Academic Master's Degree
Master's Degree in Psychological Counseling
The Master's Degree in Psychological Counseling at the College of International Justice (CI Justice) is an advanced academic and clinical postgraduate programme specifically designed to qualify counseling professionals, psychologists, and therapists equipped t...
Duration2 years
Credit hours60
DegreeMaster's Degree
Language of studyArabic
Terms4
About the program
The Master's Degree in Psychological Counseling at the College of International Justice (CI Justice) is an advanced academic and clinical postgraduate programme specifically designed to qualify counseling professionals, psychologists, and therapists equipped to provide high-level counseling and therapeutic interventions for individuals, families, and communities. The programme focuses on complex psychological challenges and mental health disorders in contemporary environments, diving deeply into advanced psychotherapy theories, clinical diagnosis followed by sophisticated psychological testing, and psychosocial support programmes during crises, disasters, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) recovery.The programme spans four academic semesters (two academic years). Students study 8 advanced courses (5 compulsory and 3 elective) distributed across the first and second semesters, followed by practical application and supervised clinical training concurrently with completing a Master's Thesis during the third and fourth semesters. The programme focuses on complex clinical issues—beginning with research methodologies and advanced therapy theories, moving through clinical psychological diagnosis according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), advanced family and marital counseling, and culminating in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and clinical/forensic psychological assessment. It is distinguished by a teaching methodology relying on research seminars and clinical case studies, fostering critical thinking, precise diagnosis, and the design of evidence-based therapeutic programmes.
Vision
To be the globally preeminent academic and professional destination in preparing distinguished clinical psychological counselors and psychotherapists capable of fostering mental health, delivering world-class therapeutic and counseling services, and building resilient communities resistant to trauma and crises.
Mission
To deliver an advanced postgraduate programme that integrates theoretical rigor in psychology and counseling sciences with advanced clinical applications, through an interactive educational environment based on case studies and therapy session simulation, to qualify cadres possessing high competence and human empathy to provide counseling services built on rigorous evidence and lofty professional ethics.
Objectives
- Theoretical and Clinical Depth: Equip scholars with an advanced critical understanding of modern psychotherapy and counseling schools and their complex applications.
- Developing Rigorous Research Faculty: Qualify researchers to produce original scientific theses and research in mental health and counseling addressing societal and clinical gaps.
- Mastery of Psychological Diagnosis and Assessment: Build high competence in administering and interpreting advanced psychological and clinical tests and assessments (such as the MMPI and projective personality tests).
- Development of Counseling and Therapeutic Intervention Skills: Build advanced competencies in designing and applying individual, group, and family counseling plans to address complex psychological disorders.
- Handling Trauma and Psychological Crises: Prepare graduates to deliver psychological first aid and rapid therapeutic intervention during disasters, conflicts, and acute trauma.
Educational philosophy
The College of International Justice adopts the philosophy of "Evidence-Based and Client-Centered Clinical Counseling." This philosophy transcends general theoretical guidance to reach a deep analysis of personality psychological dynamics, deconstructing the structure of clinical disorders, and evaluating the efficiency of counseling interventions in achieving psychological balance and personal growth.This philosophy is embodied in research seminars requiring students to critically read peer-reviewed papers and complex clinical case studies. The programme also strongly focuses on supervised clinical training and live case analysis to exchange best therapeutic practices, while providing a flexible (distance) educational environment catering to the needs of practitioners and workers in the health and educational sectors and supporting directed self-learning.
Learning outcomes
- Knowledge and Understanding: Comprehending the philosophical and theoretical frameworks of psychological disorders, comprehensive awareness of clinical diagnosis mechanisms, and modern psychotherapy schools.
- Cognitive Skills: The ability to critically analyze clinical cases, properly characterize treatment plans based on psychological data, and foresee preventative intervention strategies.
- Practical Skills: Mastery of managing counseling and diagnostic interviews professionally, administering and interpreting advanced psychological tests, and managing individual and family counseling sessions (in practical application courses).
Career prospects
Career Horizons: The programme qualifies graduates to hold prestigious leadership and advisory positions in hospitals and psychiatric clinics, therapeutic and rehabilitation centers, psychological support institutions and international organizations (in crisis situations), psychological consultants in major educational institutions, and private practitioners.
