School of Humanities & Social Sciences

CERTIFICATE STUDIES

Certificate in the Psychology of Social Media

The Psychology Behind Social Media Design:

  • How social media platforms are designed to be addictive
  • The role of algorithms in shaping user behavior

 

 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health:

  • The link between social media use and mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and loneliness
  • The effects of cyberbullying and online harassment
  • The impact of social comparison and unrealistic body image standards

 

 Digital Well-being Strategies:

  • Developing healthy habits for social media use
  • Setting boundaries and time limits
  • Practicing mindfulness and digital detox

 

 Ethical Considerations in Social Media:

  • The importance of digital literacy and critical thinking
  • Protecting personal privacy and online security
  • Promoting responsible social media use


TARGET AUDIENCE

  • Individuals interested in understanding the psychological impact of social media 
  • Parents and caregivers concerned about their children’s social media use 
  • Educators and counselors working with young people 
  • Marketing and advertising professionals


CAREER PATHS

Mental health counselor specializing in technology addiction

FURTHER STUDIES

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
  • Master’s degree in psychology
  • Master’s degree in counseling psychology
  • Master’s degree in human-computer interaction
  • PhD in psychology or related field

The Impact of Technology on Child Development:

  • The developing brain and its vulnerability to harmful content
  • The long-term effects of exposure to violence, trauma, and explicit content


Online Predators and Exploitation:

  • Tactics used by online predators to groom and exploit children
  • The role of social media in facilitating child sexual abuse and human trafficking 


Cyberbullying and Online Harassment:

  • The psychological impact of cyberbullying
  • The role of bystanders and the importance of intervention


The Dark Side of the Internet:

  • The deep web and its connection to illegal activities
  • The dangers of online gaming and virtual reality


Digital Well-being and Safety Strategies:

  • Practical tips for protecting children online
  • Effective communication and open dialogue with children about technology
  • The importance of digital literacy and critical thinking


TARGET AUDIENCE

  • Parents and caregivers 
  • Educators and school counselors 
  • Mental health professionals 
  • Law enforcement officials 
  • Youth workers 
  • Technology industry professionals


CAREER PATHS

  • Child protection worker
  • Cybercrime investigator
  • Digital forensics analyst
  • Mental health counselor specializing in trauma
  • Technology safety advocate

Understanding Gaming Addiction:

  • Definition and diagnostic criteria for gaming disorder
  • The neurobiological basis of gaming addiction 


The Psychology of Gamers:

  • Motivations for gaming
  • The social and emotional benefits of gaming
  • The risks and challenges associated with excessive gaming 


The Impact of Gaming on Mental Health:

  • The effects of gaming on mood, anxiety, and depression
  • The relationship between gaming and sleep disorders
  • The impact of gaming on social relationships and academic performance


The Developing Brain and Gaming:

  • The effects of excessive gaming on adolescent brain development
  • The link between gaming and impulsivity, aggression, and attention problems


Strategies for Healthy Gaming:

  • Tips for managing gaming time and setting limits
  • Strategies for promoting digital well-being
  • Seeking professional help for gaming addiction


TARGET AUDIENCE

  • Parents and caregivers 
  • Educators and school counselors 
  • Mental health professionals 
  • Gaming industry professionals
  • Gamers themselves

The Impact of Pornography on Individuals and Society:

  • The psychological, emotional, and relational effects of pornography addiction
  • The connection between pornography and sexual dysfunction
  • The role of pornography in fueling sex trafficking and exploitation


Understanding Pornography Addiction:

  • The addictive nature of pornography
  • The brain’s reward system and its role in pornography addiction


The Impact of Childhood Exposure to Pornography:

  • The long-term consequences of early exposure to pornography
  • The link between childhood pornography exposure and sexual abuse 


Building Sexual Integrity:

  • Teaching children healthy attitudes about sexuality
  • Promoting healthy relationships and intimacy
  • The importance of self-respect and body image 


Strategies for Overcoming Pornography Addiction:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques for treating pornography addiction
  • The role of accountability and support groups
  • Digital wellness strategies for preventing relapse


T
ARGET AUDIENCE

  • Parents and caregivers 
  • Mental health professionals 
  • Educators and school counselors 
  • Religious leaders 
  • Law enforcement officials


CAREER PATHS

  • Sex therapist
  • Marriage and family therapist
  • Mental health counselor
  • Addiction counselor
  • Youth worker

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

Bachelor in Psychology (BPsyc)

A Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology provides a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, thought processes, and emotions. It explores topics like personality development, social interactions, mental health, and cognitive abilities. This degree equips graduates with valuable skills in research, critical thinking, and problem-solving, making them well-prepared for a variety of careers in fields such as mental health, education, business, and human resources.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Psychology combines the study of psychology with the legal system. It explores the intersection of human behavior and the law, focusing on topics like criminal profiling, victim psychology, and legal decision-making. This degree prepares graduates for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and the legal field, where they can apply psychological principles to understand and address criminal behavior.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health focuses on improving the health of communities through disease prevention, health promotion, and policy development. Students learn about epidemiology, biostatistics, health education, and environmental health. This degree prepares graduates for careers in public health agencies, healthcare organizations, and government agencies, where they can work to address public health challenges and improve the overall well-being of populations.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Career Guidance and Counselling equips individuals with the skills to help others make informed decisions about their career paths. This degree focuses on understanding individual strengths, interests, and values, as well as exploring various career options and educational pathways. Graduates can work as career counselors, educational advisors, or human resource professionals, providing guidance and support to individuals of all ages.

TARGET AUDIENCE

  • High School Graduates: Students interested in human behavior and mental processes.
  • Career Changers: Individuals looking to transition into a career in psychology
  • High School Graduates: Students interested in the intersection of psychology and law.
  • Career Changers: Individuals seeking a career in the criminal justice system.
  • High School Graduates: Students interested in improving public health and preventing disease.
  • Career Changers: Individuals seeking a career in public health.
  • High School Graduates: Students interested in helping others with personal and emotional issues.
  • Career Changers: Individuals seeking a career in mental health and counseling.

POSSIBLE OUTCOMES

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
  • Master’s degree in psychology
  • Master’s degree in counseling psychology
  • Master’s degree in human-computer interaction
  • PhD in psychology or related field

CAREER PATHS

  • School Counselor: Providing counseling services to students in schools.
  • Mental Health Counselor: Working with individuals, couples, and families to address mental health issues.
  • Career Counselor: Helping people choose and pursue fulfilling careers.
  • Substance Abuse Counselor: Providing counseling and therapy to individuals struggling with substance abuse.
  • College Counselor: Advising college students on academic and personal issues.
  • Marriage and Family Therapist: Working with couples and families to improve relationships.