Counseling Psychology, M.A.

Prerequisites for Program Admission

All applicants apply to the university and Counseling program through Cal State Apply.

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 some are invited to move forward to the interview process. Students are admitted during the Fall semester only. 

To be eligible for admission to the program, candidates must:

• Submission of a complete application packet via CalState Apply, including official transcripts and letters of recommendation, by the February 1st application deadline
• Minimum overall GPA of 3.0
• Previous experience in a helping profession is a priority
• Research experience is also encouraged
• Three letters of recommendations

Completion of prerequisite courses before the start of the program. All of the following:

• Introduction Research Design
• Introduction to Statistics
• Introduction to Psychology 
• At least two of the following courses: Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, 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)

Major Notes

Before they can begin their practicum work, students will need to pass background checks; passing these background checks is required for practicum and is therefore also required for successful completion of the program. Admission to the program is not a guarantee that a student will pass background checks.

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 .

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 is available from 

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).

Return to: Student Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct  

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.