Psychology (PSYU)

PSYU 101 Introduction to Psychology

Introduction to the processes, principles, and problems and applications of psychology. Topics include the brain and nervous system, sensation and perception, consciousness, learning and memory, personality, social psychology and psychopathology. 3 credits.

PSYU 110 Developmental Psychology: Life Span

This course focuses on the cognitive, emotion, physical, environmental, genetic, and social aspects of human development f rom birth to death. Students will learn the major psychological perspectives and theories of human development f rom prenatal development and birth, infancy, early childhood, middle and late childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood to middle and late adulthood. Students explore topics such as family, heredity, race, ethnicity, gender, sex, and religion that form an overview of how human beings change over the course of their lifespan. This course is only offered through the School of Extended Education. 3 credits.

PSYU 301 Scientific Writing in Behavioral Social Sciences

This course introduces students to effective writing skills in the field of social and behavioral sciences. Emphasis will be placed on scholarly scientific writing, American Psychological Association (APA) format, summarizing current research findings in written form, and critical analysis of research. 3 credits.

PSYU 304 Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences

Prerequisites: PSYU 101, MATU 203, PSYU 301 (or equivalent).

May be taken concurrently with MATU 203. This course is an introduction to the principles and procedures involved in behavioral sciences research, including the scientific method and its application to psychological inquiry, methods used in research, APA standards, and ethics. Students will learn how to create a research proposal. 3 credits.

PSYU 306 Critical Thinking

In this course, students will reflect on their own critical thinking skills and apply them to challenges in the field of psychology and everyday life. They will analyze ways of thinking, perceiving, and feeling that can influence behavior and impede or support sound judgment and decision making. Students will demonstrate their ability to use well-reasoned evidence to argue multiple perspectives and propose solutions to complex and controversial issues in psychology. 3 credits.

PSYU 310 Psychology of Learning

This course provides a survey of major perspectives and theories of human learning and their importance historically as well as in current practice. Students will explore and evaluate learning paradigms and research methods and apply them to real world situations, such as child rearing, education, and psychotherapy. 3 credits.

PSYU 317 Cognitive Psychology

This course will introduce students to cognitive psychology as a sub-discipline within the field of psychology that focuses on how individuals sense and perceive the world around them. Students will examine the mental structures and cognitive processes involved in sensation, perception, attention, memory, learning, language, problem-solving, information-processing, and decision-making involved in everyday life. 3 credits.

PSYU 320 Human Development across the Lifespan

This course covers physical, cognitive and psychosocial development from conception through old age. Death and dying are also addressed. Research and theories related to the entire life span are reviewed. 3 credits.

PSYU 322 Theories of Personality

This course provides an evaluative review of the major theories of personality, emphasizing the structure, dynamics, behavior and development of the normal and abnormal personality. Theories include Freudian, neo-Freudian, cognitive, somatic, social learning, and humanistic explanations for individual differences. 3 credits.

PSYU 323 Child Development

This course covers physical, cognitive and psychosocial development from conception to adolescence. This course provides theoretical and applied aspects of development, integrating real world challenges faced by children, parents, and individuals working with children. 3 credits.

PSYU 324 Adolescence

This course presents the major theoretical models of adolescent development and biological maturation, while addressing the issues of identity, peers, family, school, sexuality, morality, substance abuse and psychological problems. The historical nature of adolescent experience is contrasted with the experience of today's teenager. 3 credits.

PSYU 328 Abnormal Psychology

A systematic study of emotional disturbance and the major classifications of mental illness from the perspective of symptoms/behaviors, etiology, diagnosis and treatment. 3 credits.

PSYU 333 Physiological Psychology

Prerequisite: PSYU 101.

An investigation of the relationship between brain and behavior. Students will study the structure and function of the nervous system, including the biological bases of psychopathology and normal function. 3 credits.

PSYU 336 Social Psychology

Discussion and analysis of the relationship between culture, group life, social structure, and human behavior; emphasis upon the dialogue between the individual and the social collective. Topics include group behavior, attitudes, stereotypes, nonverbal communication, health psychology, aggression, social perceptions, relationships and helping behavior. 3 credits.

PSYU 351 History and Systems of Psychology

Discussion and evaluation of psychology's historical roots and the influences and the people that have contributed to its present form. 3 credits.

