MAIFS
Master of Arts in Individual and Family Studies

1. To train psychological practitioners to help people deal with a variety of problems, including relationships and vocational choices.
2. To provide educational opportunity at the Graduate level to current and returning students of all ages, Thai and international, who are interested in increasing their knowledge of individual psychological development and family dynamics.
3. To make accessible to continuing and returning students a master's level psychology program focused on clinical issues and practical knowledge without the requirement of original academic research.
4. To offer a flexible program that can be individualized according to students' interests or needs.
5. To offer training in qualitative research methods adapted to clinical practice and everyday life.

Admission Requirements:

Admission Requirements:

1. A competed application form
2. Official transcript of the previous university attended (2 copies)
3. Bachelor's Degree Certificate (2 copies)
4. Identification card (2 copies)
5. Residence Registration or passport (2 copies)
6. Eight 1-inch size Photographs (photo in gown is not preferable)
7. Letter of recommendation either from a former instructor or current emp

NOTE:

• The fees exclude tuition fees for foundation courses and textbooks.
• The fees are subject to change when applicable at the university's discretion and without prior notice.
• Currency Exchange Rate is assumed at Thai Baht 36 = US$ 1

Faculty

Program Director

Dr. Holly Shaw Dugan
B.S. (Psychology), John Hopskins University, U.S.A
M.S.W. (Clinical Social Work), University of Maryland, U.S.A
Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology), California Institute of Integral Studies, U.S.A

Full-time Lecturers

1. Dr. Parvathy Varma Syamalakumari
B.A. (Psychology), University of Kerala, India
M.A. (Psychology), University of Calicut, India
Ph.D (Psychology), University of Madras, India

2. Dr. C. Gigante MacBaine
Diploma in Osteopathy, British School of Osteopathy, U.K.
MBChB/MD (General Practise and Community Medicine), University of Aberdeen, U.K.
Ph.D (Clinical Psychology), University of Aberdeen, U.K.
Ph.D (Education, Leadership and Management), Andersonville University Theological School and Seminary, U.S.

3. Dr. Paul Lane
B.A. (Psychology), Macquarie University, Australia
Certificate in Association Management, Monash Mt Eliza Business School, Australia
Ph.D (Psychology), Macquarie University, Australia

4. Dr. Benjamin A. Weinstein
B.A. (Comparative Religion, Hebrew and Semitic Studies), University of Wisconsin-Madison, U.S.A
M.S. (Clinical Psychology), University of Wisconsin-Madison, U.S.A
Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, U.S.A

Part-time Lecturers

1. Professor Sumalee Sungsri
B.Ed. (Hons.), Sri Nakharinwirot University
M.Ed. (Science Education), Chulalongkorn University
Ph.D (Non-Formal Education), Monash University, Australia

2. Associate Professor Dr. Archanya Ratana-Ubol
B.Ed. (Non-Formal Education and Health Education), Chulalongkorn University
M.Ed (Non-Formal Education), Chulalongkorn University
M.Ed (Secondary Education-Adult Education), University of Missouri, U.S.A
Ed.D. (Learning Instructional-Adult Education and Research Design), University of Missouri, U.S.A

3. Dr. Jacob Ezhanikatt
B.A. (English), Sri Venkateswara University, India
M.S. (Guidance and Counseling), De La Salle University, Philippines
Ph.D. (Counseling Psychology: Clinical psychology), De La Salle University, Philippines.

FAQs

WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MASTER'S IN INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY STUDIES?

First, you will feel very proud that you have furthered your education in a useful, human interest field, placing yourself among the few who have attained this position. Imagine your name with the initials behind it, printed on a business card. Now close your eyes and envision the card, the design, the print, the feel of the it . . . how do you want it to look and what do you want it to say?

School Counselor Cross-cultural Counselor Psych. Nurse Research Associate Psychological Testing Specialist

Family Counselor EAP Telephone Counselor Human Resources Associate Marketing Research Therapist in private practice

Crisis Counselor Hospital Psych. Liaison Customer Relations Doctoral Candidate

Where do you want to work? Here are some of the environments where Master's trained individuals might want to explore.

Human Service Agencies Child Protective Services NGOs Government Agencies Human Rights Organizations Family Advocacy Centers

Mental Health Centers Hospitals Human Resource Offices Employee Assistance Programs Consumer Protection Agencies Police or Forensic Psychology Units

Universities Schools Airlines

What you study and how you use it depends to a great extent upon YOU.

