Marywood Home

Graduate Counseling/Psychology Home

Admission Requirements

Course Descriptions

Faculty

Program Outline

Reap College of Education and Human Development Home

Psychology/Counseling Course Descriptions

| Counseling | | Psychology |

Counseling Courses

504 Philosophical Foundations of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3)
Designed to provide the student with an understanding of the changing nature of counseling and psychotherapy throughout recent history. Specific attention directed toward an understanding of the philosophical and historical antecedents of contemporary professional practice.

505 Career Development (3)
Introduction to the field of career counseling through examination of the theories of career choice and their influence upon entry into the world of work. Includes an experiential laboratory for designing and implementing career programs, with emphasis on decision-making and problem-solving strategies and life-work planning.

506 Career Development II (3)
A study of occupational opportunities and job analyses through field work and conferences with representatives from business, industry and education. Occupational surveys are conducted, noting job requirements, nature of work, earnings, work environment, opportunities for advancement and trends. (Prerequisite: COUN 505.)

507 Principles and Practices of Mental Health Counseling (3)
This course explores the issues of mental health service delivery in a mental health setting. The course will focus on knowledge of the principles and practices of ethical standards and codes of the counseling profession, as well as the role and function of the mental health counselor within a community agency setting. Students will be exposed to current professional issues within the field of counseling and psychology.

518 Applied Practice I (3)
Designed to provide the student with an initial exposure to counseling. Small supervisory group study of counseling problems, principally through analysis of case
materials, taping and critiquing interviews, role playing and demonstration of strategies by faculty.

521 The Role of the Counselor Consultant in the Elementary School (3)
Provides the counselor-trainee with the necessary theoretical and perceptual background for counseling and consulting in an elementary school. Presentation of a variety of viewpoints concerning the role and function of the counselor-consultant.

523 Applied Practice in Elementary School Counseling II (3)
Emphasis directed toward theory, technique and practical application of learned skills. On-campus and field experience required. (Admission by permission of Chairperson.)

524A,B,C Internship in Elementary School Counseling (1.5, 1.5, 3)
Field work experience in an approved setting under the direction of the Counselor Education faculty and certified elementary school guidance personnel. (Admission by permission of Chairperson.) A total of 3 credits is required. See Departmental Handbook and advisor for registration options.

525 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3)
The study of contemporary individual and group counseling theory in view of recent research developments and current trends in counseling and psychotherapy. Emphasis upon the relationship between theory and practice. (Prerequisite: COUN 504 or equivalent.)

530 Ethics and Professional Conduct in Counseling and Psychotherapy (3)
This course is designed to examine the moral implications of professional clinical practice and to familiarize students with the history and development of professional ethics and standards and their legal implications in the areas of counseling and psychotherapy. Students will be introduced to moral, legal, and ethical issues and current debates on such topics as: privileged communication, confidentiality, rights of clients, civil commitment, licensure and mental health laws. Students will become familiar with ethical standards for counselors as formulated by state and national professional associations.

532 Multicultural Issues for Counseling Professionals (3)
This course explores the issues of mental health service delivery to culturally distinct clients. This course will focus on ethnicity, gender, and other salient personal characteristics, and the effects of these elements on the counseling process and outcome. Skill development will include a more flexible frame of reference for relating to and dealing with diverse clients and their cultural traditions, values and styles.

538 Psychopharmacology (3)
An in-depth, systematic study of the properties and behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs. Emphasis on the appropriate role of the nonmedical professional in therapeutic programming involving drugs.

543 Group Process in Counseling (3)
Provides candidates with the opportunity for involvement and participation in group experience in which they will be able to utilize the resources of their peers and the influence of their opinions, judgments and insights.

544 Counseling Techniques (3)
An experiential laboratory course designed to provide the counselor-in-training with a variety of strategies and techniques necessary for the effective counseling of individuals and groups. (Prerequisites: COUN 504, 518, 525.)

545 Applied Practice II in Secondary School Counseling (6)
Integrates all facets of the student's personal philosophy of counseling with theory, techniques and skills acquired throughout the counselor training program. Covers practical experiences such as role playing, audiotaping and videotaping, critiquing and test interpretation. (Admission by permission of Chairperson.)

546 Organization and Administration of Counseling Services (3)
Establishing and directing a counseling program. Special organizational and administrative problems in institutions of different types.

550 Directed Readings (1-3)
A program of individually directed readings designed to meet the needs of the student. Offered as required.

