The psychology graduate programs at California Lutheran University are designed to develop competencies and skills for students to pursue a career in the helping professions. Master of Science degrees are offered in Counseling Psychology (with an Emphasis in Marital and Family Therapy) and in Clinical Psychology.

The MS Counseling Psychology program provides comprehensive and practical training focused on the development of counseling skills. This program meets all academic requirements for the California state license in marital and family therapy.

The MS Clinical Psychology program provides training in quantitative methods that is tailored toward preparing students for doctoral study in psychology or immediate employment in administrative or research positions related to work in the clinical and health sciences.  The program supports open science initiatives and provides instruction in the latest technological advances in statistical methods.

The psychology graduate programs can be completed using either a part-time or full-time schedule, which ranges from two years to three years for completion. The part-time schedule (2.5 to three years) is recommended for students with demanding work or personal responsibilities.

Students attend classes during the fall and spring semesters and also in summer terms. Classes are scheduled in the late afternoon and evening, and some classes are offered on Saturdays.

Graduate classes are taught by full-time professors and by professionals who integrate experiences from their professional practice into the classroom. The University takes pride in its accomplished faculty members who are committed to excellence in teaching.

Courses in the MS programs are 500 level courses.  700 level courses are doctoral courses taken by permission only.

The Master of Science In Clinical Psychology

The Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology is a 37- to 40-credit program emphasizing both research and clinical skills. This combination provides a strong foundation for continuing studies at the doctoral level or employment. The development of research skills takes place through completing advanced courses in statistics and research methods. Students have the option of successfully completing a comprehensive examination or of conducting their own research study and completing a thesis (which involves an additional three credits of coursework, for a total of 40 credits).

Clinical skills are developed in many of the courses offered in the Clinical Psychology program. Students gain an understanding of psychological disorders and methods of treating those disorders. They also develop skills in research methods, advanced statistical methods related to clinical psychology and specialized clinical training. Students are exposed to an overview of psychological testing and psychometric theory, and they learn how to effectively engage in program evaluation. Ethical issues related to research are emphasized in the program.

The Clinical Psychology program offers students the option of completing two courses in their second year that include advanced training in clinical or statistical methods.

A number of career options are available to graduates of the Clinical Psychology program. The curriculum is designed to prepare students who plan to continue their graduate studies in a doctoral program. The program is also a pathway for students who desire to complete a terminal master’s degree in psychology and do not intend to become a licensed practitioner. Many of our graduates choose this career path and are successfully employed overseeing treatment programs in mental health agencies. Graduates are also qualified for registration in California as a psychological assistant to work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. They may also work in the community college system as instructors of psychology or as counselors.

Newly admitted students start the Clinical Psychology program in the summer or fall semester. Completion of the program generally takes two years if full-time and three years if part-time.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Clinical Psychology programs will be considered for admission for the fall term only. Preference will be given to complete application portfolios submitted by January 15. All application documents and required interviews should be complete at least 45 days prior to the beginning of the desired start term. Admission requirements are as follows.

• Completed Admission Application and non-refundable application fee
• Official Transcript(s) from a regionally accredited college or university verifying the applicant’s bachelor’s degree or equivalent and any graduate work with an acceptable GPA
• Official transcripts from any college/university where prerequisite courses were completed must also be submitted.
• Two Academic or Professional Recommendations: Applicants to the MS Counseling Psychology program must demonstrate a personal aptitude for work as a marriage and family therapist. Letters of recommendation should address the aptitude and/or experience of the applicant for work in marriage and family therapy. The personal statement submitted by the applicant should include an examination of significant influences and events that have helped develop present values and approach to life, as well as ways in which these factors may contribute to preparation for a career as a therapist.
• Personal Statement: Please include 3-5 double-spaced, typewritten pages covering significant influences and events which have developed your present values and approach to life. Include ways in which these factors may contribute to the preparation for a psychology profession. Also, include your personal interests and goals and your professional objectives as they relate to Clinical Psychology.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Pre-Requisite Requirement Form: Applicants are required to have at least 3 credits of statistics with a grade of B- or better. An additional 12 credits of undergraduate or graduate-level psychology courses with grades of B- or better are recommended.
• Admission interview with the admission committee (for those invited)
• International applicants are subject to separate admission procedures. For current admission procedures, international applicants (only) should consult the following: https://www.callutheran.edu/admission/international.html

