Philosophy of the Program
The Master of Arts in Criminal and Transitional Justice program is tailored to equip students with the advanced understanding of research and practice in criminal justice practices and transitional justice issues in Kenya, East Africa, Africa and globally and the responses thereof. It focuses on the student’s mastery of major theories of criminal and transitional justice, qualitative and quantitative research methods and policy analysis.
The MA in Criminal and Transitional Justice will equip students with the knowledge to understand the role transitional justice in post-conflict reconstruction efforts and examine the potential contribution that these interventions contribute to post-conflict peace building and reconciliation.
The program is in line with the African Union’s (AU) quest of developing policy measures and institutional mechanisms that societies adopt in order to overcome past violations, divisions and inequalities and to create conditions for both security and democratic and socio-economic transformation.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, the students will be able to:
- Evaluate various transitional justice mechanisms and how they are implemented in the criminal justice system;
- Develop intellectual socio-legal arguments with respect to criminal and transitional justice;
- Apply different theories in the discipline to explain national and international mechanisms in criminal and transitional justice;
- Evaluate ethical dilemmas relating to criminal and transitional justice;
- Conduct research in the fields of criminal and transitional justice.
Mode of Delivery of the Program
A variety of delivery modes and methods that promote creativity and critical thinking in learning will be employed in the delivery of the program, including case studies, problem solving strategies, use of projects and lectures complimented with question and answer approach, as well as field trips.
Admission Requirements
The following are the requirements of the proposed MA in Criminal and Transitional program:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, or relevant discipline such as Criminology, Law, Sociology, Psychology, International Relations, Political Science, Human Rights and other relevant area of study; and
- An Upper Second Class honors or a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 on a scale of 4.00; or
- A Lower Second Class honors or a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 on a scale of 4.00 with additional relevant training, evidence of research capability either through research, paper presentations or peer reviewed publications and relevant working experience; or
- A relevant Postgraduate Diploma.
Students seeking admission from non-English speaking countries shall provide evidence of English proficiency (i.e. Test of English as a Foreign Language).
Career Prospects
The program’s uniqueness lies in the fact that it enables students to delve deep in criminal and transitional justice issues as opposed to existing programs. It is therefore a game changer to those aspiring to join / already in careers in the criminal and transitional justice fields. Those working in INGOS, NGOs, cohesion and integration commissions, human rights organizations, embassies, government ministries, ombudsman, the criminal justice system among other fields can benefit from this course.
The first intake will be in Fall/September 2023.
.gif)
At the master's level, the International Relations program stresses an in-depth knowledge of world affairs and a thorough understanding of the research methods and theory of International Relations. All of the courses within the master's program offer students a complex and challenging course of study, enhanced by USIU's international student body and faculty population. This degree program prepares students for careers in the Foreign Service, diplomacy, government posts, international business, international organizations and private or non-governmental organizations.
Duration
The full-time program is expected to be completed in a minimum of one and a half years, while part-time should be completed in at least three years.
Starting Date: Every Fall Semester
The mission of counseling psychology program is to prepare graduates to function as effective counselors in a wide variety of settings. Performing successfully as counselors requires graduates to integrate theoretical and research based knowledge with therapeutic skills and personal characteristics to form an ethical, professional and caring counselor. The program seeks to prepare graduates for success in clinical, consultative and administrative tasks they will encounter in their practice.
Duration
The full-time program is two years in duration at 43 units. Part-time enrollment is available.
Starting Date: Every Fall Semester
The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program is a practitioner model to promote professional mental health services to individuals, couples, groups, institutions and the society at large. It will provide education and training in professional standards of practice in clinical psychology. Furthermore, international ethical standards are incorporated into the program, to prepare the student for clinical practice in both the public and private domain worldwide.
Duration
The full time program duration is two years at 54 units.
Part time enrollment is available.
Starting Date: September, in Fall Trimester, every year.
Marriage and Family Therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that deals with family patterns of behavior, couples relationships, individuals challenges using a systemic framework to nurture change. They are trained in systems theories and licensed to diagnose mental and emotional diseases. Marriage and family therapists are trained to work in diverse clinical settings and conduct research in the field.
