The Adler School of Professional Psychology

MAT-451 Socio-cultural and Multicultural Approaches in Art Therapy 3 Credits
Through readings, lectures, and art-based activities students address a broad spectrum of cultural factors that influence art therapy practice. Issues and tools to develop cultural competence in art therapy practice are presented.

MAT-452 Theories and Methods of Intervention in Art Therapy I: 3 Credits

Family and Older Adults

The focus of this course is family dynamics and treatment strategies in culturally diverse families and varied family constellations including older adults. Readings, presentations and art-based activities provide the class learning experiences.

MAT-453 Theories and Methods of Intervention in Art Therapy II 3 Credits
Through readings, class presentations and discussions, and art making activities, this course provides information and skills-building exercises on the trauma spectrum, loss and grief, and effects of trauma on diverse populations of children and adults.

MAT-466 Studio Art 3 Credits
This course will provide studio time to gain skills, develop visual art techniques and explore personal creativity for art therapy students. An emphasis on the process of art-making, important to the profession of art therapy will be a focus of this course. Additionally, students will share information about art-making techniques to expand each individual’s repertoire of media and approaches.

MAT-467/MAT-468 M.A. Practicum Seminar in Art Therapy I & II 2 Credit per term
Required: Concurrent with MAT-480-MAT-481. In a group consultation model, this course provides seven students in practicum with group discussion on art therapy practicum topics and issues. The focus is on increasing knowledge, skills and professional growth within ethical, socially responsible and culturally diverse perspectives in art therapy.

MAC-472 Basic Skills for Psychotherapy I 3 Credits
This course teaches beginning counseling psychology student’s basic relationship and counseling skills, using role plays and other experiential activities. The course covers basic counseling skills (e.g., attending, active listening, building rapport), intake interviewing, and self-reflection/self-assessment procedures. The course also addresses the additional skills of confrontation, immediacy, here-and-now processing, self-disclosure, and stages of change. This course includes a required lab.

MAF-472 Basic Skills for Psychotherapy 3 Credits
This course teaches beginning students basic relationship and intervention skills using role plays and other experiential activities to prepare for clinical work on practicum. The course covers the initial interview, joining with clients and treatment planning using a beginning understanding of the systems model to gather data, hypothesize and plan. Basic interventions are presented in the context of case conceptualization, the therapeutic relationship, stages of treatment, common factors in the change process and multi-cultural issues. The course will introduce students to crisis management including understanding of and intervention in crises and suicide assessment. Using anxiety and depression as examples, students will be introduced to DSM IV multi-axial diagnosis for use in treatment planning. This class has a required lab.

MAC-473 Basic Skills for Psychotherapy II 3 Credits
Prerequisites: MAC-472. This course is a continuation of Basic Skills of Psychotherapy and will address specific techniques commonly drawn upon by counselors as well as case conceptualization and treatment planning. The course covers case conceptualization, treatment planning/revision, and termination issues. The course will also address skills utilized with specific populations such as children, older adults, ethnically diverse, and other populations. This course includes a required lab.

PCO-472 Basic Skills for Psychotherapy 3 Credits
This course teaches beginning students basic relationship and intervention skills, using role plays and other experiential activities to prepare for clinical work on practicum. The course covers intake interviewing, the mental status exam, treatment planning and client feedback. Students will be introduced to the DSM IV multi-axial diagnosis, using anxiety and depression as examples, to understand diagnostic criteria and the relationship between diagnosis and treatment planning. Interventions are seen in the context of case conceptualization, the therapeutic relationship, stages of treatment, common factors in the change process, and multicultural issues. While the skills taught are not model-specific, students will be exposed to the elements of one theoretical model to show the relationship between the model and data-gathering, hypothesizing, treatment planning, and revision. This course includes a required lab.

480 Practicum in Community Development 1 Credit

(Vancouver Campus)

Under faculty supervision, students will be required to provide 350 hours over four months of time of direct project related service with a community or government agency in roles such as small group leader, consultant, program planner and evaluator, community developer or social change agent. Projects will be designed to produce a specific outcome in collaboration with the practicum partner agency. Roles will require both generalist skills (problem solving, communication skills, research and evaluation skills) and specialist skills (knowledge and skills applicable to a specific issue, problem or group, such as social skills development for children).

