Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology Degree Program
The Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology, with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy degree is a program designed for those interested in pursuing a career as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and/or as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). If you’re drawn to helping people with emotional, behavioral, mental health, or relationship concerns, perhaps this degree is right for you.
Marriage and Family Therapist
United States: CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification as a marriage and family therapist in the following states: AL, AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, DE, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, NC, NJ, NM, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, WA. Some states may have additional requirements that are not part of the curriculum, but which may be satisfied at CalSouthern.
CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum does not meet the state educational requirements for licensure or certification as a marriage and family therapist in the following states: CT, DC, FL, KS, MA, ME, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, NH, NV, NY, OK, RI, VA, VT, WI, WV, WY. This program does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside in these states.
Other Jurisdictions: This program does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside outside of the jurisdictions listed above.
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
United States: CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification as a licensed professional clinical counselor in the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, LA, MD, MI, MN, NJ, NM, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, WA. Some states may have additional requirements that are not part of the curriculum, but which may be satisfied at CalSouthern.
CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum does not meet the state educational requirements for licensure or certification as a licensed professional clinical counselor in the following state: FL, KS, KY, MA, ME, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NV, NH, ND, NY, OH, OK, RI, VT, VA, WV, WI, WY. This program does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside in these states.
Other Jurisdictions: This program does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside outside of the jurisdictions listed above.
Given that license eligibility varies by jurisdiction, by license type, and is subject to change, learners are advised to contact jurisdictional licensing agencies directly for details regarding all requirements.
Last update: 3/17/2024
- Credits Required: 60
- Cost Per Credit: $645
- Program Length: 4 years (full-time status)1
- Max Transfer Credits: 12 credits2
1Many factors can impact your time to completion such as course loads, course extensions or repetitions, transfer or proficiency credits, and approved leaves of absence. The program length provided does not include these adjustments. Program completion time also depends on an individual learner’s time needed to complete required practicum courses.
2Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible for transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
What you’ll study
Demonstrate effective interpersonal, communication and collaboration skills for various purposes and formats.
Demonstrate competency and application of theories, interventions, practice, and within current and foundational research and trends.
Demonstrate the awareness of one’s values, experiences, beliefs and biases and their impact on interactions with others from diverse cultures, special populations, and marginalized communities.
Demonstrate the integration of ethical, legal, and social responsibility in academia, research, and practice and other professional contexts.
Demonstrate the understanding of lifespan development, social determinants of health, risk and protective factors, and their impact on development, including one’s own development.
Demonstrate critical thinking and scientific inquiry in research, assessment, and practice.
Potential career paths may be found in the following industries:
Marriage and Family Therapy
Clinical and Mental Health Counseling
Private and Group Practice
Community Mental Health Care
CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement.
Master of Arts in Psychology Degree Requirements
| Degree Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | 60 |
| TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR THE MA IN PSYCHOLOGY | 60 |
Courses + Credits
The following master’s level courses comprise CalSouthern’s Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology, with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy degree program. In order to fulfill the educational requirements for licensure at the master’s level for licensure in some states, all required courses must be completed. Elective options are not available for this program. Refer to the Licensure Disclosure section for state board contact information.
- PSY 6502Counseling Theories and Strategies – 3 credits
- MFT 6504Ethical and Legal Issues in Therapy – 3 credits
- PSY 6508Culture and Diversity in Counseling – 3 credits
- PSY 6505Lifespan Development – 3 credits
- PSY 6506Psychopathology – 3 credits
- PSY 6509Systems of Family Therapy – 3 credits
- PSY 6511Substance Use and Related Disorders – 3 credits
- PSY 6510Child and Adolescent Therapy – 3 credits
- PSY 6514Couples and Sex Therapy – 3 credits
- PSY 6512Group Counseling – 3 credits
- PSY 6747Career Counseling – 3 credits
- MFT 6513Assessment Techniques in Therapy – 3 credits
- PSY 6519Crisis and Trauma Counseling – 3 credits
- PSY 6520Advanced Counseling Techniques – 3 credits
- MFT 6700Psychopharmacology – 3 credits
- PSY 6743Systems of Care in Community Mental Health – 3 credits
- MFT 6900Research Methods and Statistics – 3 credits
- MFT 6704Practicum I – 3 credits
- MFT 6705Practicum II – 3 credits
- MFT 6706Practicum III – 3 creditsv
- MFT 8000Internship (optional) — 6 credits
- Other additional courses may be available upon request to meet individual jurisdictional requirements for license eligibility. If additional courses are needed, please bring this information to the attention of the School of Behavioral Sciences Programs Coordinator.