This program will ensure that all clients including but not limited to students, clients, supervisors, research participants, their demographic constellations; age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, political status, religious or spiritual beliefs, immigration status and all diverse populations are all treated with dignity, respect and in adherence to the AAMFT code of ethics. Students will be taught how to work with diverse populations from marginalized communities. MFT courses will be based on systemic/relational philosophy as well as the theoretical, research and ethical standards of MFT that incorporate the cultural diversity of Kenya.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Apply a systemic framework and clinical language in their clinical practice.
- Develop treatment plans after conducting mental status examination, assessment and diagnosis according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders system.
- Apply theories of psychotherapy to assessments and interventions;
- Apply professional ethics and law following Local and International standards;
- Review and synthesize empirical research in MFT.
Degree Requirements 57 Units
Students without a background in Psychology must take the following undergraduate Prerequisites: PSY 1101, PSY 1105, PSY 3110, PSY 3115 (PSY 3140 recommended).
Core Courses: 30 Units
Concentration courses: 12 Units
Thesis: 6 Units
Practicum courses: 9 Units
Core Courses 30 Units
MFT6800 Introduction to Family Therapy
MFT6802 Child Abuse and Family Violence
MFT 6803 Family Therapy with Adolescents and Children
MFT6805 Group Psychotherapy
MFT 6806 Supervision in MFT
MFT6807 Couples and Sex
MFT6812 Family Assessment
PSY6002 Research Methods
PSY 6220 Professional Ethics and the Law
PSY6704 Clinical Psychopathology I: Assessment and Diagnosis
Concentrations 12 Units
Choose any one track from the following two tracks:
Family Violence and Trauma
MFT 6819 First Responders, Military Personnel and Trauma
MFT 6821 Culture, Attachment and Trauma
MFT 6822 Immigration Trauma
MFT 6823 Trauma and the Family
Mindfulness and Family Therapy
MFT 6824 Mindfulness and Acceptance in Couples Therapy
MFT 6826 Mindfulness and Family Therapy
MFT 6827 Integrating Mindfulness and Narrative Therapy
MFT 6828 Mindfulness and Art Therapy
Elective Courses 3 Units
Choose any one course from the following:
MFT 6814 Men and Families
MFT 6815 Couple & Family Therapy with LGBTQ Relationships
MFT 6816 School Counseling Seminar
MFT 6817 Play Therapy
MFT 6818 Current Trends in the Field of Family Therapy
PSY 6114 Life Cycle Developmental Psychology
Thesis 6 Units
MFT6810 Master’s Thesis I
MFT6811 Master’s Thesis II
Practicum 9 Units
PSY 6771A Clinical Practicum I 3 units
PSY 6772A Clinical Practicum II 3 units
PSY 6773A Clinical Practicum III 3 units
Extra Credit Courses
**Available upon request and availability of quorum
MFT 6804 Publication & Research Presentation
MFT 6809 Family and Divorce Mediation
MFT 6813 Life Work and Planning
MFT 6814 Men and Families
MFT 6815 Couple & Family Therapy with LGBTQ Relationships
MFT 6816 School Counseling Seminar
MFT 6817 Play Therapy
MFT 6818 Current Trends in the Field of Family Therapy
MFT 6820 Substance Abuse and Childhood Trauma
MFT 6825 Mindfulness Based-play Family Therapy
Admission Requirements
- B.A. Psychology degree or closely related field is required from an accredited university with a minimum GPA 2.5 on a scale of 4 or Upper Second Class Honors. (An undergraduate degree in a non-psychology field requires completion of psychology pre-requisite coursework prior to full admission.)
- Graduate application and other required documents indicated on the program application form.
- An interview with Marriage and Family Therapy, and Psychology faculty.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Marriage and Family Therapy program may pursue careers in private practice, or as lead therapists in the following organizations, and others not listed below:
- Health / Residential Treatment Facilities
- Educational Institutions
- Legal and Correctional Systems
- International / Government / Social Service Agencies
- Military Organizations
- Faith-based Organizations