MAT-480/MAT-481 Practicum in Art Therapy I-II 1 Credit per term
Prerequisite: Concurrent with M.A. Practicum Seminar (MAT-467-MAT-468); consent of Program Director; completion of a minimum of 27 credit hours of coursework including PCO-210, PCO-211-PCO-214, MAT-344, MAT-345, MAT-346, PCO-402, MAT-450, MAT-453, and PCO-472; and consent of Director of Master’s Clinical Training. This clinical practicum in an approved agency or institution requires 700 hours onsite with, at least, 350 hours in direct client contact.

481 Practicum Seminar in Community Development 2 Credits

(Vancouver Campus)

This practicum seminar is designed to serve as a resource and support for the students, individually and collectively, as they become embedded in their community development practicum. The practicum seminar provides opportunities for mutual support and critical reflection regarding student experiences in their practicum placements as the faculty supervisor assists the students with their own learning. Case studies and role-plays are used to build skills in community consultation and support the quality execution of their community development projects.

485 History and Foundations of Community Development 3 Credits

(Vancouver Campus)

In this course, community development is understood as a dynamic and comprehensive process that has social, political, economic and ecological dimensions. The course is designed to provide an overview of the theory and practice of community development, including a historical review, an examination of contemporary issues, methodological considerations, and current community development initiatives in the city of Vancouver and across British Columbia. The course underpins principles of community organizing and development; specifically the knowledge, skill and value base underpinning community organizing, planning, development and change. The course explores various models of community development in relation to their goals, processes and outcomes.

486 Non-profit Organizational Structure & Practice 3 Credits

(Vancouver Campus)

This course provides an overview of the diversity of governance models and management functions relevant to nonprofit organizations. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the scope and operations of nonprofits, including organizational design and behavior, communications, managing information systems, assembling and managing boards, financial management, performance management, fundraising and resource development. The course is designed to teach students the fundamentals of how to create, lead and manage nonprofit organizations.

487 Program Assessment & Evaluation 3 Credits

(Vancouver Campus)

This course offers an advanced investigation of current methods for conducting needs assessments and outcomes of evaluating programs and services. It provides an understanding of program assessment and evaluation as a process and a product in community contexts. The primary focus of the course is on needs, program or outcome measurement rather than the assessment of individuals. The course focuses on developing an understanding of the logic of evaluative thinking, encourages a critical review of important issues in the conduct of evaluation and assessment, and program implementation in a community context.

488 Strategic Planning and Facilitation 3 Credits

(Vancouver Campus)

This course examines the process of strategic planning and facilitation in community organizing and decision making in creating a vision, mission and strategic plan as well as ways to measure whether an organization is living out its mission. The course will address how community organizations make the best use of scarce resources in service to that mission, whether the organization’s resources are aligned with its mission, and how programmatic objectives are created as stepping stones towards a well-crafted vision.

494 Research Methods in Community Psychology 3 Credits

(Vancouver Campus)

Community-based research is a collaborative approach to research that involves all partners (researchers, practitioners and community members) in the research process and recognizes the unique strengths that each brings. This research approach requires explicit attention to and respect for diversity among peoples, protocols and settings. This course covers fundamentals of psychological research as well as relevant research methodologies useful in conducting research on, with or for communities. These include community needs assessment, analysis of census and other statistical information on communities, evaluation of programs offered by community organizations and service-users, and surveys of community residents.

PCO-495 Research in Counseling Psychology 3 Credits

(Vancouver Campus)

Prerequisite: Undergraduate course in Research Methods. This course discusses the assumptions and methods of a range of research designs used in counseling psychology research. A critical assessment is provided of the strengths and weaknesses of different research methods and their application to the study of problems in the field of counseling psychology. Students are expected to conduct an extensive review of psychological literature and research from the field and prepare a major research paper in an area of special interest. Preparation of a research proposal is intended to assist students in their eventual completion of the Master’s Thesis.

PCO-496 Preparation for Applied. Thesis 1 Credit

(Vancouver Campus)

Prerequisite: PCO-494. The purpose of this course is to review with students policies and procedures pertinent to completion of a thesis as a degree program requirement. The course instructor will assist students in selecting and/or refining an appropriate topic for empirical study, identifying a faculty member to serve as their thesis advisor, and develop a research proposal that will form the foundation for their final thesis.

PCO-497 Research Methods 3 Credits

Chicago Campus Only

This course integrates the students’ academic program of study and clinical interests with an introduction to various approaches to research design, methodology and statistics. Doctoral Students are expected to conduct an extensive review of psychological literature and research from the field and prepare a major research paper in an area of special interest. Students in the doctoral program find this course helpful in preparing for the dissertation. Emphasis is placed on the use of the American Psychological Association standards for the preparation of manuscripts. Ethical and diversity concerns in research are addressed.

