Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

CPSY 301. Introduction to School Psychology. 3 Units.

This course serves as an introduction to the specialization of school psychology. It is intended to give the student an overview of the field of school psychology focusing on the role and function of the school psychologist in the public schools and other settings. Topics include the history of school psychology, pupil personnel services in schools, service delivery models, school psychology, organizations, research traditions in school psychology, international school psychology, ethical and legal issues, publications and resources in school psychology.

CPSY 302. Introduction to Counseling. 3 Units.

This course serves as an introduction to the role of a mental health counselor. Students are introduced to learning fundamental counseling skills. Additional topics include licensure, service delivery models, professional counseling organizations, ethical and legal issues, and resources in counseling psychology.

CPSY 303. Nature and Conditions of Learning. 3 Units.

Students study both cognitive and traditional learning theories, their applications to instruction and the development of effective teaching strategies. In addition, information processing models are explored and their implications for instruction are addressed.

CPSY 304. Biological Bases of Behavior. 3 Units.

This course surveys the biological bases of behavior, including human neuroanatomy, neuropathology, behavioral correlates of cerebral dysfunction, brain injuries, and neurological disorders. This course also covers the physiological and behavioral effects of the major classes of psychoactive drugs.

CPSY 305. Advanced Human Development Across the Lifespan. 3 Units.

This course focuses on human development across the lifespan. Topics include early childhood development, middle childhood and adolescent development, adult development, and aging and long-term care. The course examines theoretical and research-based knowledge of the influences of biological, social, cognitive, affective, cultural, ethnic, experiential, socio-economic, gender-related, and linguistic factors in human development across the lifespan.

CPSY 306. Advanced Human Development I. 3 Units.

This course focuses on the developmental period of early childhood development. The course examines theoretical and research-based knowledge of the influences of biological, social, affective, cultural, ethnic, experiential, socio-economic, gender-related, and linguistic factors in children’s development.

CPSY 307. Advanced Human Development II. 4 Units.

This course focuses on the developmental period of middle childhood and adolescent development. The course examines theoretical and research-based knowledge of the influences of biological, social, affective, cultural, ethnic, experiential, socio-economic, gender-related, and linguistic factors in children’s and adolescent’s development.

CPSY 308. Advanced Human Development III. 2 Units.

This course focuses on adult development, aging and long term care. The course examines theoretical and research-based knowledge of the influences of biological, social, cognitive affective, cultural, ethnic, experiential, socio-economic, gender-related, and linguistic factors in adult development, aging and long term care.

CPSY 310. Advanced History and Systems in Psychology. 3 Units.

This course explores major developments and ideas in the history of psychology as an academic discipline. This course examines the historical progression of ideas central to psychology, the philosophical and empirical roots of those ideas, and the confluence of those ideas into the various systems we have today. This survey course includes such topics as of the history of psychology from the early Greek philosophers, through the beginnings of modern science and philosophy, through the early approaches to psychology, to psychology in its most contemporary form.

CPSY 311. History of Psychology and Education. 1 Unit.

This course explores major developments and ideas in the history of psychology in educational institutions. This course also introduces students to the history and foundations of the profession of school psychology, including education, special education, health care, and related fields. This course will examine the historical progression of ideas central to school psychology, the philosophical and empirical roots of those ideas, and the confluence of those ideas into the various systems we have today.

CPSY 312. Cognitive and Affective Aspects of Behavior. 3 Units.

The purpose of this course is to students with the current body of knowledge in the cognitive and affective bases of behavior. Students learn how human behavior is influenced by cognition, affect, and their interaction. The course includes theories and empirical bases of learning, memory, thought processes, language, motivation, affect, mood, emotion, decision making, and executive function, as well as factors that influence cognitive performance and emotional experience and their interaction.

CPSY 313. Law and Professional Ethics for Mental Health Professionals. 3 Units.

This course is designed for students in credential and licensing graduate programs in human services and mental health professions. Students will study approaches to ethical decision-making in addition to learning relevant law and regulation and existing ethical codes of behavior.

CPSY 314. Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice. 3 Units.

This course is designed to help students learn the relevant laws, regulations, rules, and policies governing health service psychology at the organizational, local, state, regional, and federal levels; and relevant professional standards and guidelines. Students will learn to identify ethical dilemmas and approaches to ethical decision-making. Finally, students will principles of business administration related to the practice of psychology.

