Counseling Master's Program

Overview of the Program

The Counseling Masters of Arts program is a 4-5 semester program that emphasizes a solid foundation in clinical theory and research, along with extensive training in clinical skills. Supervised fieldwork/practica are a required part of the program, including experience working directly with clients in Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS).

The program provides the educational requirements for the Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT) license in the state of California. Students will receive a minimum of 150 hours of supervised counseling experience, provided by a licensed professional.

The program is administered by a faculty committee which plans the curriculum, makes program policy, and selects students for admission. The chair of the committee, the Program Coordinator, serves as official advisor to all students in the program.

We are an in-person program.

 

 

Admission Requirements

Students are accepted into the program based on academic record, human services experience, demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication, and the potential for becoming effective and ethical psychotherapists.

Applicants are screened first on the basis of their application materials and then a personal interview. Students are admitted during the fall semester only.

A bachelor’s degree with substantial preparation in psychology is required. A minimum overall GPA of 3.0, some experience in human services and /or research, and goals that match the program’s objectives are expected. Two letters of reference and answers to several biographical questions must be submitted through CalState Apply by the application deadline. 

The following course prerequisites are required to be completed before the start of the program:

  • Intro Research Design
  • Intro Statistics
  • Intro to Psychology

AND at least two of the following:

  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Personality Theory
  • Neuroscience
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Interviewing and Counseling

Sample Curriculum

First Semester— Fall, 13 units

Research Methods: Philosophy & Design, Interviewing & Counseling Techniques, Theories of Individual Counseling & Psychotherapy, Law and Ethics in Psychology, Practicum Preparation.

Second Semester—Spring, 17-21 units

Advanced Psychopathology: Diagnosis of Mental Disorder, Psychotherapy with Children and Families, Licensed Supervision, Assessment & Testing for Psychotherapists, Assessment & Treatment of Child Abuse & Neglect, Fieldwork/Practicum, Thesis (optional).

Third Semester—Fall, 16-19 units

Developmental Psychopathology, Group Counseling and Psychotherapy, Licensed Supervision, Mental Health Addiction and Recovery, Cross-Cultural Counseling, Fieldwork/Practicum, Thesis (optional).

Fourth Semester—Spring, 14-17 units

Sexuality Counseling, Aging & Long Term Care, Couples Therapy, Licensed Supervision, Advanced Psychopharmacology, Fieldwork/Practicum, Thesis (optional).

NOTE: The above is a sample curriculum that is subject to changes in order as well as content based on Board of Behavioral Sciences requirements. 

How to apply

All applicants apply to the university through CalState Apply. Applications for the following year open October 1st. The deadline to apply and provide all supplemental materials is February 1st. All applications received by this date will receive full consideration, and initial admission decisions are made by April 1st. Two letters of reference and a response to autobiographical questions must be submitted through CalState Apply by the application deadline. 

Contact Us

Administrative Analyst, Psychology

Kevin Colando 
Phone: 707-826-3742

Faculty Coordinator

Carrie Aigner, Ph.D.
Phone: 707-826-3757