Applied Psychology

The Department of Applied Psychology is a science-practitioner based unit that:

1. generates new knowledge through research and the translation of research to applications that optimize the development, and promote the mental and physical health, of children and adults across the life span.
2. trains the next generation of leaders in school psychology, counseling psychology, college student development, applied behavior analysis, and related fields.

Faculty and students come from diverse training, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, providing an enriching learning experience. Our doctoral programs provide excellent educational opportunities for those interested in professional psychology with specialized training for future careers in academic or practice positions as licensed psychologists. We expect our students to become high level science based practitioners contributing with their behavioral health training to promote integrated and interprofessional health policies and practices in a multicultural and global world.

The Department shares Bouvé College of Health Sciences mission of being a center of excellence in professional health education, research, and service. The Department is strongly committed to Bouvé’s emphasis on cross-disciplinary interaction among faculty and students from the different schools and departments, to foster the next generation of interprofessional healthcare leaders of our global community.

Our graduates are well-prepared to become applied psychologists and behavioral health science professionals in a variety of health, educational, governmental, community, organizational, and private settings.

Applied Behavior Analysis (MS)

Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills in the areas of:

• Behaviorism philosophical underpinnings
• Concepts and principles
• Measurement, data display, and interpretation
• Experimental design
• Ethics and professional Issues
• Behavior assessment
• Behavior change procedures
• Selecting and implementing interventions
• Personnel supervision and management

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Applied Psychology (MS)

Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills in the areas of:

• Applying psychological principles: students can apply psychological theories and principles to real-world situations.
• Research methods: students can identify and use quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Data analysis: students can compute, interpret, and present data analysis.
• Writing: students can write summaries of research and hypotheses for research projects.
• Ethical standards: students can evaluate ethical standards in different environments and social systems.
• Cultural competence: students can advance cultural competence by proposing socially responsible solutions.

Counseling Psychology (MSCP)

Students will learn how to:

• Assess, diagnose, and treat depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other clinical disorders as outlined in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM-5)
• Function as clinicians and apply clinical skills that reflect current evidence-based practices in psychotherapy with individuals, groups, and families
• Practice psychotherapy according to ethical and multicultural guidelines

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School Psychology (MS)

Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills in the areas of:

• Data-based decision making
• Legal, ethical, and professional practice
• Consultation and collaboration
• Academic interventions and instructional supports
• Mental and behavioral health services and interventions
• School-wide practices to promote learning
• Services to promote safe and supportive schools
• Family, school, and community collaboration
• Equitable practices for diverse student populations
• Research and evidence-based practice

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Counseling Psychology (PhD)

Students will be prepared to:

• Exhibit professional role requirements of counseling psychology as mandated by APA. These include: legal and ethical issues within an ecological framework; the history of counseling psychology; licensure requirements; and professional development requirements.
• Apply advanced clinical techniques in counseling psychology. Based on Treatment strategies with diverse populations and Advanced psychological testing skills
• Apply advanced clinical techniques in counseling psychology
• Demonstrate specific clinical practices in psychotherapy and clinical assessment based on current scientific practices. Knowledge mastery in the following: • Knowledge of biological, cognitive and affective, and social aspects of behavior; • Knowledge of the history and systems of psychology; • Knowledge of empirical research regarding effective clinical practice, assessment, and interventions; • Knowledge of contemporary theories that explicate human behavior across the lifespan; • Knowledge of social influences in organizational and ecological contexts • Knowledge regarding implementation of evidence-based clinical interventions with diverse populations.
• Apply advanced clinical techniques in counseling psychology. Based on personality and cognitive assessments
• Produce scientific research using advanced and applied research skills within an ecological perspective. Will include: • Knowledge of advanced research methods • Proficient reporting of research findings • Development of collaborative research skills • Knowledge of IRB processes • Critically evaluate research from an ecological Perspective
• Teach professional psychology in counseling
• Demonstrate specific clinical practices in psychotherapy and clinical assessment based on current scientific practices.
• Apply advanced clinical techniques in counseling psychology. Based on: Treatment strategies with diverse populations, Advanced psychological testing skills, Leadership, consultation and supervision skills
• Produce scientific research using advanced and applied research skills within an ecological perspective.
• Exhibit professional role requirements of counseling psychology as mandated by APA.

