provides students with knowledge and skills concerning Psychotraumatology. Examines Psychological First, Second and Third Aid. Focuses on Therapies recognized by the World Health Organization as well as other evidenced based treatments for Traumatic Stress and PTSD and other mental health disorders. Focusing on Trauma Focused CBT and EMDR Therapy as evidence- based choices for treating trauma. Attention is given to the development of professional and clinical skills. Prerequisites: MSPSY520, MSPSY524, MSPSY525. Credits: 3

This course will provide MSPSY students the unique opportunity to get acquainted with the field of Psychosexual Therapy and explore ways to work with adult clients who present with psychosexual concerns and dysfunctions. The course will integrate theory and practice in line with the most recent research developments and will enhance the skills of the emerging therapists of the MSPSY program, by amplifying their knowledge thus making them more competitive as future professionals. Prerequisites: None, Credits: 3

In this survey course students will learn the basic methodology of empirical research. Topics include types of variables and research design, procedures, instrumentation and other forms of data collection. Methods applied to program evaluation will be discussed. Masters' candidates are expected to generate properly written research proposals, according to American Psychological Association standards, which will result in an actual study as the basis for a final thesis project. (Credits: 3). Prerequisite: MSPsy540.

Following the successful completion of PSY 541, masters' candidates will carry out research projects based upon the proposal generated in that class. Data are to be collected and analyzed using proper methods. To successfully complete the course, the masters’ candidate will present a fully written publication manuscript, containing all article sections, as specified by the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. When this work is found satisfactory to the faculty of the MSPsy program then the candidate is acknowledged to have completed this graduation requirement. (Credits: 3). Prerequisite: MSPsy541.

Clinical Psychology candidates are required to participate in an internship for a minimum of 600 hours of supervised counseling practice in an agency or similar community based setting. This seminar will accompany the internship placement where professional issues such as topics of institutional change, structure, supervision, etc. may be addressed. Under the guidance of the clinical site supervisor, the candidate will apply clinical theory to practice and use appropriate clinical techniques. Candidates are expected to follow APA ethical guidelines. Typically students will serve as interns for a minimum of 9-12 months to acquire sufficient time to fulfill this internship requirement. This requirement will be completed by taking MSPsy551 in sequence following the completion of this course. All placements are to be approved by the director of the Clinical Psychology program. (Credits: 12). Prerequisites: All foundation and core requirements and permission of the program director.