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Psychological Studies
-
Credits:
36
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Degree:
Master of Education
Program Description
The psychological studies degree is a non-licensure graduate program that explores a broad range of psychological perspectives. The program offers a variety of elective course options that allow you to tailor your course of study to your particular interests. The psychological studies major also emphasizes the needs of an evolving multicultural society. Designed for working adults, classes are offered days, evenings, weekends, and online.
What Is Psychological Studies?
Psychology is the study of the human mind and human behavior. The master’s in psychological studies at Cambridge College explores topics such as counseling theory, the psychological and biological aspects of human development, addiction disorders, and the role of culture in mental health.
Cambridge College Psychological Studies Program Highlights
The Psychological Studies program at Cambridge College offers a flexible, hands-on master’s degree option for adult learners.
- Experiential learning. The program features research, experiential exercises, and career development opportunities that allow you to apply your learning to real-world situations.
- Flexible class options. Designed to meet the needs of working professionals, the psychological studies program is
- offered via day, evening, weekend, and online classes.
- World-class faculty. At Cambridge College, you’ll work closely with expert faculty who bring diverse psychology research and professional counseling experience to the classroom.
- Diverse students. Cambridge College welcomes more than 300 students from over 50 different countries around the world and was recently ranked as one of the Most Ethnically Diverse Colleges in America by Best College Reviews.
- Exceptional value. As one of the most affordable four-year private nonprofit colleges in the nation, Cambridge College offers quality education at a low tuition rate.
- Convenient locations. All of our classroom locations are close to public transportation and/or offer free parking for students.
According to Psychology Today, about 40 percent of psychology majors complete some form of graduate training, placing psychology among the highest of all undergraduate majors in post-graduate degree completion.
- Addictions Counseling Concentration: Learn more.
Psychological Studies Program Learning Outcomes
When you earn your master’s in psychological studies, you’ll have a strong foundation in counseling theory, with knowledge in assessment, resources, cultural and racial dynamics, roles on interdisciplinary teams, ethics, and laws. You’ll also learn about small group dynamics and processes, and how leadership styles influence group process.
Psychological Studies Jobs
Graduates of the psychological studies degree will be prepared for advancement in human services careers that do not require licensure. Psychology careers that do not require a license may include positions in mental health programs, drug and alcohol recovery programs, shelters for the homeless, and teaching and mentoring positions with colleges and universities.
Example Psychological Studies Courses
The psychological studies curriculum covers a wide range of topics and includes courses such as:
- Personality and Counseling Theory
- Perspectives in Cross-Cultural Counseling
- Career Development
Download the Psychological Studies program sheet.
Psychological Studies Scholarships and Financial Aid
Cambridge College offers exceptional value through low tuition and a variety of financial assistance programs to help pay for your degree. Explore financial aid opportunities at Cambridge College.
Many companies also offer tuition assistance programs that can help to pay for your master’s degree. Learn more about getting your company to help.
Related Programs at Cambridge College
If you’re still exploring degree options, you might be interested in learning more about these programs at Cambridge College:
Curriculum
Psychological Studies Core Courses
15
Credits
Personality and Counseling Theory
CCP 540 • 3 credit(s)
This course explores personality and counseling theories from an eclectic standpoint, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses in each theory. Students are encouraged to identify an approach or approaches that are compatible with their history, current philosophy, clients, and counseling settings. Insight into modern notions of cultural and family identity enhances counseling skills and provides the ability to accommodate the needs of individuals in diverse settings.
Human Development Across the Lifespan
CCP 630 • 3 credit(s)
This course will address the psychological and biological aspects of human development from conception through childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, mid-life and aging. Familial, environmental and cultural factors will be explored as they impact the development of people across the continuum of life. Theory will combine with application related to physical, emotional, intellectual, learning, social, normal and abnormal development; plus cognitive, moral, and vocational adjustment. The processes of physical and psychological development including ethnic and gender differences will be studied. Includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker: b: Theories of normal and abnormal intellectual, social, and emotional development. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standards for School Guidance Counseling: c. psychology of learning, and e. theories of normal and abnormal, intellectual, social, and emotional development.
