& Student Handbook - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

194 Master Degree Programs
Core Course Descriptions
PY605
Developmental Psychology (3 cr.)
The course examines characteristic changes in behavior and functioning
in each stage of life from conception to death. Physical, cognitive,
affective, and social bases of behavior are explored.
PY607
Theories of Personality (3 cr.)
Major theories of personality are covered as represented by the
biophysical, intrapsychic, existential, and behavioral approaches.
PY608
Psychopathology (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: PY607
This course examines the healthy personality, maladjustment, transient
disorders, anxiety states, psychosis, mood, psychosomatic and
personality disorders. The course focuses on the description of the main
criteria and associated features of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnostic groups. In addition, etiology,
prognosis, prevention, and treatment of the disorders are considered.
PY613
Counseling Therapy and Technique (3 cr.)
Prerequisites: PY605 and PY607; PY608 (pre- or co-requisite)
Major approaches to counseling and psychotherapy are analyzed with
emphasis on applications in the therapeutic relationship. Professional
psychological writing style is discussed in this course.
PY620
Statistical Techniques and Research Methods (3 cr.)
The course provides an overview of research methods commonly used
in clinical and counseling psychology. Both research methodology and
statistical analysis are reviewed. The course focuses on the
interpretation and understanding of research and applied statistical
procedures.
MFT611
Foundations of Family Therapy (3 cr.)
Prerequisites: PY605 and PY607; PY608 (pre- or co-requisite)
This course examines the structure and function of families and
relationships, connecting theoretical and research underpinnings to the
major models of family therapy. Family development, roles and interactions
are studied as foundational in the practices of systemic/relational therapy
interventions. Efficacy research for individual models and for common
factors across models are presented.
Marriage and Family Studies
MFT613
Couples and Families in Society (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: Completion of core courses or admission to the graduate
certificate program.
This course focuses on the history of marriage and families, including
the changing forms and demographics of modern couples and families in
Western societies, especially the United States. State and national policy
issues impacting the health and well-being of couples and families are
also addressed. Particular attention is given to understanding the goals
of each policy, and current research is presented on both their intended
and unintended consequences since implementation.
MFT615
Multicultural Studies of the Family (3 cr.)
Pre- or co-requisites: MFT610 or MFT613
This course focuses on the study of culturally diverse couples and
families with special emphasis on understanding the significance of
cultural contexts in working with people of different cultures. Issues of
racism, sexism, heterosexism, ageism, and other isms are explored.
Dynamics of power and privilege are explored. Strategies to prevent their
clinical biases from interfering with therapeutic relationships with diverse
populations are developed. Included is an exploration of various types of
couples and families.
MFT616
Couple Relationships (3 cr.)
Prerequisites: MFT610 or MFT613
This course introduces historical, contextual, and clinical applications to
relationships of couples and systems. Relationships between spouses
and partners are explored and analyzed in order to create an
understanding of the dynamics that enhance relationships from a
therapeutic context. Issues regarding communication, conflict resolution,
and interactions are included.
Marriage and Family Therapy
MFT622
Advanced Family Therapy (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: MFT610 or MFT613
This course provides an opportunity for students to develop skills
conducting therapy with couples and families. Awareness of the influence
of race, culture, and gender in couple and family therapy is developed.
Experiential and didactic approaches are used.
MFT632
Advanced Couples Therapy (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: MFT610 or MFT613 and MFT616
This course focuses on current approaches to couples and marriage
therapy. Emphasis is on the assessment of couples and development of
appropriate interventions to address the concerns presented by couples.
Issues regarding marital and divorce therapy as well as working with
special populations are explored.