PSYU 355 Media Psychology

In this course, students will consider the interrelationship between media and psychology. They will examine the effects of various forms of media (such as social media, television, and music) on human behavior and cognition. They will also consider how human thought and behavior affect individual and group use and consumption of media. Students will have an opportunity to apply media psychology theories, concepts, and methods to real world situations. 3 credits.

PSYU 398 Pediatric Neuropsychology

This course provides an introduction to the field of pediatric neuropsychology and the study of childhood developmental, neurological, and congenital diseases. Biological, environmental, psychological, and developmental variables that affect neurobehavioral outcomes will be addressed. This course offers an overview of common central nervous system disorders of childhood including neurocognitive disease and developmental disorders. Additional topics of discussion include assessment and treatment of genetic and metabolic disorders, structural brain disorders, and traumatic injury to the brain. Professional, cultural, and ethical considerations in pediatric neuropsychology will be explored. 3 credits.

PSYU 418 Community Mental Health

Community mental health agencies play an essential role in providing mental health services to the un-served and underserved populations. This course provides an overview of emerging issues in mental health counseling, environmental challenges, and current approaches to comprehensive treatment and support services. Students will examine the foundations of community mental health counseling, the people served, and the history and current state of public and private systems of care. Students will also apply theories to community mental health and the Recovery Oriented Care model. 3 credits.

PSYU 421 Cross-Cultural Psychology

This course is designed to examine individual psychological functioning across and within various cultures to include the impact of culture on: temperament or personality, concept of self, gender, health, emotions, language, enculturation, the developmental processes of culture, cultural influence on abnormal psychology, organizational cultures, and cross cultural comparisons in research. Students will gain a wider appreciation of culture and begin to identify how culture is a part of our everyday experience. 3 credits.

PSYU 428 Introduction to Clinical Psychology

Overview of the profession and practice of clinical psychology. The course will survey the field's history, clinical training, assessment procedures, therapeutic interventions, research approaches, ethical and legal issues, areas of specialization (i.e. forensic, behavioral medicine and child), and current issues and trends. 3 credits.

PSYU 432 Introduction to Psychological Measurement

Prerequisite: MATU 203.

This course serves as an introduction to the principles and procedures involved in psychological measurement. Emphasis will be placed on concepts of test construction, standardization, validity, and reliability as applied to a wide range of psychological instruments of intelligence, interests, values, and personality. In addition to discussion of theoretical concepts, students will learn about the history of psychological testing and how theories, principles and concepts are both used in psychometric assessment and applied in educational, clinical and employment settings. 3 credits.

PSYU 437 Spirituality and Mental Health

A systematic study of the participation of religion and spiritual practices in the cultural construction of mental health, illness, diagnosis, and treatment. The course will present various models of consciousness and examine the reductionist, humanistic, dualistic, and monistic paradigms for mental health. Psychosomatic effects of spiritual systems and practices such as Shignon, Buddhism, Taoism, Vedanta, Yoga, Zen etc., will be analyzed in the context of the emerging reform in counseling and community mental health. 3 credits.

PSYU 450 Introduction to Counseling

An introduction and overview of professional counseling. Selected theories will be evaluated briefly and methods of their application to specialties such as group, family, marriage, child chemical dependence and crisis intervention will be emphasized. Attention will be given to specific communicative skills in counseling, to ethical and legal issues and to strategies for counselor self-care. 3 credits.

PSYU 455 Family Systems and Dynamics

An exploration of a variety of theoretical orientations in the study of family systems. The theoretical foundations of such approaches to family counseling as structural, strategic, transgenerational, experiential and behavioral are studied. 3 credits.

PSYU 460 Introduction to Career Development

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the foundations, theories, and applications for career planning and management. Students will build effective techniques in career counseling; engage in self-assessment of interests, values, and skills; examine steps in career decision making; and take contextual perspectives when working with others from diverse backgrounds and situations. Students will also consider perspectives about work-life integration when formulating career plans. 3 credits.

PSYU 462 Personnel Psychology

In this course, students will study the application of psychological theory, research, and practice to personnel selection, performance management, and employee training. Students will consider the influence of environmental, organizational, legal, ethical and individual factors influencing and impacting workplace and employee effectiveness. 3 credits.