CPSY 315. Advanced Social Psychology. 3 Units.

This course is designed to introduce students to current social psychology theory, concepts, and research. A broad range of theoretical topics will be covered, including research methodology, the self, attributions and social perception, social cognition, attitudes, social influence, attraction and interpersonal relationships, pro-social behavior, and aggression. Additionally, issues of diversity, such as prejudice, stereotypes, and group dynamics/relations, will be addressed. The relevance of these social psychology concepts as foundational for the practice of professional psychology will be highlighted.

CPSY 316. Psychopharmacology for Mental Health Professionals. 3 Units.

This course surveys the physiological and behavioral effects of the major classes of psychoactive drugs, including therapeutic agents and drugs of abuse, mechanisms of action, side effects, effects on the fetus, and collaborating with other health and mental health professionals and families. The main focus of this course is on psychoactive anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and substance abuse.

CPSY 317. Human Sexuality. 1 Unit.

This course reviews the basic anatomy, sexual function and response, and challenges and disorders of sexual function. Diagnostic formulations and treatments for the disorders that clinicians are most likely to encounter in clinical practice are also presented. Finally, challenges and complexities of sexuality within special populations are reviewed.

CPSY 318. Introduction to Counseling Psychology. 3 Units.

This course serves as an introduction to the specialization of counseling psychology and will give the student an overview of the field of counseling psychology focusing on the role and function of the counseling psychologist in various mental health settings. Students will be introduced to some of the basic skills required by counseling psychologists; accordingly, topics include research, ethical and legal standards, individual and cultural diversity, professional values, attitudes, and behaviors, communication and interpersonal skills, assessment, intervention, supervision, and consultation and interprofessional/interdisciplinary skills.

CPSY 319. Introduction to Clinical Psychology. 3 Units.

This course serves as an introduction to the specialization of clinical psychology and will give the student an overview of the field of clinical psychology focusing on the role and function of the clinical psychologist in various mental health settings. Students will be introduced to some of the basic skills required by clinical psychologists; accordingly, topics include research, ethical and legal standards, individual and cultural diversity, professional values, attitudes, and behaviors, communication and interpersonal skills, assessment, intervention, supervision, and consultation and interprofessional/interdisciplinary skills.

CPSY 320. Psychotherapeutic Interventions. 3 Units.

This course provides an overview of counseling and psychotherapeutic theories, principles, and techniques, including the counseling process in a multicultural society, an orientation to wellness and prevention, counseling theories to assist in the selection of appropriate counseling interventions, models of counseling consistent with current professional research and practice, and the development of a personal model of counseling.

CPSY 321. Psychotherapeutic Interventions for Children and their Caregivers. 3 Units.

This course introduces theoretical and practical approaches to working with children and families in various counseling settings. Students will practice counseling skills related to working with children and families as well as other clinical skills including conceptualization of child and family clients, case management, and documentation. Further, this course provides an overview of counseling children and families in a multicultural society, selection of appropriate counseling interventions, models of counseling consistent with current professional research and practice, and the development of a personal model of counseling.

CPSY 322. Advanced Psychotherapeutic Interventions. 3 Units.

This course provides advanced training in counseling and psychotherapeutic theories, principles, and techniques, including the counseling process in a multicultural society, therapeutic relationships, selection of appropriate counseling interventions, models of counseling consistent with current professional research and practice, and the development of a personal model of counseling.

CPSY 325. Group Counseling. 3 Units.

This course prepares mental health professionals to use direct methods and techniques of group counseling for children, adolescents, adults, and elder adults.

CPSY 327. Theories of Multicultural Couples Therapy. 3 Units.

This course introduces major theories of couples counseling. It prepares mental health clinicians to assess functioning in couples from diverse backgrounds and to design and implement interventions for couples. Students in this course will study evidence-based approaches to couples counseling, legal and ethical considerations in marriage and couples counseling, relationship violence, and separation and divorce.

CPSY 328. Theories of Multicultural Family Therapy and Collaboration. 3 Units.

This course prepares mental health clinicians to assess functioning in and design and implement interventions for couples and families by studying major theories of couples and family therapy. This course also prepares mental health clinicians to help families collaborate with helping institutions to improve the well-being of children.

