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.