*M.A. with a Thesis in Medical Psychology

Curriculum Objectives

The program trains medical psychologists towards specialization and a clinical career in the medical system. To achieve this goal, the program will impart the profession’s theoretical foundations, provide initial experience in medical institutions, and enhance research capacities. The theoretical and empirical foundations of the acquired knowledge will be obtained through a curriculum that explores the fields of Medical Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Medicine. These clusters will present various aspects of the patient, including physical health systems as well as the relevant mental aspects – cognitive and effective – that accompany physical illness, the theoretical approaches and practical tools of medical and clinical psychology, and the medical system in which the medical psychologist operates. The curriculum in the clinical major will provide graduates with in-depth experience and understanding of scientific research. Courses will include research methods and statistics, empirical seminars, and an M.A. thesis in the fields of medical psychology research. In all courses, emphasis will be placed on reading research articles in English.

Academic Staff

The head of the program is Prof. Matityahu Mintz, one of the most outstanding scientists dealing with the fine line between normal and pathological psychological functions, as well as serving as a world-renowned expert on the study of integrative processes. The faculty consists of leading academics involved in intensive research in Medical Psychology in general as well as research concerning the physical, mental and social affairs of inpatients and patients. The academic staff has proven teaching ability, scientific leadership, and a wealth of therapeutic experience.

Practicum

The practicum will be held in selected medical institutions under the guidance of medical psychologists in interaction with medical staff in those institutions. The practicum will train students to apply the program’s material and operate diagnostic programs, treatment, and prevention for patients suffering from in physical ailments accompanied by psychological symptoms. In addition, the practice of designing systemic plans in medical institutions will be taught. The processes during the practicum in medical institutions and the challenges that arise will be integrated individually and in groups during the practicum.

Syllabus

The syllabus will emphasize research qualification, which will be achieved by a set of means, including research methods, statistics, an empirical seminar, and a research thesis in Medical Psychology. In all courses, emphasis is placed on studying research articles in English. The ability to thoroughly understand relevant scientific knowledge is essential for professional integration in medical institutions and work in Medical Psychology.

The curriculum in the department is offered in an expanded format.

Total hours for the degree: 72 hours per semester.

The curriculum may change as determined by the college.

* Receipt of the degree is conditional to the approval of the Council for Higher Education.