CPSY 329. Career Counseling. 3 Units.

This course covers vocational theory, information interests, testing, and counseling applications. Social-psychological perspectives in vocational decisions, careers, and labor force trends. Practice in administration, interpretation, and counseling use of various career assessment tools. The intent is to provide each class participant with a structured and focused orientation to career development issues that cross the life span of students/clients that the human services/counseling professional will interact with in future counseling, therapy, or guidance situations. Access and orientation to guidance and counseling resources, and an awareness of career development and career counseling theory will be central to class activities and goals.

CPSY 332. Crisis Intervention. 3 Units.

This course reviews counseling theory and basic listening and responding skills and contrast them with crisis counseling practices. It also examines various programmatic approaches to the primary and secondary prevention of educational failure and the promotion of health and mental health. The focus is on the enhancement of individual and family competence following a crisis event. The course explores the underlying knowledge base, models for implementing prevention, specific examples of techniques and programs designed to intervene before, during and after a crisis event. Also covered is policy questions, and evaluation issues. Specific attention is given to concepts of stress, coping, and resiliency. Programs such as suicide prevention, crisis intervention, drug and alcohol education, sexuality education, child abuse prevention, and others are closely examined and criticized.

CPSY 333. Abuse and Crisis Intervention for Families. 3 Units.

This course will provide students with an introduction to the definitions of key concepts and theories associated with the various types and causes of private and public crises and trauma. Students will be familiarized with the role of the therapist in the use of assessment and treatment of clients affected by crisis and trauma. They will learn the psychosocial factors associated with trauma response while receiving a general overview of the behavioral, cognitive, affective, and neurological implications of trauma. Students also learn about historical and current national and international group trauma. This increases their awareness of the unique aspects of delivering crisis counseling and trauma work to a diverse group of people and teaches them the often-hidden trans-generational effects of traumatic experiences.

CPSY 334. Spousal and Partner Abuse, Detection, and Intervention. 1 Unit.

This course addresses the causes, assessment, treatment, statistics and legal issues concerning intimate partner violence.

CPSY 335. Child Abuse Assessment and Reporting. 1 Unit.

This course provides information on identifying, assessing, and reporting child abuse and neglect, including the laws governing mandated reporting. This course also covers prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect.

CPSY 336. Trauma Counseling. 3 Units.

This course on provides an advanced exploration of trauma including strategies for assessing, managing, and providing short and long term- treatment for acute and chronic stress reactions. Empirically supported risk and protective factors, and evidence-based treatments are emphasized. The course will highlight the development of trauma within a sociopolitical context to inform a culturally responsive intervention approach. Students will also learn how to critically examine assumptions of trauma interventions, to consider potential harms of trauma intervention, and to identify gaps and limitations in contemporary knowledge about trauma intervention.

CPSY 337. Alcoholism and Chemical Substance Abuse Dependency. 3 Units.

This course describes the most commonly abused substances as well as the signs of abuse and addiction and the most effective treatment principles and therapeutic techniques.

CPSY 340. Consultation Methods. 3 Units.

This course prepares school psychologists to provide mental health consultation to school personnel and parents. Various consultation methodologies will be studied with applications particularly appropriate to children in the public school system.

CPSY 341. Education, Consultation, Advocacy. 3 Units.

This course provides exposure to the professional role of psychologists and therapists as teachers, advocates, and consultants. In addition, students will learn how to both give and receive constructive feedback. This course will consist of predominately hands-on learning, including projects and presentations. Consultation skills are emphasized with attention to all phases of the consultation process: entry, assessment, diagnosis, development, intervention, and termination. The course focuses on education efforts with particular attention to multicultural issues and mental health consultation. Other issues covered include: ethics, interdisciplinary collaboration, organizational dynamics, and social justice advocacy. Additionally, this course aims to help students develop competencies in working cooperatively with a range of groups including professionals, paraprofessionals, and community groups or businesses which may vary in multicultural, contextual, and demographic dimensions in the context of the settings. Finally, the course will address the role of advocacy for psychologists, mental health professionals, and consultants.

CPSY 342. Supervision. 3 Units.