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School Psychology (PhD)

Students will demonstrate knowledge of:

• History and Systems of Psychology
• Psychometrics
• Affective Aspects of Behavior
• Biological Aspects of Behavior
• Cognitive Aspects of Behavior
• Developmental Aspects of Behavior
• Social Aspects of Behavior
• Advanced Integrative Knowledge of Basic Discipline-Specific Content Areas
• Research Methods
• Statistical Analysis

Students will be prepared to:

• Demonstrate the substantially independent ability to formulate research or other scholarly activities (e.g., critical literature reviews, dissertation, efficacy studies, clinical case studies, theoretical papers, program evaluation projects, program development projects) that are of sufficient quality and rigor to have the potential to contribute to the scientific, psychological, or professional knowledge base. · Conduct research or other scholarly activities . · Critically evaluate and disseminate research or other scholarly activity via professional publication and presentation at the local (including the host institution), regional, or national level.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and act in accordance with each of the following: · the current version of the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct; · Relevant laws, regulations, rules, and policies governing health service psychology at the organizational, local, state, regional, and federal levels; and o Relevant professional standards and guidelines. · Recognize ethical dilemmas as they arise, and apply ethical decision-making processes in order to resolve the dilemmas. · Conduct self in an ethical manner in all professional activities.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how their own personal/cultural history, attitudes, and biases may affect how they understand and interact with people different from themselves. · Knowledge of the current theoretical and empirical knowledge base as it relates to addressing diversity in all professional activities including research, training, supervision/consultation, and service. · The ability to integrate awareness and knowledge of individual and cultural differences in the conduct of professional roles (e.g., research, services, and other professional activities). This includes the ability apply a framework for working effectively with areas of individual and cultural diversity not previously encountered over the course of their careers. Also included is the ability to work effectively with individuals whose group membership, demographic characteristics, or worldviews create conflict with their own. · Demonstrate the requisite knowledge base, ability to articulate an approach to working effectively with diverse individuals and groups, and apply this approach effectively in their professional work.
• Behave in ways that reflect the values and attitudes of psychology, including integrity, deportment, professional identity, accountability, lifelong learning, and concern for the welfare of others · Engage in self-reflection regarding one’s personal and professional functioning; engage in activities to maintain and improve performance, well-being, and professional effectiveness. · Actively seek and demonstrate openness and responsiveness to feedback and supervision. · Respond professionally in increasingly complex situations with a greater degree of independence as they progress across levels of training.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of individuals, including colleagues, communities, organizations, supervisors, supervisees, and those receiving professional services. · Produce and comprehend oral, nonverbal, and written communications that are informative and well-integrated; demonstrate a thorough grasp of professional language and concepts. · Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and the ability to manage difficult communication well.
• Demonstrate current knowledge of diagnostic classification systems, functional and dysfunctional behaviors, including consideration of client strengths and psychopathology. · Demonstrate understanding of human behavior within its context (e.g., family, social, societal and cultural). · Demonstrate the ability to apply the knowledge of functional and dysfunctional behaviors including context to the assessment and/or diagnostic process. · Select and apply assessment methods that draw from the best available empirical literature and that reflect the science of measurement and psychometrics; collect relevant data using multiple sources and methods appropriate to the identified goals and questions of the assessment as well as relevant diversity characteristics of the service recipient. · Interpret assessment results, following current research and professional standards and guidelines, to inform case conceptualization, classification, and recommendations, while guarding against decision-making biases, distinguishing the aspects of assessment that are subjective from those that are objective. · Communicate orally and in written documents the findings and implications of the assessment in an accurate and effective manner sensitive to a range of audiences.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with the recipients of psychological services. · Develop evidence-based intervention plans specific to the service delivery goals. · Implement interventions informed by the current scientific literature, assessment findings, diversity characteristics, and contextual variables. · Demonstrate the ability to apply the relevant research literature to clinical decision making. · Modify and adapt evidence-based approaches effectively when a clear evidence-base is lacking. · Evaluate intervention effectiveness, and adapt intervention goals and methods consistent with ongoing evaluation.
• Demonstrate knowledge of supervision models and practices.
• Demonstrate knowledge and respect for the roles and perspectives of other professions. ·
• Demonstrate knowledge of consultation models and practices.

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College Student Development and Counseling Program

Upon completion of the program graduates will:

• Capable of assisting and supporting independent, new research projects related to human movement and rehabilitation sciences.

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The Department of Applied Psychology is committed to upholding Northeastern University’s Policy on Equal Opportunity, which prohibits discrimination and retaliation on the basis of protected categories.

We strive to create a diverse, inclusive community and do not tolerate discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran or active military status, genetic information, or any other protected category.