Addiction Disorders
CCP 640 • 3 credit(s)
This course provides an introduction to substance abuse treatment. Students will delve into prevention and treatment strategies, the interconnectedness of substance use theories on the origins of addiction, the pharmacology of psychoactive drugs, cultural influences on substance use, and the assessment and intervention techniques for individuals and their families affected by substance abuse. Special emphasis is placed on developing skills in diagnosis, treatment planning, and facilitating referrals to appropriate resources.
This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Counseling: f: Knowledge of strategies used for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and violence in PreK-12 students.
Career Development
CCP 639 • 3 credit(s)
This course provides an experiential approach to career development for mental health, school and rehabilitation counselors to support clients with and without disabilities across the lifespan in both individual and group settings. Orientation to key assessment instruments, online resources, labor market information, transferable skills analysis, job placement strategies and work-related supports will be made to support the career guidance process and to develop comprehensive plans of action for clients.
This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Counseling: i. Career counseling.
Perspectives in Cross Cultural Counseling
CCP 754 • 3 credit(s)
This course focuses on the role of culture in the development of psychological health and in psychopathology. Variations among diverse cultures in defining mental health and deviant behavior are discussed. The importance of understanding the cultural context is emphasized, both in the prevention and in the resolution of psychological problems. Students become aware of their own cultural beliefs regarding mental health issues, and the impact of their perspective in working with culturally different people. Techniques for working with families and schools are also discussed. Includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction.
This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standards for School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker: Standard f: Techniques for communicating and working with families and school and community personnel. b: Theories of normal and abnormal intellectual, social, and emotional development.
This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Guidance Counseling: e: Theories of normal and abnormal intellectual, social, and emotional development.
Psychological Studies Electives
21
Credits
Choose seven electives (students may select other elective courses with approval of the program chair). Those pursuing the Addictions Counseling concentration may only take CCP 650.
Research Design and Evaluation
CCP 518 • 3 credit(s)
This course provides students the foundation to navigate the essentials of research design, emphasizing approaches and methodologies relevant to mental health counseling. Emphasis is on both the theoretical aspects of research design and how to apply these concepts in real-world counseling scenarios, contributing to evidence-based practice.
Family Treatment of Substance Abuse
CCP 606 • 3 credit(s)
This course focuses on the integration of various treatment models for substance use disorders (SUDs) within a family systems framework. Students will develop the skills necessary to assess, diagnose, and treat SUDs in the context of diverse cultural and minority populations. Emphasis is on the creation of SMART goals for clients and culturally sensitive treatment strategies that account for the multifaceted nature of SUDs within families.
Psychopathology
CCP 615 • 3 credit(s)
This course explores neurotic, abnormal, and psychotic behavior, emphasizing ego-defensive, adaptive, and socio-cultural aspects. Particular attention is given to ego-defensive, adaptive, and socio-cultural aspects of behavior and ways in which adaptive behavior becomes symptomatic. Students will delve into historical contexts, spanning early medical concepts to the current DSM-V TR diagnostic criteria, prevalent psychotherapies, and psychopharmacology.
Ethics & Professional Issues for School Counselors & Mental Health Practitioners
CCP 622 • 3 credit(s)
This course explores several models of school counseling and mental health counseling and the relationship to relevant ethics, federal, state, municipal, state laws, and standards and regulations. The course emphasizes best practices and strategies for dealing with ethical and legal dilemmas, including the ability to apply and practice ethical and legal standards in school counseling. School counseling and systems models are examined along with consultation, harm prevention and reduction, and the evaluation and utilization of community resources. Focal areas include professional roles and functions, ethical standards including accountability, responsibility, client/student welfare, emotional health, laws and regulations, institutional policies including crisis/disaster preparedness and response, cross cultural, cross social class practices and their impact on mental health and school counseling. Includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker: h: Federal and state laws and regulations addressing the legal rights of students and families. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Guidance Counseling: i. Federal, state, municipal, and school laws and regulations.
