Sofia University
M.A. in Counseling Psychology
Online/Hybrid
Costa Mesa Campus
3333 Harbor Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Palo Alto Campus
1069 E. Meadow Circle
Palo Alto, CA 94303
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
MACP students may opt to complete coursework for a Creative Expression Certificate (CEC). The focus of the CEC enhances students’ ability to use therapeutic expressive arts interventions with their clients. There are five areas of expressive art therapy, including visual arts, music, writing, drama, and dance/movement. Students may choose to focus on one, some, or all of these modalities while working towards the CEC requirements.
Some of the CEC requirements are embedded within the courses for the MACP degree; designated courses require completion of an additional extra-credit assignment related to the expressive arts.
Four units beyond the MACP degree requirements must be completed; these courses are part of the Master of Arts in Transpersonal Psychology (MATP) degree program. In total, students must complete 19 units for the CEC.
LMFT Track or Dual LMFT/LPCC Track
LMFT/LPCC dual-track
Length of Program
90 units
3 years (Full-Time)
4 years (Part-Time)
Schedule/Format
The MACP degree is offered as an online program (from our Costa Mesa and Palo Alto CA campus) with some low-residency sessions. Some required courses or parts of courses occur in an intensive residential format. Online courses are taught using the university’s Learning Management System; some of these courses may require participation in synchronous telemediated sessions. The intensive residential classes occur two times per year, typically at the beginning of the Fall and Spring quarters for ten consecutive days. There is a total of six required residential intensives for our full-time students, each of which involves full-day participation, throughout the three-year program. For part-time students, there is a total of eight required intensives, each of which involves full-day participation throughout the four-year program.
Program Start
Summer, Fall, Winter
Estimated Total Program Tuition
$58,500
Religious Orientation
Transpersonal/spiritual
Entering Class Size and Classroom Sizes
Students are accepted during summer and fall for one cohort, and during winter and spring for another. Cohorts are about 15-20 students.
Fieldwork Hours Accrued During Program
The practicum includes both face-to-face client hours (LMFT minimum of 225, LPCC minimum of 280) and on-site supervision.
Personal Psychotherapy Requirement During Program
40 hours of personal psychotherapy
Comprehensive Exam/Culminating Project/Thesis/Etc:
You must complete one full year of Clinical Practicum as a Capstone Project. To advance to Clinical practicum, students must be in good standing, have completed all required practicum prerequisites (see Clinical Core Coursese above) and 40 hours of personal psychotherapy, and have no outstanding incomplete grades. The MACP faculty member in charge of monitoring practicum must approve the Clinical practicum site. Students must register for the Practicum Evaluation class and Capstone Clinical Practicum Sequence and submit appropriate forms and practicum contracts.
Application Process
Application Deadline
Undergraduate GPA Required
Students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Those with a slightly lower GPA may still be considered if they supply an additional letter of recommendation.
GRE Requirement
None
Prerequisite Courses
None
Application Highlights
Statement of Purpose: Students must include a statement of intent that addresses their passion for counseling psychology, what drew them to the school, and what they hope to accomplish while enrolled and upon graduation.
2 Letters of Recommendation: These may come from previous teachers, colleagues, or anyone who can speak to your candidacy as a student.
Resume/CV: The Admissions team would like to see the path that students take throughout their life journey. We want to ensure that we can help students reach their goals.
Interview Requirement
Faculty Interview: Upon submitting the aforementioned documents, students are then able to speak with our faculty about their goals and what they're looking for in a master’s program. We recommend that students come prepared with questions of their own to demonstrate engagement and boost their candidacy.
Program Summary
The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MACP) degree program provides formal training in the science and practice of family systems therapy and clinical counseling. In addition to a broad and rigorous preparation in counseling psychology, the program provides training in theory and treatment inspired by both secular and spiritual concepts and interventions. Mindfulness, movement, and expressive arts, in both clinician self-care and treatment interventions, are integrated throughout the curriculum.
Students who graduate from the MACP program complete the requirements current as of Fall 2019 as set by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) for the Marriage and Family Therapy and/or Professional Clinical Counselor educational tracks. In addition, they complete a minimum of one-year supervised practicum providing therapy to clients in preparation for registering as either a Marriage and Family Therapy or Professional Clinical Counselor associate in the State of California. The program also supports students in completing the requirements that they identify to register for post-degree clinical training in many other states and countries.
Careers as LMFTs (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists) and LPCCs (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors) often include supervisory positions in counseling agencies as well as serving as clinical staff, managers, directors and administrative positions in substance abuse and mental health treatment settings, hospitals, corrections agencies, and private practice. Students who complete the MACP degree and do not choose to pursue post-degree clinical training often apply their education in other fields, including business, coaching, or spiritual guidance.
The MACP degree is offered as an online program (from our Costa Mesa and Palo Alto CA campus) with some low-residency sessions. Some required courses or parts of courses occur in an intensive residential format. Online courses are taught using the university’s Learning Management System; some of these courses may require participation in synchronous telemediated sessions. The intensive residential classes occur two times per year, typically at the beginning of the Fall and Spring quarters for ten consecutive days. There is a total of six required residential intensives for our full-time students, each of which involves full-day participation, throughout the three-year program. For part-time students, there is a total of eight required intensives, each of which involves full-day participation throughout the four-year program.
Advisers are assigned at the onset of the program and meet with students for ongoing mentoring, advising, and review of readiness to begin clinical practicum. Annually, advisors meet with each student either at the intensives or via synchronous web technology for a formal and documented review of student progress. When necessary, students meet with appropriate faculty members, advisors, and Program Chair for further discussion and recommendations.