552A,B,C Internship in Secondary School Counseling (1.5, 1.5, 3)
Supervised work experiences in a secondary school under the direction of Counselor Education faculty and qualified school personnel. (Admission by permission of Chairperson.) A total of 3 credits is required. See Departmental Handbook and advisor for registration options.

553A,B,C,D Internship in Mental Health Counseling (2, 2, 2, 4)
Field work in an approved institutional or agency setting under the direction of Counseling faculty and qualified on-site personnel. (Admission by permission of Chairperson.) A total of 6 credits is required. See Departmental Handbook for registration options.

561 Introduction to Psychological Testing (3)
Provides background in psychometric and measurement issues that are the basis for psychological testing (reliability, validity, structural analysis of tests, normative approaches). Introduction to various types of psychological tests (e.g., cognitive ability tests, achievement tests, personality tests, neuropsychological tests, career and interest tests, selection procedures). Covers ethical and legal issues related to psychological testing. Includes laboratory exposure to testing materials.

562 Assessment of Adult Personality and Psychopathology (3)
Principles and applications of structured assessment of adult personality and psychopathology. Integration of theory and practical application. Focus will be on objective measures of assessment, with some exposure to projective measures. Class will involve lecture, discussion, and practicum elements involving test-taking, scoring, and interpretation.

570 Contemporary Issues Seminar (3)
Investigation of causes, rationale, scope and treatment of problems involving personal and social adjustment, including alcohol and drug abuse, sexual maladjustments and alternate behavior forms, problems of aging. Special topic areas not included in other course offerings may be targeted, e.g. neurolinguistic programming, hypnotherapy, forensic psychology and crisis intervention.

572 Counselor Education Seminar - Elementary and Secondary (3)
A seminar course specific to elementary or secondary issues and concerns. Topics include school law, integration of counseling programs in secondary or elementary settings and specific duties and responsibilities. This course is designed to provide students with a wide range of current trends in school counseling.

574 Family Counseling (3)
Planned to provide the counselor-in-training with an overview of the theories, techniques and processes involved in family relationships. (Prerequisite: COUN 525.)

575 Counseling the Aging (3)
Provides the helping professional with specific counseling skills required for working with the aged. Also covers pertinent topics such as group work, organic brain syndrome, senility, etc.

576 Adult Development (3)
Course is directed toward an understanding of the major issues of development and the specific skills necessary for counseling adults. Focus upon mid-life crises, intimacy, age bias and achievement patterns in adulthood.

577 Group Practicum (3)
Reviews leadership styles and group development. Required: facilitating a group under supervision. (Admission by permission of Chairperson.)

581 Socio-emotional Assessment of Children and Adolescents (3)
Utilizes a comprehensive problem-solving and ecological model of assessment for children and adolescents. Geared toward the school mental health provider, this course focuses on the integration of psychological, behavioral, and family assessment information. Emphasis on the critical link between assessment and effective intervention.
(Prerequisite: Psy 561 and Psy 532 or Coun 572)

582 Counseling the Abuser of Drugs and Alcohol (3)
Explores the current techniques utilized by the counseling profession in the treatment of the abuser of drugs and alcohol. An insight into the personal dynamics of this clientele. (Prerequisite: PSY 514 and COUN 525 or PSY 517.)

583 Human Sexuality (3)
Provides the counselor-in-training with fundamental knowledge about human sexuality and specific sexual concerns that contribute to the effectiveness of a counseling relationship. Focus on important sex-related ethics and issues in counseling. (Admission by permission of Chairperson.)

584 Marital Counseling and Therapy (3)
Studies theoretical approaches to marital therapy, couple therapy and marital group therapy; also describes therapeutic processes and techniques. (Prerequisite: COUN 525 or equivalent.)

586 Chemical Dependence (3)
An investigation of the dynamics of mood-altering chemical substance use, abuse and dependence.

587 Counseling the Divorced and Separated (3)
Seminar dealing with issues in counseling divorced and separated individuals, including laws, child custody, step-parenting, single parenting, communication skills, etc.

588 Introduction to Pastoral Counseling: Foundation, Theory and Practice (3)
This course is designed as an introduction to pastoral counseling. Specific attention is directed at understanding the role and dimension of pastoral counseling and the unique aspects of pastoral counseling and ministry. Various theories are investigated as they impact on the history and practice of pastoral counseling. Ethics and ethical issues are explored in depth.