PCO-499 Independent Study 1-3 Credits
Prerequisite: Permission of the Program Director. Students in degree programs are provided an opportunity to pursue advanced study in special areas that Adler School does not normally provide. This is a self-directed study under faculty supervision in any theoretical or clinical aspect related to the curriculum.

CRM-500 Criminology Theory 3 Credits
This course will introduce students to the major theories, patterns and typologies of criminology, and current criminological concerns. This course will also examine historical and influential perspectives, such as the learning perspective, labeling theory, societal reaction perspective, critical criminology, conflict theory, feminism and crime, corporate crime, peacemaking and restorative justice, psychodynamic perspective, crimes against the State, cybercrime, and other contemporary topics and theories. Additionally, this course will foster the application of theoretical perspectives to current criminal justice problems. Students completing this course will develop critical, analytical, research and writing skills.

MACR-500 Foundations of Rehabilitation Counseling 3 Credits
This foundation course is designed to introduce and orient students to the profession of rehabilitation counseling. Students will learn about the history and development of rehabilitation counseling and the current issues relevant to the profession of rehabilitation counseling. Historical and contemporary perspectives on disability will be described to elucidate societal attitudes toward disability and the impact of these on people with disabilities. Students will also acquire a working knowledge of federal laws that dictate the delivery of rehabilitation services; the various service roles performed by the rehabilitation counselor; the settings in which rehabilitation counselors perform services; and best practices in various areas of rehabilitation counseling.

MIO-500 Professional Development 0 Credits
This course provides students opportunity to connect in a small forum with one faculty member who serves as their advisor. The course covers advisement and mentoring around the Adler degree requirements and mission, orientation to the field of psychology, social justice and issues of diversity. It is an essential component to the student’s personal and career growth and provides an overview of essential values, ethical behavior and comportment. It also serves as the orientation to the Community Engagement Project.

PCO-500 M.A. Thesis 3 Credits

Chicago Campus Only

Prerequisite: Permission of the Program Director of the M.A. program. The M.A. Thesis is a student-directed study conducted in consultation with an approved faculty member in any theoretical, methodological, or applied psychological area relevant to the curriculum. The research culminates in the completion of a scholarly paper of publishable quality in accordance with Adler School guidelines and American Psychological Association standards. A thesis may be required for credentialing in some jurisdictions. Students should check credentialing requirements where they intend to practice to determine whether they need this course.

CRM-501 Criminal Justice Processes and Institutions 3 Credits
This course will examine the critical component agencies and decision-making processes within the criminal justice system. Students will develop an appreciation for society’s need to maintain public order and safety, as balanced by a desire to protect basic constitutional rights and the rule of law within the evolving criminal justice system and its processes. Students will develop an understanding of social value systems, theories of punishment, penology, rehabilitation, recidivism, law enforcement administration and court processes.

MACF-501 Roles & Directions in Forensic Psychology 3 Credits
It is not uncommon for the general community as well as the general field of psychology to have misperceptions or inaccurate understanding of the diverse specialization in Forensic Psychology. Broadly put, forensic psychology is defined as the research and application of psychological knowledge or concepts to the legal system and its processes. This course will explore the historic roots of the field as well as provide clarification as to the roles, developments, and directions of forensic psychology. Students will be exposed to the varying areas in which psychology and the legal system interact, including but not limited to: correctional settings, courtroom advocacy, and law enforcement organizations.

MACR-501 Individual Appraisal & Assessment Methods in 3 Credits
Rehabilitation Counseling

Prerequisite: MAR-500. This review class provides an overview of the role of assessment in rehabilitation counseling, including the diagnostic interview and various assessment tools and methods used to evaluate individuals with disabilities and develop recommendations and interventions based on the findings. Included in this review are basic psychometric principles pertinent to test design and use; types of assessment methods and instruments typically used in rehabilitation; understanding of the process of administering, scoring and interpreting results; communicating results and recommendations; using assessment for treatment planning; the role and function of vocational assessment; and the impact of individual and cultural diversity on assessment.

