The Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling Psychology is uniquely offered within an Islamically integrated framework. It aspires to fill an urgent need for more trained mental health practitioners who are cognizant and capable of effectively integrating the religious sensitivities of Muslim populations into mental health care treatment.

 

Students are trained within a curriculum structure that is consistent with international competency standards for mental health practitioners for potential licensure anywhere in the world. In addition, under the guidance of internationally recognized faculty in the field, students have unique training opportunities to build their clinical experience—both on-site at the psychology training clinic housed within CIS as well as off-site through the program’s external mental healthcare partners.

The holistic approach of the program aims to produce a generation of scholars and practitioners to enrich the nascent field of Islamic psychology both locally and globally.

Language

English

Program Duration

2.5 Years

Certification

Masters

The MA program in Counseling Psychology aims to utilize the rich Islamic academic atmosphere of CIS to advance clinical training and scholarship that is Islamically oriented and integrated. Students will have the opportunity to train under internationally distinguished faculty and develop a research focus that speaks to their interests and addresses the gaps in current practice.

A 55-credit degree program taught over 2.5 years* in English that includes:

*Students have the opportunity to fast-track their studies by completing all requirements within two years, or extending their study to a maximum of three years.

  • Fourteen core courses (42 credits)

    Course Name
    Introduction to Psychology in the Islamic Tradition
    Foundations of Islamic Sciences
    Psychopathology and Diagnosis
    Appraisal and Psychological Assessment Methods
    Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling Theories
    Cross-Cultural Psychotherapy
    Group Therapy
    Ethical, Professional, and Legal Issues in Psychology
    Career and School Counseling
    Substance Abuse and Addictions
    Marital and Family Therapy
    Research and Program Evaluation
    Advanced Techniques and Interventions
    Human Growth and Development
  • Practicum (1 credit)
  • Internship I and II (6 credits)
  • Thesis or Research Project (6 credits)

Applicants seeking admission to the MA in Counseling Psychology should have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA out of 4.0 from a recognized institution. Applicants with a background in Islamic Studies are preferred (e.g., diplomas, certificates, post-baccalaureate programs). Applicants who do not have a bachelor’s degree in mental health-related fields must demonstrate that they have completed coursework in psychology.

Please refer to the following table for a summary of the admission criteria:

ProgramMaster of Arts in Counseling Psychology
Required Field of StudyPsychology, counseling, social work, or a related field.
Language ProficiencyIELTS: 6.5 or TOEFL: 79 Applicants may be exempt from this requirement if they provide an official letter confirming that they obtained their degree from a university where the medium of instruction is English.

Tuition Fees

Student Financial Information
ProgramMaster of Arts in Counseling Psychology 
Total Program Tuition FeesQAR 137,500
Tuition Fees per Credit HourQAR 2,500
Total Program Credit Hours55
Program Duration2.5 years