The University reserves the right throughout a student’s course of study to continually evaluate his or her personal suitability for professional involvement as a counselor. As part of this process, all MS Counseling Psychology students will be evaluated at the end of the first year to determine their suitability for proceeding on to the counseling practicum component of the program.

The Master of Science In Clinical Psychology

The Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology is a 37- to 40-credit program emphasizing both research and clinical skills. This combination provides a strong foundation for continuing studies at the doctoral level or employment. The development of research skills takes place through completing advanced courses in statistics and research methods. Students have the option of successfully completing a comprehensive examination or of conducting their own research study and completing a thesis (which involves an additional three credits of course work, for a total of 40 credits).

Clinical skills are developed in many of the courses offered in the Clinical Psychology program. Students gain an understanding of psychological disorders and methods of treating those disorders. They also develop skills in research methods, advanced statistical methods related to clinical psychology and specialized clinical training. Students are exposed to an overview of psychological testing and psychometric theory, and they learn how to effectively engage in program evaluation. Ethical issues related to research are emphasized in the program.

The Clinical Psychology program offers students the option of completing two courses in their second year that include advanced training in clinical or statistical methods.

A number of career options are available to graduates of the Clinical Psychology program. The curriculum is designed to prepare students who plan to continue their graduate studies in a doctoral program. The program is also a pathway for students who desire to complete a terminal master’s degree in psychology and do not intend to become a licensed practitioner. Many of our graduates choose this career path and are successfully employed overseeing treatment programs in mental health agencies. Graduates are also qualified for registration in California as a psychological assistant to work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. They may also work in the community college system as instructors of psychology or as counselors.

Newly admitted students start the Clinical Psychology program in the summer or fall semester. Completion of the program generally takes two years if full-time and three years if part-time.

Requirements for the Master of Science in Clinical Psychology

(37 - 40 credits)

Required Courses (28 credits)
PSYC 501	Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills	2
PSYC 510	Psychopathology	3
PSYC 521	Clinical and Research Ethics	2
PSYC 532	Behavior Clinical Methods	3
PSYC 533	Program Evaluation: Model & Techniques	3
PSYC 552	Psychometrics: Theory & Methods	3
PSYC 560	STATS I: Exploratory Data Analysis	3
PSYC 562	Advanced Statistics	3
PSYC 564	Advanced Research Methods	3
PSYC 567	STATS 3: Hierarchial Linear Mdlng	3
Electives (3 credits)
PSYC 565	Research Practicum	3
Select one of the following series: (6 credits)		6
Students should seek permission of the program director before selecting the 6 credits of electives.
PSYC 540/541	Principles Techniques Child Therapy and Prin Techniques Adolescent Therapy
PSYC 568/572	Meta-Analysis and
PSYC 546/547	Psychological Trauma Concepts Theories and Psyc Trauma: Assessment Intervention
PSYD 756/758	Intro to Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Methods Suicide Risk Assemnt Mgmt
PSYD 792/PSYD758	Advanced Topics and
Comprehensive Exam or Thesis Option 1		0-3
Total Hours		37-40

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Students must either take a comprehensive examination or complete a thesis, which requires taking an additional course, PSYC 566. Students choosing to take PSYC 566 will need to take PSYC 565 as a prerequisite.

Program Probation, Remediation, and Dismissal (MS Clinical Psychology)

Program Probation

Program probation occurs when the core faculty of the MS Clinical Psychology program documents concerns about a student’s professional performance or a student’s performance in meeting professional competencies. Prior to being placed on program probation, a student will be reviewed by the core faculty of the program who will determine an appropriate remediation plan in consultation with appropriate administrators. Some examples of circumstances that can result in program probation include but are not limited to:

1. The student fails the Competency Exam twice.

2. Academic or professional deficiencies in any of the program competencies as noted by the faculty, staff, or supervisors.  