589 Seminar in Pastoral Counseling (3)
Assists the student with an understanding of various issues confronting the pastoral counselor. The interplay of morality, ethics and client needs are explored in depth as a pastoral counselor is often called upon to assist individuals and families in acute issue oriented crises. (Prerequisite: Coun 588.)

Psychology Courses

501 Research Methods (3)
The purpose of this course is to present research methodologies and statistics in an integrated manner so that students may attain a comprehensive view of psychological research. A conceptual understanding of statistics will be emphasized while the mathematical aspects will be minimized. While the primary emphasis will be on experimental and correlational research designs, exploratory and descriptive techniques will also be considered. Recommended for students who plan to take only one Research/Statistics course (e.g., Art Therapy).

503 Research Methods and Statistics I (3)
Introduction to major research methods and statistics in health science research. Primary emphasis on correlational and experimental research with some coverage of quasi-experimental and descriptive methods. Examination of probability theory, hypothesis testing, sampling and measurement issues as the basis of descriptive and inferential statistics. Covers computer applications in descriptive statistics and data acquisition, primarily using personal computers.

504 Research Methods and Statistics II (3)
In-depth examination of correlational and group comparison inferential statistics. Covers correlation, regression and factor analysis. Examines one-way and factorial and mixed design Analysis of Variance statistics and multiple comparison procedures. Covers nonparametric statistics in correlational and group comparison studies.
Addresses techniques of meta-analysis and quasi-experimental designs. Emphasis on computer applications in inferential statistics, primarily using personal computers. (Prerequisite: PSY 503 or equivalent.)

506 Physiological Psychology (3)
Focuses on the physiological substrates of behavior, with special emphasis on central nervous system function and dysfunction. Examination of functional disorders. A special effort is made to demonstrate the relevance of empirical research.

507 Neuropsychology (3)
Understanding of human behavior through an analysis of brain function. Emphasis placed on the neuroscientific investigation of sensory, motor, cognitive and affective behaviors. Clinical neuropsychological assessment issues examined. (Prerequisite: PSY 506 or equivalent.)

514 Human Development (3)
An examination of human development throughout the lifespan, with in-depth coverage of developmental theories and research methods. Critique of empirical studies required. Previous coursework in developmental psychology suggested.

515 Advanced Seminar in Developmental Psychology (3)
A review of recent literature in the field, including perception, cognition, and social and personality development. Students will be expected to search and critique empirical studies in a specialty of their interest, to discuss empirical literature in a seminar format, and to analyze and synthesize research findings and theoretical interpretations.

517 Personality Psychology (3)
In-depth coverage of major theories of personality with an emphasis on psychodynamic, humanistic, behavioral, cognitive, trait and biologically-based theories. Examination of research-based theories that deal with specific aspects of human personality such as anxiety, aggression, self-concept. Critical evaluation of empirical support for theories and their applications in the human services.

518 Advanced Human Development (3)
A review of recent literature in the field of developmental psychology, including perception, cognition, social and personality development. Students will search and critique empirical studies in an area of interest, discuss empirical literature in a seminar format, analyze and synthesize research and theory.

521 Social Psychology (3)
The effect of various social influences, learnings and interpersonal settings on the psychological functioning of the individual, with special emphasis on their influences on the school milieu. An examination of research findings.

523 Contemporary Learning Theories (3)
An in-depth evaluation of contemporary learning theories, with emphasis on major issues, research findings and application of learning principles to human functioning.

525 Industrial Psychology (3)
Examination of relevant principles of psychology and their application to industrial and business systems, using a psychological and evolutionary perspective. Presentation of psychological concepts that permit analysis of complex situations from a process approach, as opposed to a structural one.

526 Community Psychology (3)
Development of community psychology approach to mental health problems. Assessment of community needs and availability of treatment resources. Examination of innovative roles for psychologists in mental health systems such as crisis intervention, short-term therapy, program evaluation and consultation.

531 Psychopathology (3)
An in-depth examination of the range of emotional disorders. Emphasis is placed on major cognitive, affective, personality and character disturbances in adults. Integration of the psychodynamic, behavioral and cognitive perspectives. Etiology, research findings, intervention implication and classification issues.

532 Child Psychopathology (3)
An examination of the behavioral disturbances common to childhood and adolescence, with stress on their etiology and on the roles of the family and school in the child's total functioning and therapeutic programming. Stresses distinction between child and adult adaptive criteria. (Prerequisite: PSY 514.)

