PASSWORDMANAGEMENT
Application Deadlines
Applications to the Master of Science in Clinical Counseling Psychology program are reviewed on a rolling basis; apply at any time! However, priority is given to applications that are received by this deadline:
- Fall 2026: February 11, 2026
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the MS in Clinical Counseling Psychology program, you must complete the requirements listed below.
- Academic Requirements
- An undergraduate degree in a behavioral science-related field from a regionally accredited
university (e.g., psychology, sociology, social science, human or child development)
- Applicants with non-related degrees may be considered in cases where their coursework fulfills the undergraduate core prerequisites
- A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 for the last 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units) of undergraduate coursework
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 in three behavioral science-related undergraduate core prerequisites
or equivalent, from among the following preferred courses (exceptions for closely
related upper-division coursework may be considered):
- Research Methods
- Upper-division Abnormal Psychology, Psychopathology, Developmental Psychopathology or equivalent
- Upper-division Developmental Psychology or Lifespan Development
- An undergraduate degree in a behavioral science-related field from a regionally accredited
university (e.g., psychology, sociology, social science, human or child development)
- Personal Statement and Résumé
- A personal statement of 2-3 single-spaced pages that addresses the following:
- Objectives in applying for the program and seeking a career in clinical counseling
- Relevant educational, work and volunteer service experience
- Academic performance and accomplishments
- Personal strengths and weaknesses related to the field of clinical/counseling psychology and the clinical counseling profession
- Long-term professional goals
- A curriculum vita or résumé summarizing the applicant’s academic background, work or volunteer service experience, and other activities relevant to the counseling discipline
- A personal statement of 2-3 single-spaced pages that addresses the following:
- Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional references who taught and/or supervised the applicant that reflect the applicant’s capacity and suitability for graduate training in clinical/counseling psychology and the counseling profession in general.
- At least two letters must be from instructors
Candidates considered for admission will be invited to participate in a face-to-face or Zoom-based interview with a faculty panel.
- Note on Practicum SitesPlease note that while admission to the MS in Clinical Counseling Psychology program does not require a background check, practicum sites may mandate background checks prior to placement. Some practicum sites may require students to complete and pass these checks, as well as other screenings (e.g., TB tests, drug testing or fingerprinting) before being allowed to work with clients. Additionally, practicum sites generally require that all students have their own health insurance. Students are responsible for any fees associated with these requirements, and we encourage prospective students to consider these requirements before applying.
Connect with a Specialist
Set up an appointment with your enrollment specialist to learn how you can take advantage of the MS in Clinical Counseling Psychology program.
Sujeith Ordonez, M.A.
Senior Outreach & Recruitment Specialist
±¬ÁÏÉçÇø Extended Learning
(760) 750-8454
Funding Options
The clinical counseling psychology master's degree program is eligible for financial aid.
Visit the funding page or call 760-750-4850 to learn more about your funding options. Active-duty military, veterans and dependents should visit the military services page or call 760-750-8705.
Federal VA educational benefits can be used for this program (not eligible for Cal Vet fee waiver).
FUNDING OPTIONS
Visit the funding page or call 760-750-4850 to learn more about your funding options. Active-duty military, veterans and dependents should visit the military services page or call 760-750-8705.
Federal VA educational benefits can be used for this program (not eligible for Cal Vet fee waiver).
FUNDING OPTIONS
Program Costs
Complete the MS in Clinical Counseling Psychology in five consecutive semesters, thanks to guaranteed class availability that ensures no delays in your educational journey. The program consists of 60 units, priced at $634 per unit.
Invest In Your Future: A Breakdown of Your Master's Degree Costs
| Semester | Units | Subtotal* |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester 1 | 15 | $9,510 |
| Spring Semester 1 | 15 | $9,510 |
| Summer Semester | 6 | $3,804 |
| Fall Semester 2 | 12 | $7,608 |
| Spring Semester 2 | 12 | $7,608 |
| Total | 60 | $38,040 |
*Not all university semester fees are included in this table—see the comprehensive breakdown of Extended Learning fees. Semester tuition subtotals are based on a sample program sequence. All quoted tuition rates are based on previous academic years and are subject to change without notice.
Courses
This master’s program has a set schedule of courses that you are expected to follow as part of your cohort.
Sample Fall Start Schedule
Year 1: Fall Semester
- COUN 500: Counseling and Psychotherapeutic Theories and Techniques (3)
Examines counseling and psychotherapeutic theories and techniques, including the counseling process in a multicultural society, and multidisciplinary responses to crises, emergencies, and disasters. Reviews strategies for building a therapeutic alliance, effective treatment planning, and selection and implementation of appropriate counseling interventions. Includes orientation to wellness and prevention, models of counseling consistent with current professional research and practice, and development of a personal model of counseling.
