Golden Gate University
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology Program Overview
Golden Gate University offers a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program designed to prepare students for licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) and/or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC) in California. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health education, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Students benefit from flexible learning formats, including online, hybrid, and asynchronous options, catering to working professionals and those with diverse schedules.
Key Features
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Delivery Formats: Online (synchronous and asynchronous), Hybrid
- Program Length: Typically 2.5 years for full-time students
- Total Units: 60
- Start Dates: Multiple start dates throughout the year
- Practicum Requirement: 300 face-to-face clinical hours
- Personal Therapy Requirement: 50 hours of psychotherapy with a licensed clinician
- No GRE/GMAT Required: Admissions do not require standardized test scores
- Estimated Tuition: Approximately $65,400 for the entire program
Curriculum
The 60-unit curriculum is designed to meet California’s licensure requirements for LMFT and LPCC. Courses cover a range of topics, including:
- Lifespan Development
- Cross-Cultural Aspects of Psychology
- Group Models of Counseling
- Psychopathology
- Psychological Assessment
- Child/Adolescent Psychology
- Couple and Family Counseling
- Legal and Ethical Responsibility for Counselors
- Neuroscience of Counseling and Psychopharmacology
- Human Sexuality
- Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders
- Relational Abuse: Assessment and Treatment
- Community Mental Health
- Career Counseling and Development
- Practicum: Counseling Psychology
Students must complete 9 units of practicum, integrating theoretical knowledge with clinical practice.
Clinical Training
- Practicum: Students engage in an intensive traineeship, completing 300 face-to-face clinical contact hours under supervision. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing practical skills and fulfilling licensure requirements.
- Personal Psychotherapy: A requirement of 50 hours of personal psychotherapy with a licensed clinician is integrated into the program, supporting personal growth and self-awareness essential for effective practice.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree: From a regionally accredited U.S. institution or equivalent international institution
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Statement of Purpose: Outlining motivation, background, and readiness for graduate study
- Resume: Detailing relevant experience and education
- English Proficiency: For non-native English speakers, proof of English language proficiency is required
- No GRE/GMAT Required: Standardized test scores are not required for admission
Tuition and Financial Aid
- Estimated Total Tuition: Approximately $65,400 for the entire program
- Financial Aid: GGU offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the financial aid office for personalized assistance.
Career Outcomes
Graduates are prepared to pursue licensure as LMFTs and/or LPCCs in California, leading to careers 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 Golden Gate University?
- Flexible Learning Options: Choose from online, hybrid, and asynchronous formats to fit your lifestyle
- Holistic Approach: Emphasis on personal growth and self-awareness through personal psychotherapy requirement
- Experienced Faculty: Learn from professionals with extensive clinical and academic backgrounds
- Supportive Community: Engage with a diverse and inclusive student body and faculty
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with the Psychotherapy Action Network aligns curriculum with cutting-edge advocacy for mental health policy
How to Apply
- Complete the Online Application: Available on GGU’s official website
- Submit Required Documents: Including transcripts, statement of purpose, and resume
- Finalize Enrollment: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with multiple start dates throughout the year