This course provides instruction in clinical supervision. It will address the theoretical basis of supervision, as well as techniques. Clinical supervision is a unique process that is focused on the professional identity and skill development of the supervisee. This course will focus on developing a quality supervisory working alliance and developing skills in both group and individual supervision modalities. It will also address legal, ethical, and culturally relevant issues. The course includes practice learning and opportunities to develop a personal style of supervision.

CPSY 343. Principles of Forensic Psychology. 3 Units.

This doctoral-level seminar provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted field of forensic psychology. The course is designed to be multidimensional, examining the application of psychological research, theory, and clinical practice to the civil and criminal justice systems. We will explore the varied facets of the field, including the history of psychology and law, specialized roles (e.g., evaluator, consultant, expert witness, treatment provider), and emerging specializations such as police psychology, investigative psychology, and correctional psychology. A strong emphasis will be placed on analyzing landmark legal cases that have shaped the profession, the ethical challenges inherent in forensic practice, and the critical role of multicultural perspectives in understanding the intersection of psychology, public policy, and the justice system.

CPSY 350. Behavior Assessment and Intervention. 3 Units.

In this course graduate students will learn how to develop and write a behavior intervention plan. Students will learn about and practice various methods of data collection, including interviews, systematic observations, and review of records, designing behavioral interventions, implementing behavioral interventions, and analyzing behavioral interventions. Particular attention is given to collecting and analyzing behavioral data within a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) framework. For students in the School Psychology program, this course is accompanied by one unit of EDUC 396 School Psychology Field Work.

CPSY 351. Academic Assessment and Intervention. 3 Units.

In this course graduate students will collect and analyze academic data and design and implement academic interventions. Students will learn various methods of academic assessment including academic data collection (including curriculum based assessment and other standardized and norm referenced tests), designing academic interventions, implementing academic interventions, analyzing the outcomes of academic interventions, and writing academic support plans. Particular attention is given to collecting and analyzing academic data within a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) framework. For students in the School Psychology program, this course is accompanied by one unit of EDUC 396 School Psychology Field Work.

CPSY 355. Psychological Assessment. 3 Units.

This course prepares mental health professionals to use psychological testing and assessment information in a problem solving process, and to use data-based decision making to improve outcomes for instruction, development of cognitive and academic skills, and the development of life competencies. Students will also be exposed to process and procedures identified in referral and state laws related to special education services.

CPSY 358. Behavior and Personality Assessment. 3 Units.

This course is designed to help students gain proficiency in the administration, scoring, and interpretation of several instruments commonly used in behavioral and personality assessment. The writing of professional reports, theoretical aspects and measurement of behavior and personality, and legal and ethical issues will be addressed.

CPSY 360. Neuropsychology. 3 Units.

This course provides a general overview of: brain-based behavior; neuroanatomy and physiology; conceptualizing psychoeducational and psychological assessment data from a neuropsychological perspective; the effects and uses of psychotropic agents; and information on neuropathology.

CPSY 361. Advanced Psychological Assessment. 3 Units.

This course prepares mental health professionals to use advanced psychological testing and assessment information in a problem-solving process. Students will refine their skills in interviewing, observation, test selection and administration, diagnosis, synthesis of assessment information, and report writing.

CPSY 363. Psychopathology and Wellness Promotion. 3 Units.

This course will examine a variety of mental disorders from a variety of perspectives, including the biomedical model of mental disorders and diagnostic categories while emphasizing sociocultural viewpoints and developmental experiences. The predominant treatments, including educational interventions, for the major disorders will also be covered, as well as primary and secondary prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of health and mental health in public schools and the community.

CPSY 370. Techniques of Research. 3 Units.

Students study the various research methodologies that include qualitative, descriptive, causal-comparative, survey, correlational and experimental. Emphasis is on learning to read and comprehend research published in professional journals. The content includes understanding how basic descriptive and inferential statistics are applied to address quantitative research questions.

CPSY 371. Statistical Thinking and Communication. 3 Units.

The objectives of this course are to review basic descriptive statistics and solidify students’ understanding of inferential techniques commonly employed in educational research. Students will learn how to conduct appropriate statistical analyses, interpreting output produced by SPSS statistical software. Students will gain confidence in reading results sections of journal articles and learn to communicate using statistical terminology. Analysis of results sections of journal articles will demonstrate that the student can recognize situations, for which various statistical techniques are applicable, explain the reasoning underlying the choice of those techniques, interpret results, and critically evaluate whether the authors’ conclusions logically follow from the data analysis conducted and the statistical information presented. Students are expected to learn the power of statistical analysis.