Units: 3
- COUN 501: Clinical Perspectives on Lifespan Development (3)
Provides an advanced overview of normal and abnormal behavior across the lifespan. Discusses empirical research focusing on the understanding of developmental disabilities, crises, and psychopathology. Emphasizes the diverse individual, situational, and environmental (e.g., socioeconomic) factors at play in lifespan issues.
Units: 3
- COUN 502: Research and Evaluation (3)
Advanced study of research methods and statistical analyses commonly used in clinical research, including program evaluation and needs assessment. Evaluates research design and statistical interpretation used in published research. Discusses how research informs evidence-based practice and advances the field and profession of clinical and counseling psychology.
Units: 3
- COUN 503: Professional Orientation, Ethics and Law in Counseling (3)
Covers professional orientation, ethics, and law in counseling, including California law and ethics for professional clinical counselors, the licensing process, and regulatory laws informing scope of practice. Reviews laws and ethics related to counselor-client privilege, confidentiality, harm to self/others, and treating minors with/without parental consent. Also covers collaborative relationships with other providers, and advocacy processes for addressing institutional and social barriers to client access, equity, and success. Includes 7+ contact hours of training/coursework in child abuse assessment and reporting.
Units: 3
- COUN 504: Culturally-Responsive Counseling Theories and Techniques (3)
Covers culturally-responsive counseling theories and techniques. Examines potential influences of age, gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, disability, and spirituality in the psychotherapeutic process. Assesses counselors’ roles in developing cultural self-awareness, sensitivity, and competency. Emphasizes individual and community strategies for working with diverse populations (including those living in California), and promoting social justice for individuals with mental health needs (e.g., addressing bias, prejudice, discrimination, and oppression).
Units: 3
Year 1: Spring Semester
- COUN 505: Principles of the Diagnostic Process (3)
Covers principles of the diagnostic process, including: the use of current diagnostic tools, such as the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; established diagnostic criteria for mental health disorders; differential diagnosis; understanding the impact of co-occurring psychological disorders; and identifying appropriate evidence-based treatments for addressing common mental health disorders. Provides an introduction to fundamental assessment and intervention skills, including assessing risk for harm to self and others.
Units: 3
- COUN 506: Group Counseling Theories and Techniques (3)
Examines group counseling theories and techniques, including principles of group dynamics, group process components, group developmental stage theories, therapeutic factors of group work, group leadership styles and approaches, and evidence-based group counseling methods. Also covers current research literature on group counseling theories and methods, as well as evaluation of treatment effectiveness.
Units: 3
- COUN 507: Assessment, Appraisal and Testing of Individuals (3)
Examines assessment, appraisal, and testing of individuals, including standardized and nonstandardized testing, norm-referenced and criterion-referenced assessment, statistical concepts, sociocultural factors related to assessment, and ethical strategies for selecting, administering, and interpreting assessment instruments and techniques. Covers psychological testing in areas of intelligence, educational achievement and aptitude, personality, and careers, as well as clinical assessment. Includes discussion of biopsychosocial and cognitive aspects of aging, long-term care, and assessment, reporting, and treatment of elder/dependent abuse and neglect.
Units: 3
- COUN 508: Psychopharmacology (3)
Includes an in-depth examination of the behavioral and central nervous system effects of pharmacologic substance use and abuse and the application of such substances to the prevention and treatment of psychopharmacological and psychopathological dysfunction. Covers basic classifications, indications, contraindications, and side effects of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications. Discusses strategies to assist counselors in making appropriate referrals for medication evaluations.
Units: 3
- COUN 509: Trauma and Crisis Counseling (3)
Covers crisis theory and multidisciplinary responses to crises, emergencies, or disasters. Also examines cognitive, affective, behavioral, and neurological effects associated with trauma. Includes assessment strategies, and short- and long-term intervention approaches (including for individuals with mental health disorders). Covers evidence-based risk and protective factors and treatments. Emphasizes resilience, personal, multidisciplinary, and community perspectives. Includes instruction on spousal/partner abuse assessment, detection, and intervention, and same gender abuse dynamics.
Units: 3
Year 1: Summer Semester
- COUN 510: Career Development Theories and Techniques (3)
Examines career development theories and decision-making models, career planning, career education. Utilizes sources of educational and occupational information, nature and structure of the world of work, and leisure and lifestyle development. Includes the role of multicultural issues in career development.
Units: 3
- COUN 600: Master’s Project I (3)
The first of a two-course sequence for the Comprehensive/Culminating Project required for the MS in Clinical Counseling Psychology degree. Focuses specifically on the ability to conceptualize a psychological case from within a theoretical framework, and incorporate cultural factors relevant to mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
Units: 3