The Counselor in the Forensic Environment
CCP 631 • 3 credit(s)
This course explores forensic settings, the counselor’s roles within these settings, and appropriate counseling and systems skills. It introduces concepts of addiction, relapse prevention, and stages of personal change, as they relate to forensic counseling. Students are introduced to the continuum of forensic settings including court clinics, juvenile detention and rehabilitation facilities, houses of correction, jails, prisons, pre-release and post-release centers. Students explore the stages of the judicial process, legal and procedural issues during incarceration, the offender’s transition to release and community life, and the dynamic tension between the goals of rehabilitation and punishment. Students then survey counseling and systems skills appropriate to such settings and engage in realistic role-plays in order to develop or improve their skills. The course then surveys approaches to addiction, relapse prevention, and stages of personal change, with an overview of appropriate counseling techniques. Includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction.
Group Dynamics/Group Counseling & Human Systems
CCP 650 • 3 credit(s)
This course involves the study of the dynamics common to all small groups, through examining their structural and interactional properties and learning the bases for understanding groups as therapeutic, organizational, social, psychological, and collective phenomena. The class will be divided into two groups. All students will participate in an experiential, interactional group for one half of the term and observe another interactional group for one half of the term. Each experiential phase of a group will be followed by a didactic analysis of the process. The instructor will demonstrate various techniques as leader of all experiential sessions. Leadership styles will be examined as they influence group process. Students are required to write journal analyses of group sessions, complete assigned readings, and attend every session. Students are taught to develop self-awareness, sensitivity to others, and skills needed to relate to individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds. (No one will be admitted to the course in the event of failure to attend the first session.) Includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction.
This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker: a: Principles of therapeutic relationships.
This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Guidance Counseling: l. group counseling and group leadership.
Counseling Adolescents Transitioning to Adulthood
CCP672 • 3 credit(s)
In this course students will develop strategies to effectively counsel adolescents. This course will address the stages of development in the adolescents’ transition into adulthood, with a focus on the tasks of differentiation, autonomy, relationships, family, work, post-secondary education, military service, and other developmental challenges. Collaboration and consultation with parents/guardians, community collaterals, school support staff, and employers, as well as access to resources will be addressed. For those adolescents considering entry to higher education, the college/post-secondary training program and its funding will also be discussed. Special emphasis will be placed on ways to help those who traditionally face substantial barriers to success, including low-income students, minority and ELL students, and students with disabilities. The fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction are emphasized throughout the course.
This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standards for School Guidance Counseling: m. Development of skills for consultation with parents, teachers and administrators. n. College counseling and use of college and other post-secondary resource materials (grades 5-12).
Mind, Body, & Emotion: a Holistic Perspective
CCP 681 • 3 credit(s)
This course reviews literature in animal and human behavior to provide a basic biological and behavioral framework for considering the relationship between the mind, body, and emotions. The historical view of emotion as an instinctual force that should be controlled is contrasted with an emerging understanding of emotion as an adaptive intelligence that deeply informs our relationship to the world. This course includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction.
Post Traumatic Stress Reactions
CCP 724 • 3 credit(s)
This course focuses on addressing systemic and cultural aspects of diagnosis, assessment dynamics, and trauma treatment of, but not limited to, acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and complex PTSD, as well as dual diagnoses. The immediate and long-term effects of trauma on various populations will be explored.