3. The student engages in behavior that violates any of the rules or guidelines of the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct or California Lutheran University’s Standards of Conduct; the perceived severity of the offense is at the discretion of the faculty and associated university administrators and can determine whether the student receives probation or dismissal).

4. Evidence of impairment that compromises academic or practicum activities.

Remediation

A remediation plan is written for a student if a concern has been raised about the student by a committee or external site. The remediation plan for the student will identify the specific program competency or competencies that need improvement and will articulate a path forward that will help the student be successful. The plan will include the:

1.      Description of the problem and means by which it was communicated to the student,

2.      Duration of the probationary period, not to exceed three semesters,

3.      Responsibilities of the student,

4.      Responsibilities of the program, and

5.      Method of evaluation at the end of the probationary period.

As part of a remediation plan the student may be required to retake coursework. Remediation ends if sufficient progress has been made on the remediation plan. In the event the problem has not been remediated, the student may be reviewed for suspension or dismissal.

Dismissal

Similar to the policies around program probation, academic dismissal can occur whenever a student incurs serious or repeated concerns regarding his or her fitness for the profession. Recommendations regarding a student’s dismissal are made by the program faculty to the Dean. A student has one week to appeal to the Provost a decision to dismiss. Some examples of circumstances that can result in dismissal from the program include but are not limited to:

1. Students who are unable or unwilling to follow a remediation plan, or are unable to demonstrate sufficient improvement on a remediation plan.

2.  MS Clinical Psychology students who do not pass the Competency Exam three times

3.  Academic or professional deficiencies in any of the program competencies as noted by the faculty, staff, or supervisors.

4.  Students who engage in unlawful behavior or violate any of the rules or guidelines of the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (MS Clinical Psychology student) or California Lutheran University’s Standards of Conduct (the perceived severity of the offense is at the discretion of the faculty and associated university administrators and can determine whether the student receives probation or dismissal).

5. Evidence of impairment that compromises academic or practicum activities.

The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology

The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology is a 60-credit program, which prepares the student to become a professional Marriage and Family Therapist. It is designed to meet all academic requirements for the California state license in marriage and family therapy. Licensing by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences requires a master’s degree with specified content, supervised counseling experience, a post-master’s internship, and two written examinations.

Marriage and family therapy has been described by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists as “one of the most delicate and complex undertakings in the whole field of the helping professions.”

It requires all the skills taught in the usual academic training program for counseling and therapy, and in addition, a considerable amount of preparation in the dynamics of interpersonal interaction within marriage and the family setting.

Also required is a thorough understanding of the varied roles of intimate relationships, and the understanding of the psychodynamics of family systems and the context in which people live.

In addition, the family therapist needs specific preparation in the issues of child and adolescent clients as well as issues arising from the early life of adult clients.

The Counseling Psychology program is designed to prepare the student for this undertaking from a perspective which takes into account the human being as a whole person with physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions, and which focuses on the family as an interactive system.

The focus of this program is on developing an integration of academic knowledge and clinical skills so that, at the time of graduation, students are well prepared as beginning marriage and family therapists. In addition, students develop personal insights and communication skills to enable them to work effectively in a wide variety of settings.

Over the years, graduates of the CLU program have an outstanding record of obtaining internships, passing the state licensing examinations, and establishing successful practices in both private and institutional fields.

Counseling Practicum

A special feature of the MS Counseling Psychology program is that all students may complete their practicum hours in a placement at CLU Community Counseling Services.

The Counseling Centers are low-cost community counseling facilities which provide an intensive on-site clinical training experience for graduate students. The clients who are seen by student therapists at the centers provide experience in working with a full range of marital, family, and child problems.

Individual supervision, group supervision, staff training, peer support and shared learning experiences, in an atmosphere designed to facilitate growth as a therapist, create exceptional opportunities. Each student-therapist experiences a variety of client types, client problems, and therapeutic approaches.

