PSYC 800: Introduction to Counseling Psychology
Prerequisites: Admission into Psy.D. program or permission of instructor
Credit Hours: (3)
This course will include examination of (a) the development of counseling psychology
as a distinct field; (b) the present state of counseling psychology; (c) projections
of the future of the field; and (d) topics of special importance to counseling psychologists
(e.g., diversity, social justice, prevention).
Detailed Description of Course
This course may include the following topics:
I. Historical developments in counseling psychology
II. Present emphases in counseling psychology
III. Anticipated developments in counseling psychology
IV. Areas of special importance to counseling psychologists
A. Diversity (broadly defined)
B. Prevention
C. Social Justice
D. Vocational psychology
E. Methodological diversity
F. Strengths and resources/Positive psychology
G. Development emphasis
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This course will provide students with a solid foundation in the field of counseling
psychology, including past, present, and future aspects of the field. The course will
include a significant amount of reading and writing along with experiential activities,
a project, and group discussion. It will primarily be conducted as a seminar with
an emphasis on student participation.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
At the end of this course the student should:
1. Be able to describe counseling psychology according to APA’s documents
2. Be able to describe the historical foundations of counseling psychology
3. Be able to articulate several issues that are crucial to counseling psychologists
4. Be able to describe where the field is headed, according to research and analyses
by leaders of the field
Assessment Measures
Students will be assessed using several measures, which may include grades on written
assignments, for participation in group discussion and experiential activities, and
performance on the project.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
December 2007