538 Psychopharmacology (3)
An in-depth, systematic study of the properties and behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs. Emphasis on the appropriate role of the nonmedical professionals in therapeutic programming involving drugs. Previous coursework in physiological psychology preferred.

539 Behavior Management Approaches (3)
Explores principles of behavior analysis and modification. Provides competency in individual and group technology following a format that aims at facilitating development and implementation of behavior-change programs in applied settings. Design of intervention programs using a variety of strategies is required by class participants.

547 School Psychology Pre-Practicum (variable credit)
Flexible field experiences in the school setting to familiarize the school psychology trainee with the total school milieu. For certification candidates lacking experience relative to school-age children or the academic setting. School Psychology students only.

549 Field Work Experience-School Psychology (variable credit)
a. Practicum (3-6 credit hours)
Campus-based experience in a supervised program designed to develop and apply the range of competencies of the school psychologist.
b. Internship (6-9 credit hours)
Further application and refinement of the school psychologist competencies in an approved, off-campus professional setting. (The total practicum and internship experience will be 12 graduate credits.)

550 Directed Readings (1-3)
A program of individually directed readings designed to meet the needs of the student.

551 School Psychology Seminar I (3)
Professional seminar dealing with topics related to foundations of the profession, including legislation, standards and regulations, roles and responsibilities of the school psychologist.

552 School Psychology Seminar II (3)
Professional seminar dealing with specific topics related to the practice of the profession. Current models of service delivery, professional development, and the history and organization of the field. Students will also study the theoretical and practical aspects of behavioral consultation.

554 Master's Thesis Proposal (0-3 credits)
Development of an acceptable master's thesis proposal. Involves mentoring experience by a faculty member and committee. Development of literature review and preliminary methodology for master's thesis. Taken the semester prior to completion of PSY 556, Master's Thesis.

555 Professional Contribution (0)
Involves mentoring experiences by a faculty member, leading to completion of an approved project, demonstration or other acceptable product of the student's professional competence. Course meets Professional Contribution requirement.

556 Master's Thesis (3)
Completion of an acceptable thesis involving quantitative research design format. Involves mentoring experiences by a faculty member and committee. Recommended for students with doctoral degree aspirations. Meets Professional Contribution requirement.

559 Pre-Practicum-Clinical Services (3)
Provides the student with an initial exposure to clinical issues. Small supervisor group study of clinical problems, principally through analysis of case materials, taping and critiquing interviews, role playing and demonstration of strategies by faculty.

560 Cognitive-Behavioral Assessment Techniques (3)
Identification and measurement of meaningful cognitive and behavioral responses for the purpose of assessment and devising change strategies. Examination of self-monitoring, physiological measures, behavioral enactment, observer-based coding systems, n=1 assessment designs. (Prerequisite: PSY 554.)

561 Introduction to Psychological Testing (3)
Provides background in psychometric and measurement issues that are the basis for psychological testing (reliability, validity, structural analysis of tests, normative approaches). Introduction to various types of psychological tests (e.g., cognitive ability tests, achievement tests, personality tests, neuropsychological tests, career and interest tests, selection procedures). Covers ethical and legal issues related to psychological testing. Includes laboratory exposure to testing materials.

562 Cognitive Assessment (3)
Provides an overview of contemporary theories and methods of cognitive assessment. Students will develop skills in the assessment of pre-school and school age children, adolescents, and adults, using a variety of instruments including the Wechsler scales, the Standord Binet, and the Woodcock Johnson Psycho-educational test Battery. (Prerequisite: PSY 561 or equivalent.)

563 Assessment of Learning (3)
An investigation of assessment approaches used in the evaluation of learning styles and the cognitive, motor, and environmental factors influencing the learning process. Of special interest to school psychologists, counselors, and other multidisciplinary team professionals, this class also integrates the theoretical and practical issues associated with curriculum-based assessment. (Prerequisite: PSY 561 or equivalent.)

566 Projective Techniques in Personality Assessment (3)
Survey of projective techniques in personality assessment. Emphasis on the Rorschach, Thematic Apperception Test, Bender-Gestalt, sentence completion tasks, and figure drawings. Critical evaluation of uses, and empirical limits of these methods. (Prerequisite: PSY 561.)

568 Cognitive Psychology (3)
An overview of the major topics in cognition including attention, memory, imagery, language, concept formation, problem-solving and reasoning. Applications to human service fields will be made, both during class presentation and through individualized student projects.

