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Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

Hamad Bin Khalifa University — College of Islamic Studies (Qatar)
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Program Snapshot

About the Program

Launched Fall 2023 at HBKU’s College of Islamic Studies, offered within an Islamically integrated framework, it fills the urgent need for trained mental health practitioners capable of integrating the religious sensitivities of Muslim populations into treatment. Curriculum is consistent with international competency standards for potential licensure anywhere in the world. Includes on-site clinical training at the CIS psychology training clinic and external placements.

Quick Facts

  • Location: Hamad Bin Khalifa University — College of Islamic Studies (Qatar)
  • Language: English
  • Format: In-person at HBKU campus, Education City, Doha, Qatar. Coursework, dissertation, field placements, and clinical training at on-site CIS psychology clinic and external mental health partners.

Academic Structure

Primary Focus

Hybrid — academic scholarship in Islamic psychology combined with hands-on clinical training, practicum, internship, and dissertation. Designed for licensure readiness alongside Islamic integration competency.

Teaching Format

In-person at HBKU campus, Education City, Doha, Qatar. Coursework, dissertation, field placements, and clinical training at on-site CIS psychology clinic and external mental health partners.

Theoretical Foundations

Islamically integrated counseling psychology; Islamic epistemological and ontological principles with evidence-based psychology; TIIP model and other Islamic psychotherapy models; clinical science research methodology; developmental and abnormal psychology within Islamic and Western frameworks.

Academic Structure

Prerequisites

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or related field (min. 3.0 GPA). Islamic studies background preferred. Non-mental-health bachelor’s holders must demonstrate psychology coursework.

Assessment & Completion Requirements

Graduate-level coursework, clinical practicum evaluations, internship completion, dissertation research and defense, clinical competency demonstrations. Consistent with international licensure requirements.

Key Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate clinical competency consistent with international licensure standards.
  • Integrate Islamic principles and frameworks into evidence-based counseling practice.
  • Conduct original research contributing to the field of Islamic psychology.
  • Apply ethical standards reflecting both professional psychology and Islamic values.
  • Complete supervised clinical training through CIS psychology clinic and external partner sites.

Faculty & Lead Instructors

Dr. Hooman Keshavarzi, Psy.D. (Program Director; IAIP Senior Fellow; Khalil Center); Dr. Vahdet Görmez (Istanbul Medeniyet University — CBT and developmental psychology); Dr. Khalid Elzamzamy (Johns Hopkins Psychiatry); Dr. Recep Şentürk (Dean, CIS, HBKU).

Scope of Practice Alignment

Prepares graduates for professional licensure as mental health practitioners with specialized competency in Islamically integrated practice. Supports international licensure pathways. Equips for clinical practice, academic research, and leadership.

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