MIO-501 Introduction to Industrial and Organizational Psychology 3 Credits
This course presents a comprehensive overview of industrial and psychological psychology. It places the profession in historical context and includes ethical standards and guidelines. Legal issues are considered as well as contemporary trends and issues in the workplace. Specific applications include job analysis, selection, training, performance, motivation and employee engagement. Students analyze relevant cases and design/critique work products based on the application of foundational knowledge. Small group online forums provided opportunity for high impact dialogue. Adlerian values are related to work place issues and this feature further prepares students to view these issues from a perspective of social responsible practice.

MSP-501 Introduction to Sport and Health Psychology 3 Credits
This foundational course is designed to help students understand the origins and functions of the related fields of sport and health psychology. It will include an historical analysis of the creation of sport psychology, tracing its roots to exercise science and cognitive-behavior therapy. Professional organizations focused on both of these areas will be discussed (e.g., Association of Applied Sport Psychology, (AASP); Society of Behavioral Medicine; Division 38 – American Psychological Association; US Olympic Committee Registry of Sport Psychologists; APA Division 47 Exercise and Sport Psychology ). Issues that impact sport performance and health will be considered, such as personality, motivation, and stress. Regarding sport psychology, topics included will be group dynamics, leadership, and communication. Interventions to improve performance and health, arousal regulation, imagery, goal setting, self-monitoring, stress management and problem solving will be reviewed. The impact of physical activity on health (e.g., obesity, smoking cessation) and mental health will also be considered.

CRM-502 Race, Class, Gender and Justice 3 Credits
This course will examine class, race and gender, singularly and cumulatively, in order to understand problems of crime, punishment and equality in the criminal justice system. Course readings and assignments will provide an interdisciplinary context related to class, race and gender issues in order to prepare students for understanding how these factors affect criminal and civil law-making, the development of criminological theory and the equitable administration of justice. Emphasis will be placed on victimization patterns, racial profiling, law enforcement policies and police misconduct, judicial processing, sentencing issues, and the effect of media in influencing criminal justice policy formation.

MACF-502 Tests & Measures in Forensic Evaluation 3 Credits
The purpose of this course is to familiarize the student with conceptual and foundational knowledge of psychological assessment, basic statistical principles used in the development of psychological instruments, and to introduce the student to forensic assessment instruments. Measures of central tendencies, validity, reliability, and the fundamental issues of test construction will be presented. The student will acquire knowledge of theories of psychological assessment including intellectual, personality, socio-emotional, and achievement/educational. Students will also develop the ability to critically evaluate their use and limitations, particularly as they relate to cultural, political and socio-economic factors relevant in forensic settings.

MACR-502 Medical & Psychosocial Aspects of Disability 3 Credits
This is a survey course on the physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of disability. The focus of the course is emphasizing the importance of a holistic understanding of individuals with disabilities and the often complex interplay of various factors as they impact on the well-being of those with disabilities. An overview of a range of disabling conditions is provided including etiology, pathology, diagnosis, prevalence and prognosis. The implications for the functioning in various spheres of these conditions will be reviewed as well as common rehabilitation interventions employed with individuals with these conditions.

MIO-502 Organizational Theory and Change 3 credits
This course examines the theories, research, impact and practice of organizational change, emphasizing its effect on individuals and groups. Beginning with a foundation on organizational structure and analysis, issues are discussed related to power, governance, roles, norms, policies and employee relations. Major change theories and interventions are introduced and discussed with respect to social justice. Students formulate change strategies based on their own experiences and relevant case studies. The course prepares students to consider the human impact of change in their professional roles as change agents.

MSP-502 Exercise Physiology 3 Credits
Prerequisite: MSP-501. This class provides an overview of how the body adapts to physical activity and exercise. It will include analyses of cardiovascular and pulmonary adaptation to physical activity. This, in turn, will involve understanding such topics as: maximal aerobic power, pulmonary function, cardiovascular system, distribution of cardiac output, and matching central and regional circulation. Hormonal, skeletal, and nervous system adaptations to physical activity will also be considered. Impact of activity on nutritional factors (e.g., carbohydrate, fat and amino acid metabolism; fat cell adaptations) will also be reviewed.

MAC-502/MAC-503 M.A. Practicum Seminar I-II 2 Credits per term

(Chicago Campus)

Prerequisite: Concurrent with Practica (MAC-506-MAC-507). Using a peer consultation model, Practicum Seminar provides students engaged in practicum training with an opportunity to discuss professional development and the supervision experience. Specific cases students are working on in practica are discussed to illustrate general principles of counseling and intervention. The focus is on the development of knowledge, skills, values needed to provide competent and ethical counseling.