Trauma Specific Interventions
CCP 728 • 3 credit(s)
Students will learn about assumptions, principles and concepts of trauma-specific treatment approaches and trauma-informed care. Students will gain knowledge of theory and practice of psychological first aid, its application in disaster mental health, crisis intervention and crisis counseling. They will become familiar with major approaches in trauma treatment: individual and group trauma counseling, cognitive, behavioral, psychodynamic, and exposure therapies, psychopharmacological treatments, and newly emerging approaches. The acquired knowledge and skills can be applied in providing individual and group crisis intervention, brief trauma counseling and treatment of survivors of sexual abuse, war trauma, torture, disasters and workplace violence and other. The ethics of trauma work will be thoroughly covered. This course includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction.
Optional Addictions Counseling Concentration Courses
21
Credits
Students may pursue this Addictions Counseling concentration to earn LADC 1 licensure by completing the courses below instead of the elective courses above. The entire program of study may not exceed 36 credits. Students may choose to take ADC 601 in place of CCP 622.
Alcohol and Drugs in Society
CCP 516 • 3 credit(s)
This course provides an overview of the abuse of alcohol and other drugs in our society today. The common drugs of abuse will be named, and their actions based on substance, setting, and individual psychological set will be described and examined. We will explore the consequences of abuse and dependence on the individual, the family, and society at large. Historical approaches to this issue, including understanding etiological factors, as well as scientific methods of treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention, will be covered. Bio-psychosocial assessment and related interventions will be identified, including medications, counseling, 12 Step support, and other psychological methods.
Family Treatment of Substance Abuse
CCP 606 • 3 credit(s)
This course focuses on the integration of various treatment models for substance use disorders (SUDs) within a family systems framework. Students will develop the skills necessary to assess, diagnose, and treat SUDs in the context of diverse cultural and minority populations. Emphasis is on the creation of SMART goals for clients and culturally sensitive treatment strategies that account for the multifaceted nature of SUDs within families.
Ethics & Professional Issues for School Counselors & Mental Health Practitioners
CCP 622 • 3 credit(s)
This course explores several models of school counseling and mental health counseling and the relationship to relevant ethics, federal, state, municipal, state laws, and standards and regulations. The course emphasizes best practices and strategies for dealing with ethical and legal dilemmas, including the ability to apply and practice ethical and legal standards in school counseling. School counseling and systems models are examined along with consultation, harm prevention and reduction, and the evaluation and utilization of community resources. Focal areas include professional roles and functions, ethical standards including accountability, responsibility, client/student welfare, emotional health, laws and regulations, institutional policies including crisis/disaster preparedness and response, cross cultural, cross social class practices and their impact on mental health and school counseling. Includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker: h: Federal and state laws and regulations addressing the legal rights of students and families. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Guidance Counseling: i. Federal, state, municipal, and school laws and regulations.
Addiction Disorders
CCP 640 • 3 credit(s)
This course provides an introduction to substance abuse treatment. Students will delve into prevention and treatment strategies, the interconnectedness of substance use theories on the origins of addiction, the pharmacology of psychoactive drugs, cultural influences on substance use, and the assessment and intervention techniques for individuals and their families affected by substance abuse. Special emphasis is placed on developing skills in diagnosis, treatment planning, and facilitating referrals to appropriate resources.
This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Counseling: f: Knowledge of strategies used for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and violence in PreK-12 students.
Group Dynamics/Group Counseling & Human Systems
CCP 650 • 3 credit(s)
This course involves the study of the dynamics common to all small groups, through examining their structural and interactional properties and learning the bases for understanding groups as therapeutic, organizational, social, psychological, and collective phenomena. The class will be divided into two groups. All students will participate in an experiential, interactional group for one half of the term and observe another interactional group for one half of the term. Each experiential phase of a group will be followed by a didactic analysis of the process. The instructor will demonstrate various techniques as leader of all experiential sessions. Leadership styles will be examined as they influence group process. Students are required to write journal analyses of group sessions, complete assigned readings, and attend every session. Students are taught to develop self-awareness, sensitivity to others, and skills needed to relate to individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds. (No one will be admitted to the course in the event of failure to attend the first session.) Includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction.
This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker: a: Principles of therapeutic relationships.