PSYU 464 Applied Behavioral Analysis

This course focuses on applied behavioral analysis, which is based on the belief that human behavior, no matter how questionable, can be explained. Students will learn about behavioral principles and their application to a wide range of societal situations. They will explore how behavior is developed and how to identify, evaluate, and measure behavioral transformation. Students will also learn how the use of reinforcement and punishment influence an individual’s motivation to alter an identified behavior and examine the ethical practices imbedded in the application of behavioral analysis. 3 credits.

PSYU 466 Preferred Behavior Enhancement

The purpose of this course is to learn how to evaluate behavioral patterns and apply standardized strategies to help shape, change, or eliminate undesired identified behaviors. Students will consider the history of behavior modification and explore principles that govern the act of modifying behavior. Topics include practical methodologies, such as observation and record keeping, which assist in identification of changeable behavior and development of a modification plan. 3 credits.

PSYU 468 Case Management

In this course, students will explore case management skills in the field of human services, with an emphasis in psychology. Essential topics include ethics and professional responsibilities, standards of best practice, communication, cultural values, and conflict clarification. Additionally, students will study assessment, treatment planning, documentation, supervision and consultation, among other important topics. 3 credits.

PSYU 470 Psychology of Aging

This course will explore mental health issues as they relate to the geriatric population. Topics may include but are not limited to: Common psychological disorders of aging, substance abuse in the elderly, suicide risk, sexual issues, psychological issues related to end of life, effects of elder abuse, and ageism and stigma. 3 credits.

PSYU 471 Issues in Aging

This course examines interaction of physical, psychological, emotional, socio-economic, and environmental factors affecting older adults. Gerontological issues related to mental health of the elderly will be examined. Topics include ageism, quality of life, health and wellness, retirement planning, community support programs, end of life issues, and predictors of successful aging. 3 credits.

PSYU 472 Health Care and Aging

This course will provide an overview of physical and psychological changes in the aging process during and after middle age. The course will focus on personal strategies and social support programs to promote successful aging, as well as programs that are in place for support when health, psychological, and social problems occur. Governmental public health policies and their impact on diverse populations will be addressed. 3 credits.

PSYU 473 Social Aspects of Aging

This course will explore social aspects and constructs that affect, and are affected by, the experience of aging. Topics may include but are not limited to: Dimensions of aging, aging research, social constructions of aging, aging and family/romantic relationships, work and retirement, social/political policies related to aging, and gender differences related to aging. Students will explore societal myths about aging and the elderly. 3 credits.

PSYU 480 Psychology Capstone

Prerequisites: PSYU 101; PSYU 301; and Senior standing in psychology major or approval of the instructor.

This course is designed to provide a capstone experience for the undergraduate psychology degree. Students will create a personal reflection focusing on purpose, future goals, strengths and weaknesses, values, and opportunities and challenges. Students will use critical and creative thinking to explore global issues and apply psychological theory and research. 3 credits.

PSYU 481 Industrial/Organizational Psychology

This course discusses the application of psychological methods and techniques to understand, evaluate, and maximize human behavior in the workplace. Topics will include, but are not limited to individual characteristics, job analysis, selection procedures, counterproductive work behaviors, performance measurement, teams, motivation, and leadership. 3 credits.

PSYU 496 Survey of Forensic Psychology

This course introduces the student to the complex field of forensic psychology. The course focuses upon how the law has affected the practice of psychology, psychological research on legal issues and processes, and the functioning of psychology in a legal environment. The student will learn fundamental distinctions between psychology and law in areas such as epistemology, behavioral causation, methodology, criteria, principles, and expert approach to data. Numerous landmark cases will be reviewed that demonstrate the psychologist’s role as expert witness, consultant, and amicus curiae. Special sections will focus upon the law in mental health practice as well as assessment of simulation and deception. 3 credits.

PSYU 499 Independent Study

Prerequisites: Approval of instructor, academic advisor, and Dean.

Supervised independent study or research on a special problem or in a selected area of psychology. Open to junior and senior psychology majors who have a 3.0 GPA. A student may take a maximum of six credits. 1-3 credits.

PSYU 502 History and Foundations of Therapeutic Practices

In this course, students will explore the history of therapeutic practices and the conceptual foundation of systems therapy. Through a critical lens, students will examine the stages of therapy and the basic skills required of therapists. In addition, they will demonstrate the acquired knowledge of applying clinical decisions to clinical situations. 3 credits.