Curriculum
In-depth Scientific Research Methodology & Psychological Statistical Analysis 4 credit hours · MPC501Advanced Psychotherapy and Counseling Theories 4 credit hours · MPC502Advanced Clinical Psychological Disorders and DSM-5 Diagnosis 4 credit hours · MPC503Advanced Clinical Psychological Testing and Assessment 4 credit hours · MPC504
Advanced Family Counseling and Systemic Therapy 4 credit hours · MPC505Advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Its Third Waves (Elective) 4 credit hours · MPC507Psychological First Aid and Trauma Support (PTSD) (Elective) 4 credit hours · MPC5066Counseling in Addiction and Recovery (Elective) 4 credit hours · MPC508Professional Ethics of Psychological Practice and Mental Health Law (Elective) 4 credit hours · MPC509Health Psychology and Medical Psychological Interventions (Elective) 4 credit hours · MPC510
Frequently asked questions
How does the mechanism for studying the eight courses work? What is the role of Seminars?
Master's studies at our college rely on directed research methodology and deep analysis of theories and clinical studies, not rote learning. The student studies 8 courses. Each course is conducted through "research seminars" relying on multiple references and recent international working papers according to scientific research standards. Studying a single course takes a minimum of 4 weeks, and may take longer depending on the student's ability and pace in completing the required analyses. After completion, a competency test is held for the course, and upon passing it, the student begins the next course in the same manner.
Is there flexibility in finishing the first-year courses if I cannot complete them on time?
Yes, the system fully considers the circumstances and professional commitments of the learners, especially psychological counselors and healthcare workers. The student has the right to extend the study period for first-year courses for an additional period not exceeding a maximum of a second year, giving them sufficient flexibility to deeply absorb complex theories and analyze psychological disorders without undue academic pressure.
What is the nature of the "Practical Application" (Virtual Course) training? Does it require on-site attendance?
The practical training in the courses (Practical Application 1 & 2) is a "virtual" course that does not require on-site attendance but aims to refine your leadership and academic skills in knowledge transfer and simplifying complex psychological and counseling concepts. You will be asked to restructure an undergraduate course into 12-14 lectures (distributed over the 3rd and 4th semesters), providing a written summary (Word) and recording a voice-over presentation (PowerPoint) for each lecture (lasting 10-20 minutes). This training places you in the role of a trained expert therapist.
When can I start the Master's thesis? What are the requirements for the Jury and approval to defend it?
Thesis preparation (Master's Thesis 1 & 2) effectively begins concurrently with the start of practical training in the third semester, and takes from 9 months (minimum) up to two years (extendable exceptionally for a third year, provided total enrollment does not exceed 4 years). The supervisor submits a semi-annual progress report.To defend: The supervisor must submit a report on the thesis's validity for defense (evaluating your performance out of 140 marks) and propose names for the Jury committee, whose validity period is 6 months. At least 15 days must pass after the committee's approval before the defense. Most importantly: You must obtain at least 70% from both the supervisor's evaluation (out of 140) and the Jury members (in their individual reports out of 100) before being allowed to defend. Post-defense, the committee submits a final collective grade report.
What services support me as a distance learning Master's student at the college throughout my studies?
As a student at the College of International Justice, you will enjoy continuous support including:An Academic Tutor for each module: Evaluates your assignments and practical training (TMAs), provides guidance in using clinical methodologies, and directs you to data sources and global clinic case studies.e-Library: Comprehensive access to high-quality psychological and therapeutic databases and resources, and other university libraries.Student Support Teams and Help Centre: To answer general questions and support your study skills via an online help center.IT Support: Providing technical support and free access to Microsoft Office 365.Flexible Learning Environment: Includes discussion forums for collaborative work, a weekly study planner to schedule tasks, a tutoring booking system, and interactive Webinars.
Admission requirements
- Holding a Bachelor's degree (Licence) in Psychology, Psychological Counseling, Social Work, Education, or a related field from a recognized university.
- Appropriate language proficiency (in Arabic or English) to comprehend in-depth clinical references, analyze psychological reports, and prepare scientific research.
- The ability to commit to the intensive study system based on research seminars, directed self-learning, and completing tasks and clinical assessments on time.
- Applicants from non-related backgrounds may be required to pass foundational psychology prerequisite courses as a condition for admission.
Tuition & fees
Application fee$145.00
Start your academic journey today
Submit your application now and our admissions team will contact you to complete the process.