CPSY 374. Program Evaluation. 3 Units.

Students examine selection design and the use of formal and informal devices for the purpose of making diagnosis of learner strengths and weaknesses, measuring learner progress and making summative evaluations of learner achievement, both on an individual and larger scale basis.

CPSY 377. Qualitative Research Design and Methods. 3 Units.

This course focuses on methods of designing and conducting action-oriented qualitative research. Topics include: characteristics of qualitative research, data collection and analysis, determining validity and reliability, and ethical issues related to qualitative research.

CPSY 378. Quantitative Research Design and Methods. 3 Units.

This course exposes students to and develops their ability to conceptualize a broader range of research questions dealing with (a) significance of group differences; (b) degree of relationship among variables; (c) prediction of group membership; and/or (d) structure that quantitative design and analysis strategies might inform than those typically introduced in a first course. Topics emphasized in the course relate to (a) the purpose and principles of research design; (b) the use of multivariate approaches and analysis; and (c) the construction and validation of measuring instruments. Students learn both to critically examine published research as well as to design methods for studies proposed to validly address research questions dealing with (a) significance of group differences; (b) degree of relationship among variables; (c) prediction of group membership; and/or (d) structure.

CPSY 379. Applied Multiple Regression. 3 Units.

This course acquaints the student with the use of the general linear model as a data analytic tool. Students learn how to generate the interpret output produced by SPSS statistical software in conducting (a) multiple regression analyses involving both continuous and categorical independent variables; and (b) logistic regression analyses involving categorical dependent variables. Prerequisites: CPSY 371 or equivalent course.

CPSY 380. Structural Equation Modeling. 3 Units.

This course is designed to build upon knowledge and skills in multivariate statistical analysis and introduce students to structural equation modeling. Students will develop conceptual as well as practical understandings of structural equation modeling (SEM), and will learn basic SEM techniques to analyze data. Students will also develop skills in writing results from an SEM analysis. Prerequisites: CPSY 379.

CPSY 382. Applied Research in Psychology I. 3 Units.

In this course students work collaboratively in learning communities to identify and explore general and specific educational/social/political issues that affect learners/learning outcomes for key educational constituencies. Students identify preliminary issue/problem/concern for a research project and engages in early exploration of foundational issues, key theories, and seminal emerging research on these topics.

CPSY 383. Applied Research in Psychology II. 3 Units.

This course places doctoral students into professional learning communities with colleagues and a faculty leader. In these communities, students work collaboratively and independently to ensure that each student develops a refined problem statement and draft literature review. Prerequisites: CPSY 382.

CPSY 384. Applied Research in Psychology III. 3 Units.

This course places doctoral students into professional learning communities with colleagues and a faculty leader. In these communities, students work collaboratively and independently to ensure that each student develops a sound methodology and defense ready dissertation proposal. Prerequisites: CPSY 358.

CPSY 390. Neurodevelopmental Disorders and the Media. 1 Unit.

This course will examine common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders as portrayed in media. Diagnostic categories will be compared to educational classifications while emphasizing sociocultural viewpoints and developmental experiences. The predominant treatments, including educational interventions, for each disorder will be discussed.

CPSY 391. Mental Health and the Media. 1 Unit.

This course will examine common childhood mental disorders as portrayed in media. Diagnostic categories will be compared to educational classifications while emphasizing sociocultural viewpoints and developmental experiences. The predominant treatments, including educational interventions, for each disorder will be discussed.

CPSY 394. Counseling Practicum. 1-6 Units.

Counseling Practicum entails the supervised application of psychological procedures in appropriate settings.

CPSY 396. School Psychology Fieldwork. 1-3 Units.

Fieldwork in School Psychology entails the supervised application of school psychological procedures in schools and related settings.

CPSY 398. Internship. 1-3 Units.

Students provide psychological services under the direct supervision of an appropriately credentialed or licensed mental health professional. Students complete their internships in a setting appropriate to their to their program of study. Placement must be half-or full-time. Prerequisites: Students interning in K-12 school settings must have an intern credential and permission of the instructor before beginning an internship.

CPSY 399. Doctoral Dissertation. 1-15 Units.

Doctoral Dissertation.