Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

Graduates are trained to meet international competency standards for mental health practitioners, qualifying them for potential licensure worldwide. Key outcomes include:

Islamic Integration: Ability to effectively integrate Islamic principles, ontology, and epistemology into psychological interventions and clinical practice.

Clinical Proficiency: Competence in intake, assessment, diagnosis, and individual/group counseling through extensive supervised clinical experience.

Ethical & Legal Mastery: Mastery of ethical and legal issues in psychology, specifically navigating the intersection of international professional codes and Islamic values.

Cultural Attunement: Proficiency in cross-cultural psychotherapy and the ability to adapt interventions for diverse populations, with a focus on Muslim communities.

Research & Evaluation: Ability to conduct advanced quantitative and qualitative research, including the use of assessment tools validated for Muslim populations. 

Applicants seeking admissions to the MA in Counseling Psychology should have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA out of 4.0 from a recognized institution. Applicants with a background in Islamic Studies are preferred (e.g., diplomas, certificates, post-baccalaureate programs). Applicants who do not have a bachelor’s degree in mental health-related fields must demonstrate that they have completed coursework in psychology.

First Year – First Semester

Introduction to Psychology in the Islamic Tradition – 3 Credit Hours
Foundations of Islamic Sciences – 3 Credit Hours
Human Growth and Development – 3 Credit Hours

First Year – Second Semester

Psychopathology and Diagnosis – 3 Credit Hours
Appraisal and Psychological Assessment Methods – 3 Credit Hours
Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling Theories – 3 Credit Hours

Second Year – First Semester

Cross-Cultural Psychotherapy – 3 Credit Hours
Group Therapy – 3 Credit Hours
Ethical, Professional, and Legal Issues in Psychology – 3 Credit Hours

Second Year – Second Semester

Career and School Counseling – 3 Credit Hours
Substance Abuse and Addictions – 3 Credit Hours
Marital and Family Therapy – 3 Credit Hours

Third Year – First Semester

Advanced Techniques and Interventions – 3 Credit Hours
Research and Program Evaluation – 3 Credit Hours
Practicum – 1 Credit Hour

Third Year – Second Semester

Internship I and II – 6 Credit Hours
Thesis or Research Project – 6 Credit Hours