The Professional School of Psychology has offered graduate programs in psychology since 1979. The School focuses on quality education, preparation for professional practice, and meeting the educational needs of mature, working professionals. The Professional School of Psychology is approved under California Education Code 94310.2.
Students who enroll in the Master of Arts in Psychology program typically intend to seek licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists. This program meets the academic requirements for the California MFT license granted through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Prospective students must stay informed of the laws and regulations concerning licensure, available on the website of the Board of Behavioral Sciences.
This program equips students with a solid foundation for the practice of psychotherapy by exposing them to a wide range of therapeutic approaches appropriate to several different client populations. It also furnishes students with and appreciation for theory, research, and practical information as they relate to social, cultural, developmental, and ethical aspects of psychological practice. This degree meets the educational requirements of the Board of Behavioral Sciences for licensure in the State of California as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). This program requires completion of 76 units. Licensing with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as a Marriage and Family Therapist is complicated -- you may want to review our Overview of Licensing.
The Application Process
The application process begins with a personal screening interview to ensure ‘goodness of fit’ with the program and educational philosophy of the School. With the concurrence of a representative of the School, a prospective student may visit a class. The Admissions Committee ordinarily communicates a decision on a completed application within two weeks. Requirements include a Bachelor's degree. While a B.A. or B.S. degree in psychology or in a closely related field is desirable, it is not required. Access to a computer, printer, and e-mail is essential.
Qualified students are allowed to take up to three classes or twelve units on a class by class (non-matriculated) basis, typically while they are gathering application material. In this case, students submit Part I of the application (received after a personal interview) and pay the per unit cost of the classes. If the student applies and is accepted into a program at the School, then both financial and academic credit can be applied to the program in which the student enrolls.
Curriculum
| Courses | Quarter Units |
|---|---|
| Child Abuse | 1 |
| Developmental Psychology I: Infancy & Childhood | 4 |
| Developmental Psychology II: Adolescence & Adulthood | 4 |
| Theory & Techniques of Psychotherapy I | 4 |
| Theory & Techniques of Psychotherapy II | 4 |
| Ethics, Law and Psychology | 4 |
| Chemical Dependency | 3 |
| Interview Techniques | 2 |
| Human Sexuality | 2 |
| Behavioral Science Research Methods | 2 |
| Child Psychopathology & Treatment | 4 |
| Family Therapy | 4 |
| Domestic Violence: Detection, Assessment, & Treatment | 1 |
| Psychological Tests & Measurements | 4 |
| Cross-Cultural Aspects of Clinical Psychology | 3 |
| Introduction to Couples Therapy | 2 |
| Introduction to Group Therapy | 2 |
| Introduction to Psychopharmacology | 4 |
| Psychopathology I | 5 |
| Psychopathology II | 3 |
Field Education and Supervision |
|
| Clinical Case Conference | 4 |
| Supervised Practicum (350 hours) | 10 |
| Total Units | 76 |
Note: Psychopathology I is a prerequisite for Psychopathology II
Comprehensive Examination
Successful completion of an all-day on-site written comprehensive exam.
Personal Psychotherapy
Students must complete 25 hours of personal psychotherapy with a licensed mental health professional.
