Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling Psychology
Program Overview
The mission of the Graduate Program in Counseling Psychology at Albizu University, San Juan Campus and the University Center in Mayagüez is to provide a training of excellence in the area of Counseling Psychology that integrates theory and practice, and contributes to the development of professionals capable to carry out interventions in the area of specialty aimed at improving the quality of life of those who seek their assistance.
The education and preparation of a psychologist who specializes in counseling psychology requires a curriculum that promotes the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to address the complexities of human behavior and to provide positive change for individuals. The Master of Science program in Counseling Psychology is based on the training model known as the Northwestern/Boulder: practicing scientist. The model promotes the learning-teaching process where the student is not only a consumer of scientific research but is also able to produce research and apply his/her findings throughout the academic training. Its philosophy and training model is based on the fundamental principles that define the discipline and distinguish it from other substantive areas within the field of Psychology (Munley et al., 2004). These principles are:
- An approach aimed at identifying and promoting the strengths present in all individuals;
- evaluating the interaction between the individual and his/her environment and identifying the best fit between them;
- emphasizing on prevention and brief interventions using a human development perspective, highlighting the appropriate adjustment expectations for each stage of development;
- offering interventions aimed at the identification and development of vocational skills and interests;
- ensuring integration and concordance between psychological theories, the best intervention practices and their applications, and the scientific research applied to human behavior;
- And a respectful approach for the individual and cultural diversity of the human being.
Our training model emphasizes the existence of a reciprocal relationship between science and the professional practice of Counseling Psychology. Therefore, among the competences that this program will highlight is the development of the student’s ability to know and understand the scientific methodology. In addition, emphasis will be placed on building the capacity to integrate the results of scientific research and its applicability to the multiple roles of psychologists specializing in counseling psychology.
Consistent with an ecological approach, our program is guided by a perspective in which well-being, growth and psychological development, as well as dysfunctionality and maladaptation, are a phenomena involving complex transactions between the individual and the social and cultural context in which it is integrated. Therefore, the program philosophy also emphasizes a multicultural approach in the professional development of psychologists specialized in Counseling Psychology. The program promotes that the counseling psychologist develop skills based on respect for the individuality of each person they interact with, in the process of psychotherapy and counseling. It also fosters that the graduates of the program can conceptualize and understand the role that cultural and social context plays in human behavior.
In conclusion, the philosophical approach of the Master’s program in Counseling Psychology will be evidenced in its goals and objectives, consistent with the institutional goals and objectives, which are represented in three (3) areas:
- To train psychologists in the practice of Counseling Psychology, capable of exercising their profession in a variety of work scenarios.
- To train competent professionals, with an understanding of the fundamentals and methodology used in scientific research, that are able to translate those results in the application of the best practices of intervention.
- To train psychologists specialized in counseling psychology who have a professional identification with this branch of psychology and who can promote the development of it.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM
Goal 1.
To promote the socialization of the student and the development of the professional identity of psychologists specialized in Counseling Psychology. To reach this goal it is necessary that the student can have a broad understanding of psychology as a discipline dedicated to the study and knowledge of human behavior in all contexts. This includes knowledge in the history and systems of psychology, biological, physiological, and social aspects of behavior, understanding of human development, and the cognitive and affective components of human beings.
Goal 2.
To train psychologists in Counseling Psychology who are competent in the relationship and interaction between the practical aspects of the practice of the profession and relevant scientific research. Consistent with the philosophy of the program based on the model of practicing scientist, the program aims to educate psychologists who are knowledgeable consumers of scientific literature, who can use those results in their professional practice, and are able to perform methodologically solid investigations.
Goal 3.
To train psychologists in the practice of Counseling Psychology capable of exercising their profession in a variety of work scenarios. Also, prepare and train psychologists in Psychological Counseling who have the skills required to provide psychological services; including the identification of psychological problems, the development of treatment or intervention plans, and the capacity to offer interventions and assess those interventions.
CURRICULUM
The program’s philosophy and model of training are acquired through didactic offering, clinical training, research experiences and socialization with the academic community. These experiences are organized sequentially, cumulatively and in gradual complexity. The curricular sequence includes 60 academic credits and four (4) supervised practices (500 hours). In addition, students take four seminars and a comprehensive exam. The Master’s Program in Counseling Psychology is designed to be completed in two and a half years. Click here to see the curriculum
The faculty of the Master’s Program in Counseling Psychology of Albizu University is characterized by excellence, innovation and advanced thinking, and will foster the understanding of theories, skills, techniques, research and practice relevant to the field of Counseling Psychology. Click here to find out about our distinguished faculty.
Students in training will have the opportunity to conduct their clinical practice within a variety of theoretical orientations and academic and clinical scenarios, with emphasis on evidence-based interventions. The purpose of the practice experience is to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to demonstrate the competencies required for the practice of psychology as a health provider.
Graduates of the Master of Science in Counseling Psychology qualify to obtain the state license once they complete the requirements of the Program and approve the state’s psychology board exam.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Albizu University will be eligible for employment in a variety of places where mental health services are provided in the public and private sectors. These include: community based organizations that provide health services, hospitals, public and private agencies that provide social services, shelters for special populations, outpatient and inpatient institutions, school based programs, substance abuse treatment centers, hospices, colleges and universities, and in the private practice.
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