View the University Catalog for full course descriptions, prerequisite information, and program details.
View CatalogWhich Psychology Program Works For You?
CalSouthern’s MS & MA Psychology programs at a glance
| Details | Master of Science (MS) in General Psychology | Master of Science (MS) in Psychology | Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credits Required | 30 | 42 | 60 |
| Cost per credit | $645 | $645 | $645 |
| Program length | 1.5 years (full-time status)1 | 2-3 years (full-time status)1 | 4 years (full-time status)1 |
| Max transfer credits | 6 credits2 | 6 credits2 | 12 credits2 |
| Graduates of this program may choose to pursue the following3 |
Doctoral level study at CalSouthern (PsyD) Potential career paths in industries such as:
|
Doctoral level study at CalSouthern (PsyD) Potential career paths in industries such as:
Advancement in career paths such as:
A concentration in:
|
Doctoral level study at CalSouthern (PsyD) Potential career paths in industries such as:
|
1 The program length varies depending on the concentration selected. Many factors can impact your time to completion such as course loads, transfer or proficiency credits, and approved leaves of absence. The program length provided does not include these adjustments. Program completion time also depends on an individual learner’s time needed to complete required practicum courses.
2Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible for transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies
3CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, licensure, salary, or career advancement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology degree program is designed to help candidates prepare to pursue a career path as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and/or a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). If you are drawn to helping people with emotional, behavioral, mental health, and/or relationship concerns, this degree may be right for you.
Through a culturally sensitive, ethically minded, systemic lens, candidates will study a variety of subjects and work to develop the knowledge base and skill set needed to pursue a career path as a marriage and family therapist and/or professional clinical counselor. Courses include psychological theories, assessment, diagnosis, interventions, and evidence-based practices. The program will culminate with the application of the knowledge and skills acquired to experience in a university approved practicum setting.
Classes begin monthly. Connect with a CalSouthern Admissions Advisor by phone (1-800-477- 2254, ext. 47822), by email through Admissions@calsouthern.edu, or request information online at How to Apply – California Southern University (calsouthern.edu). Begin your degree at CalSouthern today.
CalSouthern’s Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree program requires a total of 66 semester credit hours. The average time to completion is approximately four to five years. Many factors can impact your time to completion such as course loads, course extensions or repetitions, transfer or proficiency credits, and approved leaves of absence. The program length provided does not include these adjustments. Program completion time also depends on an individual learner’s time needed to complete all required doctoral project requirements which varies by learner.
CalSouthern’s Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology requires a total of 60 semester credit hours to complete. The average time to completion is approximately four years. Eligible transfer credit can reduce the completion time. CalSouthern will consider up to 12 semester credit hours of qualifying coursework in transfer with official syllabi and transcripts.*
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
The CalSouthern Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology, with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy degree program is designed to meet the educational and practicum requirements for license eligibility. Licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction, by license type, and are subject to change. Therefore, learners are encouraged to contact their respective licensing board or jurisdictional authority directly for approval prior to enrollment. This program is also designed to provide learners with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for doctoral-level study at this university. CalSouthern’s MA was developed for working adults. Start your master’s education today!
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Accreditation
California Southern University is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Please visit the Accreditation & Licensure page to learn more.
CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all jurisdictions. CalSouthern does not accept applications from residents of Massachusetts, New York, and certain foreign countries.
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