Counseling Psychology, MS

The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University is designed for those who wish to gain the theoretical knowledge and practical experience to counsel in a variety of settings. Catering to a diverse range of professional and personal goals, the MS in Counseling Psychology offers a curriculum that academically prepares students for Marriage and Family Therapy licensure as well as a concentration for the Professional Clinical Counselor (dual licensure option) and a concentration in Forensic Psychology. Additionally, the MS can be paired with the Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry.

Students graduating with a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology will have completed a curriculum designed to meet the pre-2012 and post-2012 requirements for MFT licensing as mandated by the Board of Behavioral Sciences. The program emphasizes an understanding of human behavior based on psychological theory and practice, as well as scriptural principles. The graduate program relates academic studies to practical experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Students in the program will have the opportunity to receive clinical experience on campus and in other appropriate clinical settings.

In order to satisfy the academic requirements for the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), the student must complete the Counseling Psychology (MFT) program courses and the additional Professional Clinical Counselor concentration courses.

Students choosing the optional additional Forensic Psychology concentration will be prepared to function as effective clinicians in a variety of professional counseling and forensic settings by completing the Counseling Psychology (MFT) program courses and the additional Forensic Psychology concentration courses.

See the Graduate Student Handbook available from the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences for program details of the concentrations.

Admission Requirements

Master of Science in Counseling Psychology Admission Requirements

Admission standards for graduate studies at California Baptist University can be found in the Admissions section of the University Catalog. Admission to the Counseling Psychology program at California Baptist University is at the discretion of the graduate faculty. Specific application requirements for the Counseling Psychology program are:

Grade Point Average
- A minimum 3.0 GPA for unconditional admission and a minimum 2.75 GPA for conditional admission
- Applicants with a GPA below 2.75 may be considered for admission with the presentation of a minimum combined score of 300 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
Prerequisites (completed with a “C” or better)
- Developmental Psychology or Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- Theories of Personality
- Statistics
- Outstanding prerequisite coursework must be completed within the first two semesters of graduate enrollment
Three Recommendations, completed on forms provided, from sources who can address your potential for success. It is preferred at least one recommendation be from a professor or instructor. Family members and friends may not complete recommendations
Comprehensive Essay of at least 500 words that includes the following:
- Purpose for entering the program
- Experiences that have directed your interest toward becoming a therapist
- Religious background, present pattern of spiritual growth, fundamentals of personal faith and the relationship between your faith and professional goals
- Reasons for choosing to study at California Baptist University
- Influences that have shaped your present values and approach to life
- Include in your essay a response to this question: “Have you ever received psychiatric treatment or counseling, yes or no?” If yes, please provide a brief explanation
Successful interview(s) with the Director of the Counseling Psychology program

Program Requirements (62-80 units)

Core Requirements

Comprehensive Examination

Students in the Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program will be required to successfully pass a comprehensive examination prior to graduation. The exam will be taken concurrent with the Practicum during the last year of the program. Students may retake the exam once to remediate any deficiency. There is a $125 fee associated with the exam administration and scoring.

Optional Concentration Requirements

Students may, in addition to the core requirements, complete one or more of the following concentrations: Forensic Psychology; Professional Clinical Counselor

The Professional Clinical Counselor concentration, when added to the core requirements, meets the academic requirements for licensure as a Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).

Forensic Psychology (18 units)

Core Requirements

Elective Requirements

Complete two (2) of the following courses:

Professional Clinical Counselor (18 units)

*See Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) for approved course topics

Psychotherapy Requirement

Students entering the graduate program in Counseling Psychology (MFT) at California Baptist University will be required to complete twenty-four (24) hours of individual psychotherapy or fifty (50) hours of group psychotherapy with a licensed psychotherapist or a registered Associate. This therapy must be done outside the campus community and may not include therapists who have any teaching relationship with California Baptist University.

Students completing the psychotherapy requirement may obtain the psychotherapy form from the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.

Practicum Admission

Students entering the two semester Practicum requirement occurring in the last year of the student’s program must complete the following requirements:

Admission to Practicum will be a faculty decision based on grades, evaluation of the Practicum application, and placement approval.
An interview by the Graduate Committee to further evaluate the applicant’s readiness may be required.
A written appeal process will be instituted in the event that a student is not considered ready for Practicum.

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

Students entering the graduate program in Counseling Psychology (MFT) may also complete an additional eighteen (18) units to satisfy the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor requirements. Students must complete PSY 536, 537, 541, 542, and 543. In addition, students must complete an additional three (3) units chosen from the following areas: Evaluation and Treatment Strategies for Military Personnel and Their Families; Case Management in the Public and Private Sectors; Standard of Care Approaches for Evaluating and Treating Children and Adolescents with Externalizing Disorders; Treatment Concerns in Interethnic and Interfaith Families.