PSYU 506 Ethical & Professional Issues

This course examines ethical, legal, and professional issues governing the practice of therapy. Depending upon the student’s state of residence, ethical and legal responsibilities and liabilities will vary. Students will learn to apply ethical decision-making skills to resolving conflicts, practicing appropriate boundaries, and assuring that confidentiality is maintained. Students will learn how to apply the AAMFT Code of Ethics in the development of their clinical Identity. The course is designed to facilitate the development of ethical competencies for clinical practice including applying the AAMFT Code of Ethics, understanding legal responsibilities, and considering how therapist vulnerabilities may lead to compromises in ethical decision making. 3 credits.

PSYU 510 Psychopathology & Diagnosis

This course is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of current practices and methods of psychopathology and diagnosis. Students will take an evidence-based approach to understanding the etiology, diagnostic features, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment implications of clinical syndromes. Students will examine psychopathology from a biopsychosocial, theoretical, and ethnocultural perspective in addition to becoming educated on issues of ethical practice related to diagnosis and treatment of clinical syndromes. 3 credits.

PSYU 512 Family Therapy Theories and Techniques: A Modern Emphasis

This advanced graduate marriage and family therapy course is designed to study the major systemic theoretical approaches linked to marriage and family therapy. Cybernetics family systems theory and therapy is emphasized. In addition, students will study several clinical models including Structural, Strategic, and Experiential Family Therapy and focus toward integration of these approaches in the conduct of therapy as a marriage and family therapist. 3 credits.

PSYU 514 Couples Therapy

Students in this course will explore the constitution of marriage and the family. They will examine clinical models of marital or couples therapy along with the therapeutic process and specific theoretical interventions. Students will evaluate important contemporary issues such as relational interaction patterns, conflict, rupture of the relationship and domestic violence. They will develop an understanding of how societal factors influence the establishment of marriage and family. In addition, students will analyze and critique theories used in clinical settings to work with couples and families. 3 credits.

PSYU 516 Assessment and Treatment of Substance Abuse

An overview of current theoretical and clinical approaches to the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of substance abuse and other addictive disorders. Students review current research and program design from a clinical perspective with the goal of increasing clinical skills in assessing and treating addictive disorders with individuals and/or families. Students address their own internal biases when working with this population group. Students also address ethical and cultural considerations when working with this population. 3 credits.

PSYU 518 Child/Adolescent Psychopathology and Child Abuse Reporting

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the theories, techniques, and practical applications involved in assessing, diagnosing and treatment of childhood and adolescent disorders as well as clinical needs. Students learn and apply therapeutic interventions for children and adolescents with a developmentally sensitive lens. Throughout the course, students will critically analyze various theoretical frameworks including play therapy, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, family systems, and humanistic approaches, considering their relevance and applicability to therapeutic work with young clients and their families. Further, students will learn about child abuse and mandating reporting laws. 3 credits.

PSYU 520 Advanced Individual Therapy I

In this course, students will learn evidence-based treatment approaches and demonstrate their understanding of working with individuals from a systemic/relational perspective. They will demonstrate their ability to conduct case conceptualizations, treatment planning and managing crises that can arise in therapy. Students will also show their ability to examine peer reviewed research and articulate how this research can inform assessment and clinical interventions. 3 credits.

PSYU 521 Advanced Individual Therapy II

Prerequisite: PSYU 520.

This course is a continuation of Advanced Individual Therapy I. In this course students will continue to hone skills in individual counseling and will learn techniques from evidence-based/empirically supported individual therapies. Covered therapies may include but are not limited to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Other therapies may also be covered at the instructor’s discretion. Students will also learn to determine which techniques/therapies to employ based on clinical judgment and client characteristics and problems/diagnoses. 3 credits.

PSYU 522 Individual and Family Development

This course explores the developing individual within the context of the family system and the change that occurs in family systems over time. Students will examine theories and research pertaining to how individuals and families change throughout the lifespan. The course analyzes the relationship between basic needs and the biological, emotional, mental, cultural and social well-being of individuals and families within systems. 3 credits.

PSYU 524 Clinical Issues in Human Diversity

An advanced therapy course with the study of multicultural counseling, emphasizing respect for the diversity of human beings, particularly in matters of race/ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, religion/spirituality, sexual orientation, disability, and more. This course analyzes the cultural constructions of mental health along with barriers to systemic/relational counseling services by non-majority groups. It seeks to deconstruct the sociohistorical implications of power, privilege, and oppression. Students will be challenged to consider their unique social location identity with the deliberate exploration of intersectionality aimed at increasing student competence in anti-racist practices. 3 credits.

