Santa Clara University
M.A. in Counseling Psychology
On-Campus/Hybrid
Santa Clara University
455 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95053
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
Four emphases offered:
Latino Counseling
LGBTQ Counseling
Health Psychology
Correctional Psychology
LMFT Track or Dual LMFT/LPCC Track
LMFT/LPCC dual-track (if you opt for the MFT/LPCC track)
Length of Program
3 year full-time program (part-time available), start in any term
Schedule/Format
In-person, classes are scheduled mostly on afternoons, evenings, and some weekends.
Program Start
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Estimated Total Program Tuition
$61, 290
Religious Orientation
None
Entering Class Size and Classroom Sizes
We do not operate on a cohort model and the number of admits vary per quarter. 15 to 25 is the average class size.
Fieldwork Hours Accrued During Program
MFT: Supervised fieldwork experience with a minimum of 225 hours of face-to-face experience counseling individuals, families, or groups. Up to 75 hours may be gained performing client- centered advocacy.
LPCC: Supervised fieldwork experience with a minimum of 280 hours of face-to-face clinical experience counseling individuals, families, or groups.
Personal Psychotherapy Requirement During Program
None
Comprehensive Exam/Culminating Project/Thesis/Etc:
The Comprehensive Examination (COMP Exam) is a take-home essay exam devised to help you synthesize your learning into a powerful personal and professional statement. The exam is given once during the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters, and you have two weeks to complete it after it is mailed to you. You take this exam near the end of your studies, typically the quarter before the last quarter in which you are enrolled in the program. Practicum experience gained by that time can help you in the exam because one of the questions requires the description of a case study.
Application Process
Application Deadline
Fall 2022: May 1, 2022
Winter 2023: November 1, 2022
Spring 2023: February 1, 2023
Summer 2023: March 1, 2023
Undergraduate GPA Required
A minimum GPA of 3.0, undergraduate grade point average (GPA) is required.
GRE Requirement
None
Prerequisite Courses
None
Application Highlights
Statement of Purpose
Your statement of purpose must be a clear and legible draft focusing on the specific guidelines of the program and the chosen emphasis you are applying for at the School of Education and Counseling Psychology. Your statement must include evidence of your commitment to Social Justice, Multiculturalism, and Diversity. Please limit your statement to two pages, typed and double-spaced. You must not receive any assistance writing or editing the personal statement; it must be your own original work.
Explain your reasons for entering the mental health profession, highlight related experiences, and any unique reasons for selecting Santa Clara University. Please provide all relevant background information about the context of the specific work you have done, as well as a description of the aspects of the work you find most engaging and/or meaningful.
Current Resumé or CV
All applicants are required to submit a resumé or curriculum vitae to provide information about relevant job experience and education. Your resumé should include educational background and relevant experiences, including jobs, internships, community service, activities, languages (if applicable), and research projects. Writing a resumé for a graduate school application follows the same principles as writing a resumé for a job. Please include dates of attendance for education, job titles and years of employment and explain any gaps in employment exceeding 6 months.
Three letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation should be from individuals who have served in supervisory or evaluative roles with you. This may include professors, instructors, bosses or managers, job supervisors, clinical supervisors, volunteer coordinators, supervisors of volunteer work, or similar. Letters of recommendation should not be from personal friends, family members, or personal therapists. We realize that letters from such individuals may not be possible for some applicants. If you will be requesting a letter from someone that does not fit these guidelines, please briefly explain why; the expectation is that the people writing letters for you should still be able to comment on your professional capacity as a practitioner.
Interview Requirement
None
Program Summary
Our vision imagines a region and world in which everyone has access to an inspiring education and the psychological tools and support to propel them toward flourishing lives of meaning, purpose and connection. Our education is characterized by Strong Values, Social Justice, Transformative, Diverse Community.
The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology provides an intensive 90-unit Master's program. Receive outstanding preparation to be become licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) or a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
Our faculty prepares you to be an agent of change in your clients' lives. Students may also choose to include any of the following four optional emphasis areas in their degree: Correctional Psychology, Health Psychology, Latino Counseling, or LGBTQ Counseling.