The M.S. in Counseling Psychology program aligns with the degree and coursework requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in the state of California, and as a Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) (for those students who complete the PCC concentration), as set forth by California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).

Through our practicum settings, candidates are provided with the opportunity to put theory in to practice in real-world settings. We have over 100 well established organizational relationships that provide our students with experience in a diverse range of clinical settings, including community mental health, school-based, church-based, and additional contexts.. Each placement is pre-approved by the department to meet BBS and CBU standards. Experienced licensed supervisors provide our students with the necessary guidance to not only gain the appropriate and required experience, but to prepare them to pass state licensure. Additionally, in the PCC concentration, students have the opportunity to take part in interdisciplinary mental health simulations with students from a variety of health care disciplines.

All of our courses integrate theory and faith. Faculty teach from a biblically rooted perspective enabling students to become strong and compassionate, ethical counselors dedicated to raising the client’s quality of life. Faculty encourage students to incorporate individual beliefs and values as well as explore the intersection between their personal and professional lives. This inward examination, together with rigorous clinical training and a required personal psychotherapy, develops counseling professionals to uphold the highest standards of ethical professionalism.

The M.S. in Counseling Psychology can be paired with the M.A. in Counseling Ministry, preparing candidates for MFT licensure as well as church-based counseling.