569 Stress, Coping and the Self-Concept (3)
Provides direct experience in research, assessment and treatment issues concerning stress, coping and the self-concept. Emphasis on in-depth consideration of cognitive and phenomenological theory and research. Students will gain experience with self-monitoring, psychophysiological measures, questionnaire and experimental methods of assessment. Treatment focuses on cognitive, behavioral and experimental strategies. (Prerequisite: PSY 517 or permission of instructor.)

571 Introduction to Individual Psychotherapy (3)
An examination of contemporary systems of therapy, with emphasis on major insight-oriented, behavioral, cognitive and eclectic approaches. Role-playing, audiovisual aids and other applications included. (Prerequisite: PSY 531.)

572 Introduction to Group Psychotherapy (3)
An investigation of the theoretical assumptions, research support and applications of major group-oriented therapeutic modalities. Appropriate training aids integrated with instruction. (Prerequisites: PSY 517, PSY 531, or admission through Chairperson.)

573 Therapy With Children (3)
An investigation of the rationale and utility of varied therapeutic strategies with concentration in play and expressive approaches. Case studies, tapes, demonstrations provided. (Prerequisite: COUN 518 OR PSY 571. Recommended: PSY 532.)

574 Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (3)
Investigation of behavioral and cognitive intervention strategies. Covers both traditional behavioral therapies (e.g., token economy, systematic desensitization) and cognitive-behavioral therapies (modeling, stress inoculation training, Beck's cognitive therapy). Training in the use of specific assessment and intervention strategies (tapes, demonstrations, pre-practicum experiences). (Prerequisite: PSY 517 or 571.)

575 Forensic Psychology (3)
Examines the nature of forensic evaluations, reports and expert witness testimony and the professional and ethical responsibilities involved. Surveys the primary areas of law including family law, mental health law, criminal law, child abuse, juvenile law and personal injury law. Covers evaluation and treatment of accused persons and working effectively with the criminal justice system.

576 Professional Seminar (1-3)
Issues involving the expectations, role and identity of the mental health professional. Topics included: relationship to other professionals, ethics, legal constraints and obligations, consultation, case conceptualization and other current issues. Intended for the clinical services trainee.

577 Practicum I (3)
Required for students in clinical services tracks, this is an applied clinical experience that is designed to extend for the entire semester. Students will schedule at least four hours of activity per week. One hour a week will be spent doing pre-treatment assessments and psychotherapy; most of the time this will be with a client in the Psychological Services Center (PSC). Three hours a week will be spent in small group supervision. Additional individual supervision will be scheduled on an as needed basis. Students will be expected to complete 15 clinical contact hours. Other opportunities for learning may be added at the discretion of the course instructor. (Prerequisites: PSY 571 or COUN 518; PSY 531 or PSY 532; candidacy in clinical services or child clinical/school concentration.)

578 Internship (variable credit)
Supervised field work experience in an approved clinical setting. Available to students in the Clinical Services concentration. Requires permission of advisor and Department Chairperson. Meets Professional Contribution requirement. (Prerequisite: PSY 577.)

580 Assessment of Adult Personality and Psychopathology (3)
Principles and applications of structured assessment of adult personality and psychopathology. Integration of theory and practical application. Focus will be on objective measures of assessment, with some exposure to projective measures. Class will involve lecture, discussion and practicum elements, involving test-taking, scoring and interpretation. (Prerequisites: Psychology 561 and 531.)

581 Socio-emotional Assessment of Children and Adolescents (3)
Utilizes a comprehensive problem-solving and ecological model of assessment for children and adolescents. Geared toward the child clinical and school mental health provider, this course focuses on the integration of psychological, behavioral, and family assessment information. Emphasis on the critical link between assessment and effective intervention. (Prerequisites: Psychology 561 and 532 or Coun 572)

585 Family-School Interventions (3)
Exploration of the legal, ethical, and pragmatic issues associated with family-school collaboration. Various family intervention techniques will be discussed, with a specific focus on multi-cultural and nontraditional families. Students will participate in a laboratory exercise where they will develop skills in parent training.

587 Practicum II (3)
This is an elective experience for students in Clinical Services tracks. Operating in sequence with, and as an extension of, Practicum 577, this course allows students to continue doing clinical work under supervision for a second semester. Course obligations and expectations are the same as PSY 577. (Prerequisite: PSY 577.)