USM | Psychology Curriculum

CURRICULUM

The M.A. Psychology program advances students in the areas of professional development, research and critical thinking, applications of psychological knowledge, counseling psychology and helping and assessment skills.

Through the counseling psychology program, you will learn:

Group, social and cultural influences, as well as cognitive, developmental and biological influences on behavior
Recommended treatments and diagnostic indicators for major mental disorders
Basic concepts used in behavioral research and the ability to evaluate empirical research; design research proposals; and communicate ideas effectively
Common ethical issues in the mental health profession
Self-evaluation techniques that identify personal strengths and weaknesses that may affect career development

Classes are taught by a faculty who have expertise in a variety of mental health areas. The faculty hold doctorate degrees in psychology or related professions, and the majority are licensed to practice in the mental health field.

Counseling Psychology Degree Requirements

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology - 48 credit hours, including a 6-credit practicum and 14 courses, prepares you to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri.

If you wish to pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Master's Level Psychologist in Kansas you must complete the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology and additional coursework for a total of 60 credit hours (including a 15-credit practicum). The practicum should be completed prior to earning the master's degree.

Note: Licensure is granted by the individual states and is not guaranteed by the University of Saint Mary.

Core Courses
Core courses are required for both degrees. All are three credit hours unless otherwise indicated:

PY 720 Historical Foundations of Psychology
PY 721 Advanced Social Psychology
PY 723 Advanced Psychopathology
PY 730 Methods of Research and Assessment
PY 731 Statistical Analysis in Psychology
PY 741 Issues in Ethics and Professional Development
PY 744 Career Development and Counseling
PY 750 Counseling Theories
PY 751 Group Process

Required courses are offered once a year and follow a regular rotation. Nine classes are common across both degrees.

Other Courses

PY 733 Developmental and Cognitive Assessment
PY 734 Personality Assessment
PY 745 Cognitive Processes
PY 746 Psychopharmacology for Psychotherapists
PY 748 Multicultural Counseling
PY 749 Helping Relationship Skills
PY 761 Practicum (up to 15 hours)

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"USM provides a study of Cindy O. photo excellence in psychology. The Master of Arts in Psychology prepares students to be marketable commodities in the profession.
- Cindy Ormsby

"With the help of the University Lucas R. photo of Saint Mary I am not only furthering my educational goals, but I am setting myself up for a better and brighter future."
- Lucas Rezabek-Laird

"I have been continuously Hollie B. photo impressed by my professors, who have a
wealth of knowledge and experience, and who really care about me. Class sizes are small, so we really are able to actively participate and take full advantage of our educational opportunity here."
- Hollie Becker

University of Saint Mary Overland Park Campus • 11413 Pflumm • Overland Park, KS 66215 • (913) 345-8288