Department of Psychology

Mission

The Department of Psychology prepares ethical, compassionate, and evidence-informed professionals to advance mental health, human development, and community well-being. Guided by the Dominican tradition of the search for truth, students develop advanced knowledge, clinical judgment, and leadership skills that empower them to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities through counseling, human services, advocacy, and creative therapeutic practice.

About the Department

The Department of Psychology offers graduate programs that prepare students to become skilled practitioners, leaders, and advocates in behavioral health and human services. Through interdisciplinary study, experiential learning, clinical training, and close faculty mentorship, students integrate theory, research, and professional practice to address complex human needs across diverse settings.

Graduate programs emphasize ethical decision-making, cultural responsiveness, evidence-based practice, and professional leadership while preparing students for licensure, advanced professional roles, or doctoral study where appropriate. Students graduate ready to make meaningful contributions in counseling, art therapy, community agencies, healthcare organizations, schools, and nonprofit settings.

Graduate Programs

Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling
Master of Science in Clinical Counseling
Master of Science in Human Services

Accreditation & Professional Recognition

• The Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of The Accreditation Committee for Art Therapy Education (ACATE) located at 25400 US Hwy 19 N., Suite 158 in Clearwater, FL.
• Programs are designed to support graduates in meeting applicable professional licensure and certification requirements where appropriate. Students should consult individual program pages regarding state-specific requirements.

Experiential Learning

Graduate students engage in experiential learning that bridges advanced coursework with professional practice. Through supervised clinical placements, internships, practicum experiences, community partnerships, applied research, and capstone projects, students develop the knowledge, skills, and professional judgment needed to serve individuals, families, organizations, and communities. Working closely with faculty mentors and experienced practitioners, students apply evidence-based approaches to real-world challenges while strengthening ethical decision-making, cultural responsiveness, leadership, and reflective practice. These experiences prepare graduates for professional licensure, advanced practice, leadership roles, and continued graduate or doctoral study, as appropriate to their program of study.

Department Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of a graduate degree in the department, students will:

• Integrate advanced psychological, counseling, and human services knowledge into ethical professional practice.
• Apply critical thinking, research, and evidence-based approaches to address complex behavioral health and human service challenges.
• Communicate effectively with diverse individuals, communities, and interdisciplinary professionals.
• Demonstrate cultural humility, ethical responsibility, and advocacy in service to individuals and communities.
• Apply leadership, collaboration, and reflective practice to improve organizations and systems of care.