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MINORS AND CONCENTRATIONS

PSYCHOLOGY MINOR

Students qualify for a minor in Psychology when they have completed at least 15 credits of Psychology courses at the 2000 and 3000 level, with a minimum of 6 credits at the 3000 level. A maximum of 6 credits may be satisfied on a transfer basis (excluding internship credits).

Nursing majors who minor in Psychology need PSY 2400 plus 9 additional credits in Psychology. Only three credits must be at the 3000-level.

ART THERAPY – PSYCHOLOGY EMPHASIS MINOR

The Education Committee of the American Art Therapy Association requires students to complete courses that provide “knowledge of and skills in usage of visual art and the creative process, coupled with application of theories and techniques in human development, psychology, and counseling” to proceed to study Art Therapy at the graduate level. The Art Therapy Minors compile courses that provide precisely the knowledge and skills required by the AATA to study at the graduate level.

The Art Therapy Minors provide students in the Psychology and Studio Arts majors direct pathways to pursue graduate study in Art Therapy. For those not in the Psychology or Studio Arts majors, they do not provide a direct pathway to graduate study unless they complete all courses in both emphasis areas.

For information on the Art Therapy Minor (Studio Arts Emphasis) please see the Visual & Performing arts program section of the Catalog.

Pre-Requisite Courses

Credits

PSY 1030 Introduction to Psychology

3

Core Requirements

PSY Developmental Course

3

PSY 1400 Child Development

 

PSY 2100 Adolescent Development

 

PSY 2400 Human Development

 

PSY 2900 Practicum or PSY 3450 Internship (Art Therapy Placement)

3

PSY 2300 Abnormal Psychology

3

PSY 3120 Counseling Theories

3

PSY 2000-Level Elective from below options

3

PSY 2200 Behavior Disorders in Children

 

PSY 2125 Substance Use Counseling: Theory and Practice

 

PSY 2250 Psychology of Family Life

 

PSY 2220 Death, Dying & Bereavement

 

PSY 2900 Practicum

 

 

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PSYCHOLOGY CONCENTRATIONS

Students can earn a Gerontology Concentration or Minor, or a Substance Use Concentration or Minor. These programs should be considered as concentrations for Psychology majors, as minors for other majors, or as certificate programs offered through Continuing Education. The courses corresponding to either concentration may be taken as electives.

The Gerontology and Substance Use Counseling concentrations have been designed to focus explicitly on matters relating to these respective areas. Pursuing a concentration (or minor) is advisable if the student wish to focus on either area, or if he or she intends to pursue further academic or career opportunities in either area. Students may elect to concentrate on one of these areas by taking a minimum of five courses (15+ credits) designated as appropriate to that concentration, including the required (*) core courses. In addition, students are encouraged to develop internships or independent research/readings within the selected concentration, and to take courses in other disciplines that pertain to their area of concentration. However, psychology offerings frequently vary, and concentrations should not limit a student’s selection of courses in addition to the five or more selected from within a particular concentration. Psychology majors are urged to find an academic advisor in psychology to help them design an exciting and useful program of study. 

GERONTOLOGY CONCENTRATION OR MINOR

The Gerontology Concentration (for Psychology majors) or Minor (for students in other majors) is open to all students with an interest in learning about current concepts and trends, as well as research and advocacy related to gerontology. Available resources and practical considerations for careers working with older adults in a variety of settings are examined. Administered through the psychology department, the program promotes reflective examination of attitudes, perspectives and beliefs about aging. Experiential service learning opportunities prepare students to enter the workplace or graduate studies. 

Prerequisite/Equivalent:

PSY 2400 Human Development

Core Courses:

*PSY/SOC 2060 Aging and the Life Cycle

*PSY 2064 Older Adult Wellness: Evidenced-based Practice and Research

*PSY 3610 Cognitive Changes in Older Adults

*PSY/SOC 2220 Death, Dying and Bereavement OR

*PSY 2230 Palliative Care for Older Adults: Principles and Practice

*PSY 3450 Psychology Internship in Aging

*core courses

Recommended Courses (not required):

COM 2150 Health Communication

BUS 2263 Health Care Law

NSG 3470 Health Policy and Finance

PRS 2420 Ethics for Nurses/Health Care Professionals

SUBSTANCE USE COUNSELING CONCENTRATION OR MINOR

The Substance Use Counseling Concentration (for Psychology Majors) or Minor (for students in other majors) is open to all students who are interested in careers in substance use services, or in areas where an understanding of substance misuse is an important part of job performance, such as nursing and health care, social work and psychology, law enforcement and criminal justice, and college counseling and youth services. It is also relevant for students planning to pursue graduate studies in the social and behavioral sciences, as well as professional degrees in law, social work, nursing, and criminal justice.

Although there is no formal relationship between the Substance Use Counseling Concentration and the Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification (MBSACC), the program satisfies in part the educational and practicum requirements of the MBSACC. Requirements leading to licensure sometimes change per the Massachusetts Legislature; this program will be adjusted accordingly.

*PSY 2125 Substance Use Counseling: Theory and Practice

*PSY 2300 Abnormal Psychology

*PSY 2330 Drugs and Behavior

*PSY 3120 Counseling Theory

*PSY 3350 Health Psychology

*PSY 3450 Internship in Substance Use Counseling

Select one of the following

HW 2000 Foundations of Community Health

SOC 2420 Working with Groups and Communities

SOC 3390 Crisis Intervention

Courses recommended, but not required:

PSY 2250 Family Life

PSY 2500 Behavior Change: Theory and Practice