Apply to this programIn-depth Scientific Research Methodology & Psychological Statistical Analysis
MPC501 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: Serving as the cornerstone for building master-level research and analytical capabilities in psychological counseling and clinical psychology, this is the first course students take. It covers foundational philosophical and logical methodologies in psychological research (experimental, correlational, and descriptive), transitioning the student to practical application of advanced statistical analysis using approved software. The student trains in psychological test construction methods, reliability and validity testing, clinical experimental design, and evaluating psychological hypotheses. The course also emphasizes practical and academic skills for drafting research papers according to APA style guidelines, starting from selecting an original research topic, precisely formulating the problem and hypotheses, culminating in practical training on preparing Thesis Proposals according to global academic standards. The course is studied through research seminars utilizing multiple references according to scientific research methodology.
Advanced Psychotherapy and Counseling Theories
MPC502 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course represents an advanced foundational and critical study of major therapeutic schools in counseling psychology. It transcends basic concepts to deeply analyze the philosophical and theoretical foundations of contemporary psychoanalysis, humanistic and existential schools, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and its third waves (such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - ACT, and mindfulness), and systemic and family therapy schools. Students study mechanisms of therapeutic change and how to build a therapeutic alliance with complex and treatment-resistant cases. It also focuses on comparing the efficacy of different schools based on clinical evidence. The course is studied through research seminars based on case studies and advanced references.
Advanced Clinical Psychological Disorders and DSM-5 Diagnosis
MPC503 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course dives into the clinical complexities of psychological diagnosis according to the latest editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It deeply examines major mood disorders, complex anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and psychosis spectrum, borderline and narcissistic personality disorders, and trauma-related disorders. Students analyze diagnostic criteria precisely, focusing on differential diagnosis to avoid diagnostic overlaps, and understanding the neuro-psychological underpinnings behind these disorders. It also studies how to utilize diagnostic outcomes in constructing counseling and treatment plans. The course is studied through research seminars relying on clinical references and real-world case studies.
Advanced Clinical Psychological Testing and Assessment
MPC504 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: The course provides a precise institutional analysis of advanced measurement tools and clinical tests used in psychological clinics. It deeply studies the conditions for administering, scoring, and interpreting major objective and projective tests (such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory - MMPI-2, Thematic Apperception Test - TAT, and Rorschach inkblot test), in addition to cognitive and neuropsychological assessment scales. Students analyze how to link psychological test results with clinical diagnosis and psychological case formulation, and how to write professional psychological reports addressed to medical and judicial institutions. The course is studied through research seminars relying on administration and interpretation training.
Advanced Family Counseling and Systemic Therapy
MPC505 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: An applied and theoretical course focusing on the Family Systems Approach in understanding and treating psychological and behavioral disorders. Students study various family therapy theories (such as Bowenian therapy, structural therapy, and strategic therapy), and how individuals interact within the family system. Students train in skills for conducting marital and parental counseling sessions, handling marital infidelity, emotional divorce, chronic family conflicts, and the impact of transgenerational family traumas. The course aims to equip the therapist with the ability to view the client not as an isolated individual, but as part of an integrated social and family system. The course is studied through research seminars relying on complex family case studies.
Advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Its Third Waves (Elective)
MPC507 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course represents an advanced dive into the techniques and applications of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and its third waves. Students deeply study Cognitive Case Formulation for complex disorders such as borderline personality disorder and treatment-resistant OCD. The curriculum covers in detail Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Researchers train in applying behavioral experiments, modifying deep Core Beliefs, and managing therapeutic relapses. The course is studied through research seminars based on advanced references and practical applications.
Psychological First Aid and Trauma Support (PTSD) (Elective)
MPC5066 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course provides an in-depth applied study of rapid intervention protocols in crises, disasters, and wars (Psychological First Aid - PFA). It deeply studies trauma psychology, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and acute adjustment disorders. The course analyzes the mechanics of the human brain during acute trauma exposure, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) techniques, and other validated treatments for childhood traumas and Complex PTSD. Students also train in designing and managing collective and individual psychosocial support programmes in conflict and natural disaster environments. The course is studied through research seminars.
