California Southern University
Program Overview
California Southern University offers a 100% online Master of Arts in Psychology program with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. This MFT program is designed for individuals aiming to pursue licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) and/or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC) in California. The flexible, asynchronous format caters to working professionals seeking to balance their education with personal and professional commitments.
Key Features
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Delivery Format: Fully online, asynchronous coursework
- Program Length: Typically 4 years with full-time study; accelerated options available
- Start Dates: Monthly course starts
- Practicum: Approximately 300 hours of supervised clinical experience
- Personal Therapy Requirement: 16 hours of individual therapy
- No GRE Required: Admissions do not require GRE scores
- No Cohorts: Self-paced learning without cohort restrictions
- Estimated Tuition: Approximately $32,700 for the entire program
Curriculum
The 60-credit curriculum encompasses a broad range of topics essential for effective practice in marriage and family therapy, including:
- Counseling Theories and Strategies
- Ethical and Legal Issues in Therapy
- Culture and Diversity in Counseling
- Lifespan Development
- Psychopathology
- Systems of Family Therapy
- Substance Use and Related Disorders
- Child and Adolescent Therapy
- Couples and Sex Therapy
- Group Counseling
- Career Counseling
- Assessment Techniques in Therapy
- Crisis and Trauma Counseling
- Advanced Counseling Techniques
- Psychopharmacology
- Systems of Care in Community Mental Health
- Research Methods and Statistics
- Practicum I, II, and III
These courses are designed to meet the educational requirements for LMFT and LPCC licensure in California.
Clinical Training
Students are required to complete approximately 300 hours of supervised clinical practicum. While CalSouthern provides a handbook of potential practicum sites, students are responsible for securing their own placements, which cannot be in private practice settings. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing practical skills and fulfilling licensure requirements.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree: From an accredited institution
- Personal Statement: Discussing motivation, background, and readiness for graduate study
- No GRE Required
- No Minimum GPA Specified
- No Prerequisite Courses Required
- No Interview Required
CalSouthern’s admissions process is designed to be accessible and straightforward, accommodating a diverse range of applicants.
Tuition and Financial Aid
- Estimated Total Tuition: Approximately $32,700
- Payment Options: Interest-free payment plans available
- Federal Financial Aid: Not available for this program
While federal financial aid is not offered, CalSouthern provides flexible payment plans to assist students in managing tuition costs.
Career Outcomes
Graduates are prepared to pursue licensure as:
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC)
Career opportunities include roles in:
- Private practice
- Community mental health agencies
- Hospitals and healthcare settings
- Educational institutions
- Non-profit organizations
The program’s comprehensive training equips graduates to serve diverse populations effectively.
Why Choose CalSouthern?
- Flexibility: 100% online, asynchronous courses with monthly start dates
- Accessibility: No GRE or minimum GPA requirements
- Affordability: Competitive tuition with interest-free payment plans
- Licensure Preparation: Curriculum aligned with California’s LMFT and LPCC requirements
- Supportive Learning Environment: One-on-one mentoring and personalized academic support
How to Apply
- Complete the Online Application: Available on CalSouthern’s official website.
- Submit Required Documents: Including transcripts and personal statement.
- Finalize Enrollment: Applications must be completed by the 20th of the month prior to the desired start date.
For more information and to begin your application, visit the CalSouthern website.