Curriculum
Courses & descriptions
Curriculum
| Sem. | Courses | Notes |
|---|
| 1 | Developmental Psychology | Required |
| 1 | Personality Psychology | Required |
| 1 | Abnormal Psychology | |
| 1 | Major Elective Courses | |
| 2 | Theories and Practices of Counseling | Required |
| 2 | Learning Psychology | Required |
| 2 | Psychological Measurement and Assessment | |
| 2 | Major Elective Courses | |
| 3 | Addiction Psychology and Counseling | |
| 3 | Family Counseling | |
| 3 | Self Psychology | |
| 3 | Bibliotherapy | |
| 3 | Youth Counseling/Art Therapy/Women's Counseling | |
| 4 | Group Counseling | |
| 4 | Counseling Practicum and Case Study | |
| 4 | Adlerian Psychology | |
| 4 | Career Counseling | |
| 4 | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/Play Therapy/Elderly Counseling | |
· A minimum of 30 credits is required for graduation, including 24 credits from the courses listed above and 6 thesis credits.
· Developmental Psychology, Theories and Practices of Counseling, Personality Psychology, and Learning Psychology are required courses.
· Students writing a thesis are encouraged to complete thesis-related courses offered through the Doctoral Interdisciplinary Program in Social Welfare and Counseling Psychology in the Graduate School. Alternatively, students may graduate by completing two additional courses (6 credits) in lieu of the thesis.
· Major elective courses are offered from the courses listed below based on student demand.
Course Descriptions
Major Required
- Developmental Psychology
- This course provides a theoretical study of human development within the field of psychology. Students examine major theories of human development to deepen their scientific understanding of human beings and reflect on their own developmental experiences. The course explores developmental characteristics from birth through death and promotes a deeper understanding of the past and present while encouraging consideration of future development and change.
- Personality Psychology
- This course examines personality formation and development through various theoretical perspectives, including human nature, the mind-body relationship, and the interaction between heredity and environment. Topics include the concept and components of personality, personality types and development, major personality theories, characteristics of healthy personality, and maladaptive behaviors associated with personality disorders.
- Learning Psychology
- This course examines learning and memory and the empirical processes through which individuals acquire knowledge about the world. Topics include the definition and scope of learning, learning phenomena, conditions and processes of learning, and major learning theories. Students also examine changes in thought and behavior related to learning abilities and explore learning environments, conditions, and attitudes that promote effective learning.
- Theories and Practices of Counseling
- This course systematically examines counseling theories and techniques, from foundational concepts to advanced approaches, needed by professional counselors to help clients address problems and promote personal growth. Students explore counseling approaches for mental health, personality, learning, career, occupational adjustment, and family issues and develop an understanding of how various counseling techniques are applied in practice.
Major Electives
- Family Counseling
- This course examines theories and practical approaches to family counseling aimed at understanding and resolving stress and conflict within families through psychological counseling and therapy. Topics include family dynamics, patterns of family life, family relationships, and contemporary family characteristics and issues. Students also examine practical counseling techniques and therapeutic interventions through case studies.
- Psychological Test and Assessment
- This course examines the purposes and principles of psychological assessment and introduces interviewing methods used in the assessment process. Students learn about the reliability and validity of psychological tests, as well as the characteristics, administration, and interpretation of various assessment instruments.
- Group Counseling
- Group counseling is a therapeutic process in which individuals come together to share experiences and provide mutual support. Through discussion of common concerns, thoughts, and emotions, participants gain opportunities for personal insight and growth. Students examine group dynamics and the counselor's role in creating a safe environment that promotes effective communication and therapeutic change.
- Addiction Psychology and Counseling
- This course examines theories and practices of counseling for addiction, an issue that can affect individuals, families, and society. Topics include a general understanding of addiction, counseling theories and interventions, and the processes of prevention and rehabilitation aimed at supporting long-term recovery.
- Career Counseling
- This course examines the practical knowledge and resources needed to help clients understand their abilities, interests, aptitudes, and the world of work and make informed career choices and decisions. Topics include career choice theories, the world of work, the use of career information, the counseling process, and effective use of aptitude and interest development programs. Students also explore counseling techniques, programs, and psychological assessments used in career counseling practice.
- Counseling Practicum and Case Study
- This course provides field-based experience in which students meet with clients and apply previously learned counseling theories and techniques. Students strengthen their case analysis and problem-solving skills while developing practical counseling competencies. Each student is required to complete and submit reports on at least five cases, with a minimum of five sessions per case. Weekly small-group case presentations, discussions, and supervision are also conducted.
- Abnormal Psychology
- This course examines the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of psychological disorders to develop a comprehensive understanding of abnormal behavior and psychopathology. Students compare normal and abnormal behavior, examine diagnostic features of various disorders, and explore their causes, treatment, and prevention from clinical psychological and psychiatric perspectives.
- Bibliotherapy
- This course introduces bibliotherapy as a psychotherapeutic approach that uses reading materials, writing, and play activities. Students learn and practice methods that can be applied to counseling and psychotherapy with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
- Youth Counseling
- This course focuses on the emotional and psychological needs of adolescents. Topics include self-esteem, peer relationships, and family dynamics. Students explore counseling approaches that provide adolescents with a safe environment in which to express emotions and develop effective coping strategies.
- Elderly Counseling
- This course focuses on helping older adults address life transitions, loss, and mental health concerns. Emphasis is placed on improving quality of life and promoting emotional well-being. Students explore counseling approaches that help older adults address issues related to aging, health, and social relationships.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- This course examines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a structured and time-limited approach to psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and maladaptive behaviors. Students explore its application to various mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression, and learn practical techniques for helping clients manage symptoms.
- Play Therapy
- This course examines play therapy as a therapeutic approach that helps children express emotions and address psychological difficulties. Children communicate naturally through toys and play, while therapists observe and interact with them to facilitate therapeutic healing and growth.
- Art Therapy
- This course examines art therapy as a therapeutic process that uses creative activities to help individuals express emotions and explore their inner experiences. Students explore nonverbal forms of communication and how artistic expression can facilitate insight and personal growth.
- Youth Counseling
- This course examines counseling approaches designed to address the emotional and psychological needs of adolescents. Students develop an understanding of adolescent developmental characteristics and psychological concerns and learn effective counseling techniques for working with adolescents.
- Women's Counseling
- This course examines counseling approaches that address the unique experiences and concerns of women. Students develop an in-depth understanding of women's identity, social roles, and psychological challenges and explore appropriate counseling approaches.
- Thesis Writing
- This course introduces the skills required to conduct research and write a thesis at the master's level. Students focus on selecting a research topic, reviewing the literature, analyzing data, and understanding the structure and organization of a thesis.
- Other Special Subjects
- When there is a need expressed by faculty or students to offer a course on a particular topic, a course addressing that topic may be offered.