Counseling in Addiction and Recovery (Elective)
MPC508 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course addresses specialized study of the psychological and physical nature of substance addiction, as well as behavioral addictions (such as digital gambling, internet, and shopping). It deeply studies recovery theories and models, foremost the 12-Step program and the Motivational Interviewing (MI) model to overcome addicts' resistance to treatment. The course focuses on assessing relapse risks, prevention strategies, and family counseling to prepare a supportive environment for the recovering individual and ensure social reintegration. The course is studied through research seminars.
Professional Ethics of Psychological Practice and Mental Health Law (Elective)
MPC509 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course examines the ethical, professional, and legal framework governing the practice of psychological counselors and psychotherapists. It deeply covers global ethical codes of honor (such as the American Psychological Association - APA code), boundaries of the counseling relationship, dilemmas of confidentiality and its exceptions (such as protecting the client or others from imminent danger), working with minor clients, and the therapist's legal and administrative liability. It also discusses ethical aspects of utilizing digital remote counseling technologies (Tele-counseling). The course is studied through research seminars.
Health Psychology and Medical Psychological Interventions (Elective)
MPC510 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course provides an advanced study of the close interaction between psychological state and physical health (Psychosomatic Medicine). It examines the impact of chronic stress on the immune and nervous systems, and the role of the psychological counselor within integrated medical care teams in chronic illness hospitals (such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes). Students train in relaxation techniques, chronic pain management, and psychological interventions to assist patients and their families in adapting to critical medical diagnoses and Palliative Care. The course is studied through research seminars.
Practical Application 1 (Virtual Course - Part 1)
MPC511 5 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: The student is assigned an undergraduate virtual course (e.g., Introduction to Psychology or Mental Health) as applied practical training. This course aims to enhance the student's abilities in knowledge transfer and advanced presentation skills for complex psychological and counseling concepts in a simplified and rigorous academic manner. The student must design a teaching structure for the first half of this course, dividing it methodically into six or seven concise lectures. For each lecture, the student prepares a comprehensive written summary in Word format, detailing the objectives and scientific content based on rigorous psychological analyses and references. This summary is accompanied by a video recording where the student presents the lecture using a presentation program (PowerPoint). The presentation must be scientifically accurate, focused, and objective, lasting between 10 and 20 minutes per lecture. This practical training evaluates the student's competence in strategic information summarization, academic and executive presence, and presentation skills essential for psychotherapists and psychological counselors.
Master's Thesis 1 (Preparation and Proposal)
MPC512 9 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course represents the actual start of work on the master's thesis, commencing concurrently with the practical training. In this section, the student begins the research and preparation phase under direct academic supervision from a specialized professor. The student first focuses on precisely crystallizing an original research problem in the field of psychological counseling, clinical psychology, or mental health. The student gathers references, sources, and literature reviews, formulates the theoretical and conceptual framework, and determines the scientific and statistical methodology to be adopted to reach conclusions and test hypotheses. The student submits the research Proposal for approval by the college board. They begin drafting the preliminary chapters or theoretical framework of the thesis, laying a solid and coherent foundation for the clinical and in-depth analytical research to be completed in the fourth semester.
Practical Application 2 (Virtual Course - Part 2)
MPC513 5 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: The student completes the applied practical training on the virtual course started in the third semester. The student divides the remaining part of the course into another six or seven concise lectures. For each lecture, the student prepares a comprehensive written summary in Word format, accompanied by a video recording where the student presents the lecture using a presentation program (PowerPoint). The recording for a single lecture must not be less than 10 minutes and not more than 20 minutes. This course contributes to consolidating the student's executive presentation skills, successfully completing the requirements for academic knowledge transfer, and confirming their ability to analyze and present complex psychological theories and problems with extreme clarity and professionalism.
Master's Thesis 2 (Completion and Defense Preparation)
MPC514 9 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course represents the second and final half of the work on the master's thesis, continuing concurrently with Practical Application 2. In this section, the research and clinical work started in the third semester is completed. The student writes the analytical and applied chapters, applying statistical and analytical methodologies, testing hypotheses validity, and discussing results objectively. Crucially in this phase is the student's ability to extract profound clinical insights and conclusions, and provide practical recommendations and Counseling Frameworks derived and grounded exclusively on the results of their study to support practitioners and decision-makers in psychological and health institutions, followed by drafting the comprehensive conclusion. The final draft of the thesis is prepared for methodological and scientific review and auditing by the supervisor, in preparation for submission to the discussion and arbitration committee to obtain final approval for awarding the Master's degree in Psychological Counseling.