PSYU 526 Family Therapy Theories and Techniques: A Postmodern Emphasis

Prerequisite: PSYU 512.

This course provides an advanced exploration of family systems theories. Students will explore theories and techniques of family therapy from a postmodern perspective. Topics include in-depth study of major postmodern models such as Collaborative Language System, Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy, as well as the contemporary model Emotionally Focused Family Therapy. Additionally, students will demonstrate understanding by applying the concepts to clinical vignettes and treatment plans. 3 credits.

PSYU 528 Research and Bibliographic Methods

This course provides an overview of research methods and techniques that are used in explaining human behavior. The class will focus on understanding, interpreting, and evaluating research, applying evidence-based practice research to therapy, and practicing research skills that are applicable in a therapeutic setting. 3 credits.

PSYU 530 Theory and Practice of Group Therapy

This course applies varying pedagogical methodologies (didactic and experiential) to introduce students to intricate and dynamic therapeutic practices utilized in group therapy. With a deliberate focus on group development, students will learn how to create and maintain a supportive therapeutic environment that fosters the clinical growth of clients. Students will learn how multiculturalism, the roles and behaviors of group members, and group leadership styles and approaches influence the group process. In addition, students will demonstrate their ability to identify and account for legal and ethical issues while applying theory-specific interventions. 3 credits.

PSYU 534 Clinical Assessment

Prerequisite: PSYU 510.

This course addresses the theory, development, and application of assessment in a multicultural society. Utilizing a relational/systemic philosophy, students will explore fundamentals of psychological assessment for individuals, couples, and families. Topics include test construction as well as selection, interviewing, and interpretation of instruments commonly used in the assessment of therapy. Students will become familiar with a wide variety of assessment instruments and procedures including those used to assess personality, behavior, relationships, psychopathology, and risk as an evaluative component of clinical practice in marriage and family therapy. This course also examines ethical and cultural considerations in assessment. 3 credits.

PSYU 536 Psychopharmacology

Prerequisite: PSYU 510.

This course examines the role of the nervous system, metabolic processes, and mechanisms of drug action. Students will explore fundamental concepts of pharmacology, major pharmacological categories of psychotropic drugs, adverse effects, treatment implications, and ethical considerations for mental health professionals. They will also examine the scope and role of clinical practice. 3 credits.

PSYU 538 Gender, Intimacy, and Sexuality

This course prepares students to examine sexual dysfunctions, sexual disorders, and paraphilic disorders. Through the framework of systemic models, they will learn to assess and treat a range of sexual functioning and behavior, from optimal to problematic. Students will explore their own psychosexual development, implicit biases and values when working with diversities in sexual expression and lifestyles. The intersectionality of sexual issues related to sexual orientation and/or gender identity, health/medical factors that may influence sexuality intimacy skills, interpersonal relationships, and family dynamics will also be examined. 3 credits.

PSYU 539 Crisis and Trauma Counseling

This course will address various issues related to crisis and trauma counseling. The effect of trauma on individuals will be analyzed. Crisis theory and responses to crises, emergencies, and disasters will also be discussed. Students will learn assessment and intervention strategies, and multidisciplinary approaches to assisting clients, including those with pre-existing or co-occurring psychological disorders, during times of crisis, emergency, or disaster. 3 credits.

PSYU 542 Community and Environmental Mental Health

The primary focus of this course is on the accessibility of mental health services by underserved populations and disenfranchised communities. Students will be exposed to community mental health agencies' general framework and the services provided, such as multidisciplinary care, case management, therapeutic services, and inpatient and outpatient care. Students will explore challenges specifically related to mental health disorders within diverse populations. In addition, environmental stressors and their negative impacts on mental health will be reviewed. Students will be introduced to interventions that model best practices, such as the recovery paradigm of treatment, which is relevant across the domain of community mental health. 3 credits.

PSYU 545 Transition to Work and Career

This course is designed to provide an understanding of theories and models of career development. The course also addresses special issues concerning legal and ethical standards in career development, multicultural issues and the role of assessment in career counseling. Students will learn how to apply methods of career counseling and interventions through the use of clinical cases and within their own career development process. 3 credits.

