Clinical Counseling Psychology, M.S.*

Program of Study

The CSUSM Master of Science in Clinical Counseling Psychology involves advanced, in-depth study and applied training in clinical and counseling psychology. The program is designed to prepare students for eligibility toward licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and to join the behavioral, developmental, and mental health workforce. Students in this program are trained to deliver evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions and treatments with diverse populations including adults, children and youth, and families. There is a focus on culturally informed, evidence-based best practices in mental health counseling through didactic and practical coursework. This is a two-year, full-time (including one summer term), 60-unit, in-person program. Enrolled students must complete theory, counseling, field practica, and a culminating experience (advanced clinical written and oral competencies). The program is developed in accordance with the California Board of Behavioral Science (BBS) LPCC requirements.

The program follows a two-year cohort model. Students progress through the 13 core and 7 advanced courses in a largely predetermined order. Students complete preparatory courses in mental health counseling techniques, evidence-based assessment and therapeutic approaches, multicultural and developmental issues, ethics, and neurobehavioral bases of behavior, amongst other relevant core content areas. Advanced courses provide training in working with diverse communities and specialized populations, as well as application of training through written and oral competencies (the culminating project). Students also participate in two semesters of field-based practica in the community, where they gain supervised professional counseling experiences, inclusive of direct services with clients in a range of clinical settings. Upon the discretion and preparation of the student, following graduation, students will be eligible to initiate post-degree requirements toward licensure as an LPCC, which include post-graduate supervised internship(s) and sitting for national and state licensing exams.

*The Clinical Counseling Psychology, M.S., is offered through Extended Learning.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the program, students will be able to:

1. Employ clinical intake, assessment, and diagnosis tools and techniques to evaluate atypical development and behaviors.

2. Recognize one’s own cultural influences, perceptions, and biases, and utilize a culturally sensitive approach to mental health treatment, with attention to the diverse cultural and sociopolitical contexts of individual clients, families, and communities.

3. Critically analyze scientific literature and relevant empirical findings on the topic of clinical counseling psychology.

4. Apply diagnostic information, theories of counseling, case conceptualization, and evidence-based decision making to inform and construct relevant treatment plans.

5. Use effective counseling skills and implement empirically supported psychotherapeutic approaches to address developmental, behavioral, and mental health needs.

6. Utilize professional verbal and writing skills to communicate effectively with clients, professionals, and the general public.

7. Implement the ethical, legal, and professional standards consistent with the fields of clinical counseling psychology and the profession as a licensed professional clinical counselor.

Admission and Application Requirements

The curriculum is designed for full-time students; there is not a part-time option. In order to be considered and accepted to the program, applicants must demonstrate that they have satisfactorily completed the following admission criteria:

1. An undergraduate degree in a behavioral science-related field (e.g., psychology, sociology, social science, human or child development) from a regionally accredited university. Applicants with non-related degrees may be considered in cases where their coursework fulfills the undergraduate core prerequisites.

2. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 for the last 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units) of undergraduate coursework

3. Completion with a 3.0 minimum GPA of four (4) behavioral science-related undergraduate core prerequisites, or equivalent, from among the following disciplines is preferred. Applicants who do not meet these criteria may be considered with strong justification through closely related upper-division coursework and/or other academic indicators:

• Research Methods
• Statistics
• Upper-division Abnormal Psychology, Psychopathology, Developmental Psychopathology, or equivalent
• Upper-division Developmental Psychology or Lifespan Development

4. Applicants must satisfactorily demonstrate evidence of appropriate fit for the M.S. in Clinical Counseling Psychology program and career field based on the following criteria:

• A personal statement of two to three single-spaced pages that addresses the applicant’s:
  • Objectives in applying for the program and seeking a career in clinical counseling
  • Relevant educational, work, and volunteer service experience
  • Academic performance and accomplishments
  • Personal strengths and weaknesses related to the field of clinical counseling psychology and the clinical counseling profession
  • Long-term professional goals
• Three (3) letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional references who taught and/or supervised the applicant (at least two letters must be from instructors) that reflect an applicant’s capacity and suitability for graduate training in clinical counseling psychology and the counseling profession

5. Candidates considered for admission will be invited to participate in a face-to-face or virtual interview with a faculty panel

The application requirements include:

• A CSU application (“Cal State Apply”)
• A CSUSM Clinical Counseling Psychology program application
• A curriculum vita or resume summarizing the applicant’s academic background, work or volunteer service experience, and other activities relevant to the counseling discipline
• Official transcripts from each college and university that the applicant attended

*The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required.

Note: While admission to the Master of Science in Clinical Counseling Psychology program does not require a background check, practicum sites may mandate background checks prior to placement. Some practicum sites may require students to complete and pass these checks, as well as other screenings (e.g., drug testing or fingerprinting), before being allowed to work with clients. Students are responsible for any fees associated with these requirements, and we encourage prospective students to consider these requirements before applying.                       
 

In rare circumstances, students not meeting all criteria may be admitted conditionally. Conditionally admitted students must satisfactorily complete the core prerequisite requirements the summer before initiating the first semester of classes.

Application Deadlines

Admissions is available for Fall semesters only. Application deadlines are aligned to Fall semester graduation application deadlines posted by the university.

Financial Aid

Several sources of financial aid are available to graduate students. Applicants who choose to apply for graduate assistantships offered by the university should so indicate on the appropriate space in the Psychology supplemental application form. Students are responsible for identifying other sources of financial aid and may wish to consult with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship.

Degree Requirements

The graduate program requires sixty (60) semester units of study (20 courses), all at the graduate level and providing foundational and advanced training in clinical counseling psychology. This program includes the core and advanced academic and practical coursework to meet the educational requirements for the California Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) license.

All students are required to complete field-based practica and to complete the culminating master’s project (written and oral competency exams), as noted in advanced coursework. Because this is a cohort model program, students progress through courses in a specific order based on program guidelines and course offerings.

The grade point average must be at least 3.0 to graduate. The program is designed to be completed in 5 semesters, with possible additional semesters to complete practicum and master’s project components in unique circumstances. See section on Continuation for more detail regarding continuation requirements. Graduate students may not elect credit/no credit for any course counted toward the degree that is also offered on a regular graded basis (COUN 697-698 are graded only credit/no credit). Students must be continuously enrolled unless they apply for a leave of absence. Although a cohort model, in extenuating circumstances (e.g., repeating courses, Leave of Absence), students have up to five (5) years after initiating program coursework to complete all degree requirements.

Advancement to Candidacy

A student is advanced to candidacy after successfully completing the following requirements:

• Thirty-six (36) units of coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• A passing grade (B or higher) on the first portion of the culminating project, as completed in COUN 600 .
• Approval by the program director to enroll in COUN 697  and begin their supervised clinical practicum.