This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Guidance Counseling: l. group counseling and group leadership.
Psychopharmacology in Addictions and Mental Health Counseling
CCP 720 • 3 credit(s)
This course explores the basic neurobiological processes of psychotropic medications and the use of medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders while emphasizing the challenge of integrating evidence-based treatment and psychopharmacological interventions for co-occurring disorders. It delves into historical practices and the increasing use of newer, less addictive medications impacting addiction neurochemistry.
Practicum Seminar in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
ADC 521 • 3 credit(s)
Enrollment limited to 10. This course is for students beginning their alcohol and drug counseling program fieldwork. Counselor trainees become familiar with the following: basic professional counseling skills and behaviors; working with agencies/systems; the use of supervision; beginning diagnostic skills; and DSM-IV TR. The 300 hour practical supervised experience takes place in a facility or agency licensed to provide counseling services. An opportunity to provide 10 hours in each of the “12 core functions” will be part of this experiential placement. Participants complete case presentations, case scripts, process notes and take an active part in the didactic and demonstration parts of the class. Readings and active discussion are required. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts specifies that this practicum be supervised by an “approved supervisor” as described in (CMR) 262, in order for students to meet requirements for licensure as a an LMHC. Requirements for those not seeking a mental health license will be provided by the program director or your advisor.
Program Chair
Core Faculty
(617) 873-0204john.carew@cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0237massomeh.namavar@cambridgecollege.edu
Senior Instructor
(617) 873-0201Judith.Bralove@go.cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0012Elena.Cherepanov@go.cambridgecollege.edu
413-787-7475Shannon.Dion@go.cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0135Colleen.Goode@go.cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0135paul.white@cambridgecollege.edu
Admissions
-
Admission Test:
No standardized graduate school tests required for admission into non-licensure programs
-
Admissions Office:
1-800-829-4723
- Application Form:
-
Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students)
Health Requirements for Massachusetts Students
The Massachusetts Health Department and Cambridge College require the following of students in Massachusetts:
Immunizations – All students in Massachusetts are required to get certain immunizations before you can register for your first term. See form
Health Insurance – In Massachusetts, undergraduate students taking nine or more credits/term and graduate students taking six or more credits/term must enroll in the College’s health insurance plan. Students who have insurance with comparable coverage may request a waiver. See information and enroll or waive.
School Requirements
International Students
International students need to provide supplemental documentation:
- Official demonstration of English language proficiency
- Supplemental documentation for issuance of I-20
- International transcripts, evaluated by an accepted evaluation service
Transfer Credit
Please complete the transfer credit request form if you wish to have prior course work evaluated for transfer. Learn more about transferring credits.
Tuition
-
Credits:
36
-
Cost per credit hour:
$639
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students)
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Health Insurance Fee:
$3,940 - Required for Massachusetts students only. See waiver details on Tuition & Fees page.)
-
Internship/Practicum Fee:
$400
Note: Rates are as of July, 2022, and are subject to change without notice. Rates apply to all students, unless otherwise noted.
Financial Aid
Cambridge College offers financial aid to students in our degree programs who are enrolled at least half time. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits each term. Graduate and doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 4 credits each term. Learn more
Grants, Scholarships and Loans
Cambridge College welcomes the opportunity to support your efforts to pay for college. Federal, state and local resources in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study, including Cambridge College Scholarships, are available to help defray the cost of tuition. Learn more
Getting Your Company to Help
Many companies have tuition assistance programs, designed to help their employees with their professional development. Learn more
Take the Next Step Toward Your Psychological Studies Degree
Take the Next Step Toward Your Psychological Studies Degree
Student
Success
Vivian McLemore
Ready to Apply?
We can help you with any aspect of the application process. Call us at 1-800-829-4723. Start your journey now!
Have Questions?
An admissions counselor will be happy to help you with any questions you may have.
- Email Admissions
- Request Information
- Call 1-800-829-4723
