Counseling Psychology, M.A.

This program prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of psychological counseling, which includes providing therapeutic services to individuals and groups experiencing psychological distress.

The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology is accredited by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and provides the educational requirements for the Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) license in the state of California. Successful completion will allow the candidate to apply for Associate status with the Board to accrue the post-degree hours of supervised practice necessary for state licensure.

Contact Information

Program Coordinator
Carrie Aigner, Ph.D.
(707) 826-3757

Prerequisites for Program Admission

All applicants apply to the university through Cal State Apply. To be eligible for admission to the program, candidates must:

hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum overall GPA of 3.00
have some experience in human services and/or research
have goals that match the program’s objectives and the potential for becoming an effective and ethical psychotherapist
submit a resume and two letters of recommendation demonstrating academic and professional potential. At least one letter must be from faculty and the other can come from an employer or professional
demonstrate excellence in oral and written communication

The following courses (or equivalent) must be completed before the start of the program:

Introduction to psychology
Introduction to psychological statistics
Research methods in psychology
At least two of the following courses: abnormal psychology, human development, personality theory, neuroscience, cognitive psychology, interviewing and counseling.

Requirements for the Degree (60 Units)

For a description of degree requirements to be fulfilled in addition to those listed below see, “Master’s Degree Requirements ”.

The program requires recommendation by the department for advancement to candidacy. A minimum GPA of 3.00 in all work counted toward the degree, with no grade lower than a B- is required. Coursework meets the minimum of 60 units required by the Board of Behavioral Sciences.

PSYC 518 - Advanced Developmental Psychopathology Units: 3
PSYC 636 - Sexuality Counseling Units: 1
PSYC 638 - Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Units: 3
PSYC 640 - Aging and Long-Term Care Units: 1
PSYC 641 - Research Methods: Philosophy and Design Units: 3
PSYC 644 - Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention Units: 0.5
PSYC 650 - Assessment and Treatment of Child Abuse Units: 0.5
PSYC 653 - Advanced Psychotherapy with Children and Families Units: 3
PSYC 654 - Interviewing and Counseling Techniques Units: 3
PSYC 656 - Couples Therapy Units: 3
PSYC 657 - Group Counseling and Group Psychotherapy Units: 3
PSYC 658 - Theories of Individual Counseling and Psychotherapy Units: 3
PSYC 660 - Law and Ethics in Psychology Units: 3
PSYC 662 - Practicum Preparation Units: 1
PSYC 664 - Assessment and Testing for Psychotherapists Units: 3
PSYC 672 - Psychopharmacology Units: 3
PSYC 673 - Mental Health Addiction and Recovery Units: 1
PSYC 676 - Multicultural Counseling Units: 3
PSYC 682 - Fieldwork Units: 1-6 (Required: 16 units total)

Culminating Experience (Select one)

See Master’s Degree Requirements for thesis and comprehensive examination definitions as specified by Title 5.

Comprehensive Examination Option

The comprehensive exam is the culminating experience to demonstrate knowledge gained during the graduate program by demonstrating an understanding of the broad skills utilized by therapists, including an understanding of the 10 major domains of the Counseling Psychology M.A. program. This examination will cover the graduate coursework taken at Cal Poly Humboldt across the areas of: research; assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychopathology; individual, group, family, and couples counseling; laws and ethics; cross-cultural counseling; development across the lifespan. The examination is designed to reveal the student’s knowledge of cultural, legal, ethical, and professional issues faced by practicing therapists as well as assessment, identification, diagnosis, intervention, and current research related to the practice of marriage and family therapists. Students will be evaluated on the level of their knowledge as well as their ability to express their knowledge in acceptable written form.

Required coursework for this option.

PSYC 678 - Comprehensive Exam Preparation Units: 3
PSYC 691 - Comprehensive Exam for Counselors Units: 0

Thesis Option

Students are required to take PSYC 109 as a prerequisite for writing a thesis. A graduate statistics course PSYC 578 and/or PSYC 588 is strongly recommended. Students must be enrolled PSYC 690 every semester during which the thesis work is being conducted.

If a student chooses the thesis option for their culminating experience, they will select a thesis topic and locate a faculty member interested in the thesis topic to serve as committee chair. In consultation with the chair, the student will identify faculty as potential members of the thesis committee. The student is responsible for understanding all aspects of the research, including the statistics and computer methods. In the thesis proposal, the design and statistical analysis should be presented in detail. The student will be expected to demonstrate understanding of these matters at the final oral thesis defense.

Required coursework for this option.

PSYC 690 - Thesis Units: 1-6 (minimum of 3 units)

Major Notes:

Some 1-unit courses may be offered as a weekend course or on a Friday.

Students who are unable to complete the required number of practicum hours by the end of their fourth semester, must register for an additional semester of PSYC 682 .

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will have demonstrated:

workable knowledge of standard psychotherapeutic techniques
knowledge of and conformance to the laws, regulations, and professional ethics related to the practice of a master’s level psychotherapist
the ability to understand and utilize research related to the field of counseling psychology
appreciation and knowledge of issues of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and religion as they relate to providing effective psychotherapeutic interventions.

Programs Leading to Licensure and Credentialing

Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees or any associated costs to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements are available from the Office of Academic Affairs, Siemens Hall 216, 707-826-3722.

The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students enrolled in a California State University program who are planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).