Master of Arts in Psychology, Mental Health Administration Specialization

ORG 6300 Human Development (3 credits)

This course explores the major theories of adult development related to emotions, personality, cognitive functioning, social and family influences, and physical functioning. Current theoretical approaches and research related to adult development are emphasized as well as practical applications in the therapy setting.

ORG 5270 Mental Health & Psychopathology in the Workplace (3 credits)

This course acquaints the student with both normal and abnormal behavior evident in the workplace. The focus of the course is creating a healthy culture in the workplace, maintaining a healthy work/life balance, and managing stress. In addition, students learn the common mental disorders and personality disorders manifested in an organizational setting and how to exercise leadership to bring about positive change.

ORG 6530 Theories & Techniques of Counseling & Psychotherapy (3 credits)

This course is an overview of the psychodynamic, cognitive/behavioral, and existential/humanistic schools of psychology, as well as corresponding models of counseling and frequently used assessment and therapeutic techniques. The primary focus in the course is on the development of both skills and rationale in the application of intervention strategies to treatment and case management.

ORG 6499 Cultural Diversity and Individual Differences (3 credits)

This course provides a systematic review of the wide range of cultures and individual differences and the ways in which cultural mores, ethnocentrism, and factors such as matters of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, customs and cultures impact behavior of the individual themselves and of those around them. Through this course, students better understand themselves and others, in terms of perceptions and behaviors.

ORG 5400 Statistics & Psychometrics (3 credits)

This course emphasizes statistical concepts related to distributions and methods most appropriate to data and theories in psychology. The focus is on a quantitative approach to the concepts and methods of statistical inference. Topics include sampling, frequency distributions, estimation, and testing. Statistical techniques in analysis and interpretation of experimental data include estimation and testing, analysis of variance, experimental designs, linear regression, and correlation. Various statistical models are discussed including analyses of variance, covariance, and multiple regression; non-parametric statistics; components of variance; and designs and analyses for multi-factor experiments. Emphasis is placed on the role quantitative methodologies play in the quest to discover what the world is like.

ORG 6405 Applied Research in Organizational Leadership (3 credits)

This course is designed to give the student hands-on knowledge of the practices employed in analyzing organization and program data sets. Whether the data is provided as quantitative in nature, primarily though the use of surveys, questionnaires, or outcome data, or qualitative, through interviews or focus groups, students will be able to critically analyze the information in order to provide the appropriate feedback to the requesting entity. Students will be prepared to communicate the research and analysis processes to others and execute an appropriate article on the matter.

ORG 6520 Professional Ethics, Standards of Practice & Law (3 credits)**

This course is a study of the ethical and legal issues confronting the practicing psychologist. Topics related to clinical methodology, standards of practice, and inter-professional relations are explored. Students learn principles of ethical decision making, standards for human and animal use in research, and standards of care specified by state and federal laws. Emphasis is placed on exploration of the emotional impact that major ethical and legal dilemmas have on decision making. Students also master the current code of ethics of the American Psychological Association and other professional codes of ethics, such as the code of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy or the code of the American Counseling Association. This course must be taken at University of the Rockies and may not be transferred from another institution.

HUM 5010 Overview of Human Services (3 credits)

This course is designed to introduce the student to the broad field of human services, the types of disciplines represented in the field, the general nature and scope of services provided by the disciplines, the similarities in services provided between, and the differences among the disciplines. A major emphasis will be on the ways in which human services professionals can effectively and efficiently interact to enhance service delivery and maximize the use of valuable resources.

ORG 6610 Principles of Project, Program, & Operations Management (3 credits)

This course explores the application of management best practices in leading projects, managing programs composed of multiple projects, and managing operations of large organizations. Topics include project planning, staffing and budgeting, as well as managing people, funds, schedules, and other resources to accomplish project and program goals. The course emphasizes the psychology of selecting and teaming individuals based on diversity of backgrounds, skills, and styles, in addition to motivating individuals and teams to achieve peak performance.

ORG 5100 Assessment - Tests & Measurements (3 credits)

This course involves the study of the theory and practice of psychological measurement. The focus is on the process of measuring and differentiating variables of psychological interest. Students explore basic concepts of measurement and the principles of test construction. The course familiarizes the prospective professional psychologist with the common tests used in psychological and educational practice. These include intellectual, aptitude, and achievement tests; interest inventories; personality tests; and social measures.

ORG 5650 Contemporary Issues in Mental Health Care Compliance (3 credits)

This course familiarizes the student with major areas of compliance in the administration of mental health agencies. Through readings and exercises students will explore HIPAA, JCAHO, other accrediting bodies, grant compliance, insurance regulations and lobbying efforts on behalf of mental health systems of care. Other topics may also be examined as new issues arise.

ORG 5652 Managing Human Capital in the Mental Health Care Environment (3 credits)

This course addresses the complexities in the selection and professional development of high-functioning, multidisciplinary teams. Topics include the coaching/mentoring of mental health professionals. Emphasis is placed on mitigating risks associated with human capital, such as stress-related issues, professional impairment and boundary issues.

ORG 6660 Fiscal Administration in Mental Health Care Systems (3 credits)

This course explores the common metrics organizations use, the data used in support of those metrics, the assessment of fiscal outcomes, trends and events. Identifying cost centers and programs is considered. Students will evaluate differing funding streams that could potentially support the provision of services including public funding, public insurance programs (e.g. Medicaid, Medicare), government and foundation grants and private donations. Fundraising efforts as applied to an overall budget strategy will also be considered.

Comprehensive Exam