The MAIFS program is designed with options, choices, that enable a student to pursue a particular career or personal goal by selecting coursework and seeking outside experience that will develop and refine marketable psychological skills and abilities. Whatever your chosen path in life, you will have enriched your experience and that of those close to you by stretching your mind and increasing your knowledge. Armed with this, and the good name of Assumption University, you should feel confident of success in whatever endeavor or path you choose.

Course Descriptions

FS6001 Child and Adolescent Development

3 Credits

This course is about child and adolescent development, its universal features, its individual variations, its dynamic nature at the beginning of the 21st century, with an emphasis on learning processes as well as biological, psychological and social problems affecting the development and socialization. The course includes a wealth of classic and leading-edge theory, research, and practical applications to the real world that would enable a student as a future practitioner not only to increase their understanding of developmental issues, but also gain a deep compassion for helping children and youth reach their full potential.

FS6002 Human Sexuality

3 Credits

An introductory survey of the psychological bases and dimentions of human sexuality with an emphasis on the socio-cultural factos involved in intimate relationships, sexuality, love, and attachment. This course is created to increase awareness and appreciation of different views concerning sexuality in relation to one's age, sexual orientation, religious, racial and/or ethnic background

FS6003 Lifespan Development & Aging

3 Credits

In this course students will examine developmental aspects of adult life, including biological, cognitive, emotional and social factors that affect relationships, careers, and quality of life. Evolving theories on adult development and human potential will be presented. Students will interview individuals in various age groups to gain an understanding of developmental stages, markers, and conflicts with respect to aging.

FS6004 Social Psychology

3 Credits

Topics presented will include social development, attachment and socialization, attitudes, social motivation, norms, collective behaviors, deviance, prosocial behavior, leadership, aggression and social control. The effects of social norms and structures on individuals and families, factors contributing to family stress, abuse, and violence will be examined.

FS6005 Health Psychology

3 Credits

This course will explore mind/body linkages, the effects on mental health of physical disease, and vice versa, stress related effects on mental health, optimal functioning and issues of self care vs. self neglect. Students will learn about models of health care systems and how individuals access, interact and get their needs met through formal and informal systems of mental health services.

6006 Psychology of Individual Differences

3 Credits

A study of individual differences in biopsychosociospiritual adjustment, effects of nature/nurture, cognitive, affective, cultural contexts and moral/ethical values. Students will encouraged to reflect on their own experience to better understand psychosocial adjustment, personality and human potential.

FS6007 Tests and Measurement

3 Credits

This course offers an introduction to standard objective and projective assessment of personality, mental health, intelligence, and social adjustment. Students will learn to think critically about the risks and benefits of psychological testing and the ethical uses of testing to assess attitude, aptitude, career interests, family dynamics. Students will be introduced to the Enneagram and similar assessment tools and will be provided with the opportunity for self-assessment.

FS6008 Family Dynamics

3 Credits

This course will instruct students on family systems, family roles, structure and power dynamics as well as effects of culture and social systems on families. Issues such as family violence and abuse, mental health, and addictions will be explored and discussed. Students will be introduced to family therapy models such as strategic family therapy and structural family therapy and alternative approaches to counseling and supporting families. In class exercises and role play will help students understand the dynamics of helping others.

FS6009 Individual, Group & Family Counseling

3 Credits

This course will provide an introduction to theories of psychological adjustment and related intervention strategies with individuals and groups. Theories of psychotherapy and counseling and their application to individuals and groups will enable students to develop personally and professionally. Students will gain practical experience through role play, practica placements, and process recordings.

FS7000 Thesis Option

6 Credits

Students will be required to complete a major project in order to graduate. The form and format of this requirement will be negotiated between the individual student and the advisor and presented to the Dean for approval. Students who select the Thesis Option will have taken Research and Statistics as an elective and will be required to follow the format for the MSCP thesis.

FS7001 Independent Study

6 Credits

Students who select the Independent Study Option will choose a topic by the end of Year 1 and will have taken electives that contribute to the student's topic selection and study plan. The product of the Independent Study Option will be a concept paper or descriptive study, or other appropriate demonstration of the student's knowledge and abilities.

Contact Information