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
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, MD, MI, MN, NC, NJ, NM, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, WA. Some states may have additional requirements that are not part of the curriculum, but which can 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: FL, MA, NY.
CalSouthern has not 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: CT, DC, KS, LA, ME, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, NH, NV, OK, RI, SD, VA, VT, WI, WV, WY.
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
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, MD, MI, MN, NJ, NM, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, WA. Some states may have additional requirements that are not part of the curriculum, but which can 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, KY, MA, MO, NC, NY, OH.
CalSouthern has not 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: KS, LA, ME, MS, MT, NE, NV, NH, ND, OK, RI, SD, VT, VA, WV, WI, WY
Last update: 3/12/2024
Quick Facts:
- Credits required: 60
- Cost per credit: $545
- Program length: 4 years (full-time status)
- Max transfer credits: 12 credits
Time to degree completion can be shortened by accelerating completion of courses and through credits accepted in transfer.
Transfer 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, licensure, 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.
Master of Arts in Psychology Course Requirements
- PSY 6502 Counseling Theories and Strategies – 3 credits
- MFT 6504 Ethical and Legal Issues in Therapy – 3 credits
- PSY 6508 Culture and Diversity in Counseling – 3 credits
- PSY 6505 Lifespan Development – 3 credits
- PSY 6506 Psychopathology – 3 credits
- PSY 6509 Systems of Family Therapy – 3 credits
- PSY 6511 Substance Use and Related Disorders – 3 credits
- PSY 6510 Child and Adolescent Therapy – 3 credits
- PSY 6514 Couples and Sex Therapy – 3 credits
- PSY 6512 Group Counseling – 3 credits
- PSY 6747 Career Counseling – 3 credits
- MFT 6513 Assessment Techniques in Therapy – 3 credits
- PSY 6519 Crisis and Trauma Counseling – 3 credits
- PSY 6520 Advanced Counseling Techniques – 3 credits
- MFT 6700 Psychopharmacology – 3 credits
- PSY 6743 Systems of Care in Community Mental Health – 3 credits
- MFT 6900 Research Methods and Statistics – 3 credits
- MFT 6704 Practicum I – 3 credits
- MFT 6705 Practicum II – 3 credits
- MFT 6706 Practicum III – 3 credits
- MFT 8000 Internship (optional) — 6 credits
Additional Courses
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.
Download the University Catalog for full course descriptions, prerequisite information, and program details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology?
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.
What will I study in the Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology program?
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.
When can I begin my Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology degree?
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 doctoral degree at CalSouthern today
How many credits are required to graduate from the Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology program?
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.
Why should I pursue a Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology degree?
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!
I have recommended CalSouthern to many people I know that were searching for the best educational online experience. CalSouthern provides the opportunity for an advanced degree that one can obtain while simultaneously working a full-time job. It was a godsend for me, and I’m proud to be an alum.
– Cynthia D., MA in Psychology Program, 2020
Ready to pursue your educational goals? We can help!
Contact us to learn more about our online courses, degree and certificate programs.
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 states. CalSouthern does not accept applications from residents of Massachusetts, New York, and certain foreign countries.
*All fields are required