Masters of Arts in Applied Psychology 

Lifespan Development covers theoretical and research approaches to the development of human abilities and behavior throughout the lifespan. The course addresses a variety of theoretical approaches, as well as different developmental tasks across the lifespan. In order to more fully understand the issues and dynamics of counseling, it is imperative to have a clear grasp of the processes involved in human development. Such understandings of development are important because many clients enter counseling with problems that are the result of disrupted or dysfunctional developmental processes. (3 credit hours)

This course provides an overview of basic neurophysiology, as it is relevant to behavior, mood, and psychopathology. It also examines the neurochemistry of the major classifications of psychotropic medications as they relate to treating mental disorders, their effects and side effects, and relevant concerns for clients that take them. In addition, the course will acquaint students with neurophysiology connected to abuse and addiction of alcohol, prescription drugs, and illicit substance abuse, including the connection between the effects of brain changes and resulting problematic behaviors that are a focus of treatment. It offers students important implications for counseling and educating individuals and families presenting with psychopharmacological, addiction, and other substance-related concerns. (3 Credit Hours)

This course acquaints students with how to design, conduct, and analyze research for the purpose of assisting students to review and critique relevant research in counseling, as well as to integrate research into clinical practice. In addition, the course addresses research ethics and methodology. Topics may include basic research designs and basic statistical analyses, including experimental, quasi-experimental, survey, and archival research. (3 Credit Hours)

This course provides students with the knowledge and requisite skills to address the wide range of topics and concerns surrounding human sexuality in the counseling relationship. Students will develop increased comfort and competency in engaging a diverse range of clients on topics of sexuality that include the expression of human sexuality and intimacy across the lifespan, attitudes and perspectives on sexuality, problems in sexual functioning, and therapeutic interventions. (3 Credit Hours)

This course provides an introduction and overview of the assessment process, beginning with the basics of test construction and measurement. Students will learn how to appropriately select, administer, and score neuropsychological and psychological tests in the areas of cognitive and personality assessment for children, adolescents, and adults. In addition, this course is aimed at helping students integrate psychological data obtained from clinical interviews and testing into a rich understanding of human functioning. (3 Credit Hours)

This course begins by making the case that all modern psychotherapeutic discourse is moral discourse and therefore contains presuppositions about the human good life. The course then examines the presuppositions of the Christian tradition regarding human nature, the good life, and the practices that shape human transformation. Students are then asked to examine their own conceptions of human nature and the good life and the relationship of these conceptions to their personal narratives, religions traditions, and cultural and historical contexts. (3 Credit Hours)

This course introduces students to the primary concepts related to the process of psychotherapy and the relational ideas that are central to the practice of counseling. Relationship building skills and techniques, including interviewing, reflective listening, and the development of insight and self-understanding are explored. Students are also introduced to the profession of counseling and will begin the process of discussing how to make sound clinical decisions and the role of the mental health clinician throughout the professional lifespan.  (3 Credit Hours)

This course will focus on the diverse identity demographics with which counselors interact, especially related to race and culture, religion, gender, age, sexuality, disability, and socio-economic status, emphasizing the implications of these factors for counseling. Students will have the opportunity to examine counseling approaches with persons of varying identities by analyzing various barriers to cultural responsiveness and ways to incorporate cultural responsiveness in counseling. In addition, students will be asked to examine personal assumptions regarding internalized assumptions and biases about other persons and groups of varying demographics. Students will learn an intersectional approach to conceptualizing counseling cases and applying counseling techniques. (3 Credit Hours)