PSYU 601 Family Development

This course is designed to present a historical and current epistemology of family. Familial structures will be explored along with philosophical ideas that support the notion of family as a social construction. Students will analyze the different forms of family and will closely examine the interpersonal interactive behavioral patterns that members of a family exhibit. 3 credits.

PSYU 603 Foundation of Systemic Practices

This course will explore the foundational structure of clinical systemic processes and underpinning assumptions. Students will analyze communication patterns uncovering covert messaging while assessing overt messages. Through examining traditional and contemporary familial interactive pattern of behaviors, students will critique the role of communication, power, and gender as they relate to the systemic paradigm. 3 credits.

PSYU 605 Family Dynamics: Marriage and the Family

This course will explore the historical and current social construction of marriage and the family. Students will evaluate important contemporary issues in families such as marital patterns and behaviors, marital strife and resolution behaviors, normal family stressors, and family crises (e.g. economic uncertainty, divorce, remarriage, substance abuse, death). Students will develop understanding of societal factors that influence the construct of the family. As a result, they will analyze and critique theories used in clinical settings to assist families in reaching their desired level of functionality. 3 credits.

PSYU 660 MFT Practicum I:A Systemic Lens of the Developing Therapist

Prerequisites: Successful completion of PSYU 502, 506, 510, 512, 514, 516, 518, and 520; completion of advancement to candidacy; and permission of Psychology Field Director or Assistant Field Director.

MFT Practicum I is an experiential course for the developing therapist-trainee. Students will review the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy code of ethics and apply it in the clinical setting. As part of the development process of the novice therapist, the focus will be on acquiring and practicing basic therapeutic skills from the systemic lens. Students will provide recordings (audio or video) of their live clinical cases in order to demonstrate the application of clinical skills in the beginning stages of therapy. In addition, students will engage in the exploration of self-of-the-therapist. Practicum courses are to be taken consecutively. Graded pass/no pass. 1.5 credits.

PSYU 661 MFT Practicum II:Contextualizing the Content of Therapy

Prerequisite: PSYU 660.

MFT Practicum II is designed for therapist-trainees to demonstrate their ability to clinically conceptualize cases from a systemic perspective. Students will demonstrate their ability to conduct comprehensive clinical assessments including identification and management of crisis-related issues. Students will focus on developing clinical assessments, treatment plans, and the ability to contextualize the content of therapy using clinically relevant documentation and progress notes. Students will also provide evidence of their clinical skills developed through the presentation of recorded (audio or video) clinical sessions. Practicum courses are to be taken consecutively. Graded pass/no pass. 1.5 credits.

PSYU 662 MFT Practicum III:Exploring the Therapeutic Process

Prerequisite: PSYU 661.

MFT Practicum III is designed for therapist-trainees to utilize diagnostic assessment tools to conceptualize a clinical diagnosis and prognosis in the beginning and middle stages of treatment. Students will use objective measures in addition to the clinical assessment of clients’ symptomology/impairments to formulate a diagnosis. Students are required to demonstrate their knowledge of diagnosis and treatment planning by completing a case synopsis presentation and submitting recorded (audio or video) clinical sessions. Practicum courses are to be taken consecutively. Graded pass/no pass. 1.5 credits.

PSYU 663 MFT Practicum IV:Theoretical Application and Capstone 1

Prerequisite: PSYU 662.

MFT Practicum IV will provide therapist-trainees the opportunity to implement acquired theoretical knowledge and skills in the clinical setting. This course will focus on assisting students in developing clinical hypotheses, identifying and applying theories of choice and demonstrating an understanding of the application of different theoretical orientations. Students will conceptualize a treatment plan based on theories, rooted in a systemic perspective that includes beginning, middle, and end stages of treatment. This course is an introduction to the capstone paper process, and students are required to begin writing the capstone paper while in this class. Students will be required to present a recorded (audio or video) clinical case demonstrating specific therapeutic interventions based on theoretical orientations. Practicum courses are to be taken consecutively. Graded pass/no pass. 1.5 credits.

PSYU 664 MFT Practicum V: Social Context and Capstone 2

Prerequisite: PSYU 663.

Practicum V will focus on therapist-trainees’ ability to demonstrate knowledge of community mental health and client-centered advocacy. Students will engage in discussions reflecting on social contextual factors while demonstrating cultural humility and creating a safe space for clients to share their lived experiences. As a final project, students will collaborate with classmates to create a community resource manual to provide referrals to diverse and vulnerable populations. Students will complete their Capstone Case Study paper to demonstrate mastery of advanced clinical skills and competencies acquired throughout the program. Practicum courses are to be taken consecutively. In addition, students will be required to present a recorded (audio or video) clinical case demonstrating the application of their clinical skills. Graded pass/no pass. 1.5 credits.

