PSYC 803: Vocational Psychology
Prerequisites: Admission into Psy.D. program or permission of instructor
Credit Hours: (3)
This course presents vocational theories, counseling strategies, and practice in vocational assessment and counseling. Current research in vocational counseling is reviewed and there is a focus on working with diverse populations.
Detailed Description of Course
This course sequence may include the following topics:
I. History of Career Development and the Psychology of Work
II. Theories of Career Development
A. Development Theories (Super Gottfredson)
B. Holland’s Theory
C. Minnesota Theory of Work Adjustment
D. Social cognitive career theory
III. Vocational Assessment and Counseling
A. Overview of Counseling Strategies
B. Vocational Assessment
C. Preparing Vocational and Psychological Reports
D. Evidence Based Practice Considerations
IV. Multicultural Vocational Issues/Counseling Issues
A. Rural Populations
B. Hispanics
C. African Americans
D. Woman
E. Asian Americans
F. Native Americans
G. Sexual Minorities
H. Social Justice Issues
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This course will provide students with current vocational theories, and require practice experiences with vocational assessments and counseling. There will be an emphasis on counseling special populations such as rural clients. Current research in vocational counseling will be presented and discussed. The course will be taught in a seminar style with student participation and presentations. A research paper on a topic that is relevant to rural vocational counseling will be done. Three vocational psychological reports will be required, as well as one done on the students themselves.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
The students should:
1. Know the current trends and research in career counseling.
2. Know the concept of life-span career development.
3. Be able to use career development theories in vocational counseling.
4. Be able to do vocational assessments and counseling.
5. Be aware of their own vocational needs.
6. Be knowledgeable concerning vocational issues with members of various minority
groups.
7. Develop an understanding of the problems with unemployment and underemployment.
8. Be able to integrate cultural and social justice issues into considerations of
all the preceding goals.
Assessment Measures
Students will be assessed using several measures, which will include evaluations on written assignments, case presentations, and performance on the final exam.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
December 2007