CSUB Counseling Psychology Masters Program Guide

CSUB’s Counseling Psychology Master’s program paves the way to become a licensed mental health professional in California. The 66-semester unit program takes three years to complete and meets all educational requirements for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credentials in California.

This program ranks among the top LMFT programs in California’s state university system. Graduates can work in various settings like county mental health clinics, child guidance centers, hospitals, school districts, and correctional facilities. They can also start their own private practice or join for-profit agencies.

Classes meet Monday through Thursday between 1 p.m. and 10 p.m., which works well for many professionals. The time commitment changes as you advance through the program:

• First year: Evening classes
• Second year: Three weekday afternoons (1:00-9:00 p.m.) at the University Counselor Training Clinic for supervised practicum
• Third year: At least 20 hours weekly during business hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) at community-based clinical field placements

Full-time workers should plan to adjust their work schedules during the second and third years to meet clinical requirements.

Students build expertise through:

• Strong theoretical foundations in counseling approaches
• Hands-on learning opportunities
• Development of cultural sensitivity and awareness
• Skills for continued professional growth

Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Evaluation (CPCE). This national exam takes place on-site during the final spring semester.

This CSU counseling masters program stands out from other California programs. It emphasizes personal growth through training and supervision, helping students become ethical, competent, and adaptable mental health professionals ready to serve their communities.

Pathways and Specializations

CSUB has two complete programs that create unique educational paths for future counseling professionals. The Counseling Psychology program helps you become either a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) by meeting California’s requirements.

The program builds on five key objectives:

• Theory and research foundation for clinical practice
• Self-awareness and relationship-building skills
• Hands-on learning and practical skill development
• Knowledge of diverse individual, family, and cultural factors
• Skills to grow professionally throughout your career

The program also has specialized courses that address today’s counseling needs. These courses cover Crisis and Trauma Counseling, Self-care for Mental Health Professionals, Cultural Intersectionality in Counseling, Addictions Counseling, and Career Development Counseling.

CSUB’s Educational Counseling Program offers two unique concentrations. The School Counseling concentration is a 52-unit program that prepares you for K-12 settings and lets you earn both an MS degree and the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential. The Student Affairs concentration takes 43 units and prepares you to work in community colleges and universities. You can work in departments like Admissions, Financial Aid, Residence Life, and Academic Advising.

Both paths give you real-world experience. School Counseling students complete 800 hours of fieldwork, while Student Affairs students complete 600 hours.

After finishing the Counseling Psychology program, you’ll be ready to work in many professional settings. Public sector opportunities exist in county mental health clinics, child guidance clinics, group foster homes, school districts, hospitals, juvenile facilities, and prisons. Private sector roles include positions with companies, for-profit agencies, and private practices.

Educational counseling graduates also have great career prospects. School Counseling graduates find roles throughout P-12 educational settings, while Student Affairs graduates work in higher education student services.

CSUB’s counseling programs prepare adaptable professionals who can work effectively in counseling environments of all types while meeting California’s strict licensing requirements.

Learning Options and Flexibility

The sequential three-year structure of CSUB’s MS in Counseling Psychology program works well for evening students. Classes run Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., which makes the program available to many working professionals. In spite of that, you’ll need to dedicate more time as you advance through each year:

• First year: Evening coursework
• Second year: Three weekday afternoons (1:00-9:00 p.m.) weekly for supervised practicum experience
• Third year: Minimum of 20 hours weekly during business hours (8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) for community field placement

Students who work full-time will need to adjust their schedules, especially when they reach their second and third years. This well-laid-out approach combines practical experience with theoretical knowledge effectively.

Students learn through hands-on experience throughout the curriculum. You’ll take on both counselor and client roles in individual, dyadic, and group exercises. This practical approach helps you build skills and confidence in your clinical judgment when working with clients.

The low student-to-faculty ratio at CSUB gives students more tailored attention compared to other MFT programs in California. Faculty supervision is a vital part of your growth, especially during your practicum at the University Counselor Training Clinic.

The program goes beyond meeting licensing requirements to give you the tools for lifelong learning and professional growth after graduation. This comprehensive approach helps you adapt to a variety of mental health settings throughout your career.

Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to CSUB’s Counseling Psychology Master’s program must meet specific academic criteria and complete a comprehensive application process. The program only accepts students for Fall enrollment.

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and a 3.2 GPA or higher in their most recent 60 semester units. Students with a GPA below 3.2 must submit a justification statement that explains their circumstances.

The program requires completion of six undergraduate psychology courses before starting coursework:

• Introductory statistics
• Abnormal psychology
• A developmental psychology course (child psychology, human growth and development, or lifespan development)

Students must complete these prerequisites within five years of starting the program and earn a grade of “B-” or higher[132].

Applications are processed through Cal State Apply. A complete application package requires:

• Personal statement detailing your goals and experiences
• Current curriculum vita/resume
• Contact information for three references
• Self-rating questionnaire
• Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended

Selected applicants move forward to an interview stage after the initial review[132]. The Counseling Psychology Faculty Committee evaluates all candidates and offers admission to the most qualified applicants due to the competitive nature of the program.

Program Outcomes

CSUB’s counseling masters program graduates step into a flourishing job market with excellent employment prospects. Many mental health professionals find positions even before they graduate, with job placement rates approaching 100%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows significant growth in mental health fields, creating promising opportunities for aspiring therapists.

Your earning potential after graduation depends on your chosen specialization. Health Professions graduates earn a remarkable median salary of $81,247. CSUB’s career services support your professional journey through job banks, career fairs, and one-on-one counseling sessions.

The program equips you to meet California’s requirements for LMFT or LPCC certification. This qualification opens doors to work in various settings – from county mental health clinics and hospitals to private practices.

The program’s excellence shows in its #8 ranking among counseling psychology masters programs nationwide. This recognition validates the program’s success in developing ethical, competent practitioners.

Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA, clear a comprehensive examination, and show professional growth throughout their academic journey to graduate successfully.

Why Choose This Program

CSUB’s program ranks #8 nationally on the Best Counseling Psychology Master’s Degree Programs list, making it a standout choice among CSU counseling masters options. Students benefit from excellent education at reasonable tuition rates without quality compromise.

The program offers several advantages compared to other MFT masters programs in California. Small student-to-faculty ratios ensure you receive individual attention throughout your studies. This becomes especially valuable when you have hands-on learning opportunities.

Students practice their skills at CSUB’s modern University Counselor Training Clinic. The clinic serves local residents with affordable counseling services while students gain practical experience under expert guidance.

The program stands apart from other counseling psychology programs in California through its unique professional development approach. CSUB values personal growth during training and supervision, which helps students become more effective therapists.

The faculty shows steadfast dedication to educational excellence. Students learn from professionals who know how to shape competent practitioners. The program builds technical expertise and develops strong ethical principles needed for adaptability in the counseling field.

CSUB’s counseling psychology masters equips graduates to work in various mental health settings, creating a robust foundation for continued professional success.