PSYU 665 MFT Practicum VI:Beyond the Classroom and Capstone 3

Prerequisite: PSYU 664.

MFT practicum VI is the final practicum course for therapists in training. Students will demonstrate their ability to integrate clinical knowledge and skills acquired within their program through the submission of the Capstone Case Study paper. Students will demonstrate mastery of advanced clinical skills, application of systemic/relational therapeutic interventions, and competencies acquired throughout the program. They will synthesize concepts related to self-of-therapist by identifying the impact of their social location and environmental challenges when working with units of treatment, including vulnerable populations and communities. In this course, students will meet all practicum requirements and present a visual presentation of their Capstone Case study. In addition, students will be required to present a recorded (audio or video) clinical case demonstrating the application of their clinical skills. Practicum courses are to be taken consecutively. Graded pass/no pass. 1.5 credits.

PSYU 688 Practicum I

Prerequisites: Candidacy standing in the MA Psychology or MA PCC degree program, full time faculty/practicum instructor approval, and permission of associate dean/designee.

This course will provide a clinical and experiential learning opportunity for students. At a student’s identified clinical site, they will be required to use multiple learned theoretical modalities to help clients move from a place of challenge to a place of functionality while under close clinical supervision. Students are also required to share their learned and observed experiences in a growth fostered environment (practicum class) guided by faculty on a weekly occurrence while working to complete the clinical hours required by the student’s emphasis. In addition, the practicum course is graded on a pass/no pass basis, and practicum courses are to be taken consecutively. 3 credits.

PSYU 689 Practicum II

Prerequisites: Completion of Practicum I (PSYU 688).

This course will provide a clinical and experiential learning opportunity for students. At a student’s identified clinical site, they will be required to use multiple learned theoretical modalities to help clients move from a place of challenge to a place of functionality while under close clinical supervision. Students are required to demonstrate their ability to conceptualize a case by completing a case synopsis presentation. Students are also required to share their learned and observed experiences in a growth fostered environment (practicum class) guided by faculty on a weekly occurrence while working to complete the clinical hours required by the student’s emphasis. In addition, the practicum course is graded on a pass/no pass basis, and practicum courses are to be taken consecutively. 3 credits.

PSYU 690 Practicum III

Prerequisites: Completion of Practicum II (PSYU 689).

This course will provide a clinical and experiential learning opportunity for students. At a student’s identified clinical site, they will be required to use multiple learned theoretical modalities to help clients move from a place of challenge to a place of functionality while under close clinical supervision. Students are required to complete a Capstone Case Study that demonstrates mastery of advanced clinical skills, application and competencies acquired throughout the program. Students are also required to share their learned and observed experiences in a growth fostered environment (practicum class) guided by faculty on a weekly occurrence while working to complete the clinical hours required by the student’s emphasis. In addition, the practicum course is graded on a pass/no pass basis, and practicum courses are to be taken consecutively. 3 credits.

PSYU 695 Psychology Practicum Continuation

Prerequisites: Enrollment in PSYU 688, PSYU 689, and PSYU 690.

This course allows students to complete the required practicum hours and/or the Capstone Case Study, when either or both have not been completed by the end of the session in which a student is enrolled in the final three-credit course of their practicum course series. Please see Tuition and Fees section of the catalog for the corresponding Graduate Practicum Continuation Fee. This course is graded on a pass/no-pass basis. This course may be repeated. 0 credits.

PSYU 696 MFT Practicum Continuation

Prerequisites: Enrollment in PSYU 660, PSYU 661, PSYU 662, PSYU 663, PSYU 664, and PSYU 665.

This course allows students to complete the required practicum clinical hours when the hours have not been completed by the end of the session in which a student is enrolled in the final one and a half-credit course of their practicum course series (PSYU 665). Please see Tuition and Fees section of the catalog for the corresponding Graduate Practicum Continuation Fee. This course is graded on a pass/no-pass basis. This course may be repeated. 0 credits.

PSYU 699 Independent Study

Advanced supervised independent study or research on a special problem or in a selected area. 1-3 credits.