National University
M.A. in Counseling Psychology
Campus-Based and Online Options
On-Campus Locations:
San Diego (Scripps Ranch)
9980 Carroll Canyon Rd
San Diego, CA 92131
Rancho Bernardo
16875 W Bernardo Dr
San Diego, CA 92127
Los Angeles
5245 Pacific Concourse Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Rancho Cordova
10901 Gold Center Dr
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Program details below are quoted from program websites, supplied here for informational purposes only, and subject to change at any time. Refer to the program website for current information, deadlines, complete admission requirements, etc. It is the responsibility of the prospective student to verify with program administrators program details and that the program still meets BBS requirements for licensure in the state of California.
Program Snapshot
Accreditation
WASC
Concentrations/Specializations Offered
You will choose from two specialization options based on your career goals: the standard Marriage and Family Therapist Option and the Combined MFT/LPCC Option.
LMFT Track or Dual LMFT/LPCC Track
LMFT (dual-track if you opt for the Combined MFT/LPCC Option)
Length of Program
90 units; The program can be completed in 22 months. Most students complete the program in under 2 years.
Schedule/Format
In regional offerings of the program where applicable, students in the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology may choose to take a regular evening course simultaneously with PSY 680A or PSY 680B.
The courses in the online version of the program are designed to be completely asynchronous. However, there are two exceptions: the skills development course sequence and practicum consultation. The skills development course sequence includes the courses leading up to PSY 680A. In this sequence students are asked to participate in live, online role-play practice of psychotherapy skills. These live, online meetings will be scheduled by the instructor. The practicum sequence in the online program includes a required video presentation and live consultation with faculty each week. The schedule for these requirements differs by instructor and situation; online students are encouraged to reach out to practicum instructors to learn more about the specifics of the consultations.
Program Start
The program has groups starting in the fall and the spring. Students are allowed to start in the first three courses in the program, so there is a window for students to join and the wait is not long if students just miss one of the cohorts.
Estimated Total Program Tuition
$39,780
Religious Orientation
None
Entering Class Size and Classroom Sizes
The average class size depends on the type of course. Clinical therapy courses are closer to 15 per class. The lecture-based theory courses are larger, and usually 20-25 students per course.
Fieldwork Hours Accrued During Program
Students must obtain a total of 225 hours (MFT Option) or 280 hours (Combined Option) of face-to-face counseling experience at an approved practicum site with a designated practicum site supervisor during the practicum class.
Practicum placement is a student-led process in that you search for your site and you are ultimately responsible for having one before the practicum courses begin. Because of that, we provide a good deal of support to our students searching for sites. We have lists of approved practicum sites in regions throughout California. Students can download them during orientation and use them to find a set of sites in their area they are interested in applying to. If students run into problems finding a site, we have a dedicated Clinical Director who can provide further guidance and assistance.
Personal Psychotherapy Requirement During Program
Students must complete a minimum of 10 hours of individual, marital, family, and group psychotherapy before taking PSY 611B and another 15 hours before graduation for a total of 25 hours.
Comprehensive Exam/Culminating Project/Thesis/Etc:
None
Application Process
Application Deadline
Rolling admissions
Undergraduate GPA Required
None
GRE Requirement
None
Prerequisite Courses
Students who do not have an undergraduate degree in psychology must take PSY 501A and PSY 501B as the first two courses in their program.
Application Highlights
A cover letter specifying your intent to enroll and the learning center where you wish to begin the program
A current resume that includes dates of employment, education and experience, including any counseling experience.
Essays on both of the topics detailed here. Double-spaced the essays and be sure to label each essay. Include your name, address and phone number at the top of the submission. Please answer as specifically as you can in 3-5 pages each.
Discuss how relationships with parents, caregivers, siblings, or other significant persons affected your personality development and your interest in becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist or a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.
Describe two current personality features or patterns you have which positively affect your interpersonal and work relationships, and two current personality features or patterns you have which negatively affect your interpersonal and work relationships. How do you imagine that each of these four characteristics could affect your work as a Marriage and Fammily Therapist or a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, particularly while conducting psychotherapy?
Unofficial tanscripts from undergraduate and graduate coursework.
Three letters of recommendation. Please have the letters of recommendation completed by people with whom you have a professional relationship. Examples include professors, employees, clergy, co-workers, or fellow volunteers. Do not ask friends or family members. If you have been involved as a student in the 5 last years, at least one letter must be from a current or former instructor. The provided recommendation form needs to be used.
Interview Requirement
Program Summary
The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology degree at National University prepares you with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to be an effective counselor who can make difference. If you’re called to give back to the community and help others seeking mental wellness, this is an excellent path for you. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be well-prepared to sit for the Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) License mandated by the Board of Behavioral Sciences in the state of California.
You will choose from two specialization options based on your career goals: the standard Marriage and Family Therapist Option and the Combined MFT/LPCC Option.
The MA Counseling Psychology MFT option is for students committed to helping individuals, couples, families, adolescents, and children in psychotherapy. You’ll learn how to assess, diagnose, and treat psychological stress or impairment, mental disorders, or problems that arise in couples and families, and how to work in various mental health settings. Only licensed MFTs may provide counseling to families and couples.
The MA Counseling Combined MFT/LPCC option is for students interested in also being licensed as a Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California. It meets the academic requirements for both the LMFT and LPCC. The combined option adds three courses specific to the scope of practice for LPCCs, including career counseling, research, and assessment techniques. This option includes additional hours of practicum training experience to meet state requirements for PCC trainees. The specialization focuses on individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, and vocational counseling.
This master’s in counseling psychology degree is designed for California only. Either option may not meet requirements in other states. Students should consult the licensing boards of the appropriate states for information about licensure outside of California.