Work as a therapist is included, and up to 750 hours applicable to the California licensing requirement may be obtained. A fee is required in addition to tuition for the counseling practicum experience.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Counseling Psychology programs will be considered for admission for the fall term only. Preference will be given to complete application portfolios submitted by January 15. All application documents and required interviews should be complete at least 45 days prior to the beginning of the desired start term. Admission requirements are as follows:

• Completed Admission Application and non-refundable application fee
• Official Transcript(s) from a regionally accredited college or university verifying the applicant’s bachelor’s degree or equivalent and any graduate work with an acceptable GPA
• Official transcripts from any college/university where prerequisite courses were completed must also be submitted.
• Two Academic or Professional Recommendations: Applicants to the MS Counseling Psychology program must demonstrate a personal aptitude for work as a marriage and family therapist. Letters of recommendation should address the aptitude and/or experience of the applicant for work in marriage and family therapy. The personal statement submitted by the applicant should include an examination of significant influences and events that have helped develop present values and approach to life, as well as ways in which these factors may contribute to preparation for a career as a therapist.
• Personal Statement: Please include 3-5 double-spaced, typewritten pages covering significant influences and events which have developed your present values and approach to life. Include ways in which these factors may contribute to the preparation for a psychology profession. Also, include your personal interests and goals and your professional objectives as they relate to Marriage and Family Therapy.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Pre-Requisite Requirement Form: Applicants are required to have at least 3 credits of statistics and an additional 9 credits of undergraduate or graduate level psychology courses. All courses require a B- or better grade. Courses must have been completed within the last 7 years (fall 2016 or later for application to fall 2023) Exceptions to the 7-year requirement can be made upon review of the application and the education/work history of the applicant.
• GRE Optional
• Admission interview with the admission committee (for those invited)
• International applicants are subject to separate admission procedures. For current admission procedures, international applicants (only) should consult the following: https://www.callutheran.edu/admission/international.html
• The University reserves the right throughout a student’s course of study to continually evaluate his or her personal suitability for professional involvement as a counselor. As part of this process, all MS Counseling Psychology students will be evaluated at the end of the first year to determine their suitability for proceeding on to the counseling practicum component of the program.

Note: Applicants to the MS Counseling Psychology program must demonstrate a personal aptitude for work as a marriage and family therapist. Letters of recommendation should address the aptitude and/or experience of the applicant for work in marriage and family therapy. The personal statement submitted by the applicant should include an examination of significant influences and events that have helped develop present values and approach to life, as well as ways in which these factors may contribute to preparation for a career as a therapist.

Requirements for the Master of Science in Counseling Psychology

(60 credits required)

Required Courses (54 Credits)
PSYC 510	Psychopathology	3
PSYC 512	Counseling Theories	3
PSYC 515	Psychopharmacology	2
PSYC 516	Counseling Skills	2
PSYC 517	Lifespan and Family Development	3
PSYC 518	Gender and Sexuality	3
PSYC 520	Law and Ethics	2
PSYC 522	Cultural Diversity	2
PSYC 524	Substance Abuse and Dependency	3
PSYC 526	Domestic Violence and Abuse	2
PSYC 530	Diagnostic and Therapeutic Interviewing	3
PSYC 534	Group Therapy	2
PSYC 540	Principles & Techniques Child Therapy	3
PSYC 541	Prin & Techniques Adolescent Therapy	3
PSYC 542	Principles & Techniques Couples Therapy	3
PSYC 543	Principles & Techniques Family Therapy	3
PSYC 550	Psychological & Relational Assessment	3
PSYC 561	Research Synthesis and Evaluation	3
PSYC 591	Counseling Practicum I	2
PSYC 592	Counseling Practicum II	2
PSYC 593	Counseling Practicum III	2
Total Hours		54

Graduate Psychology Elective Tracks (6 credits) (Subject to change)

Select a two-course series from the following:		6
PSYC 544/545	Theories of the Recovery Model and Techniques of the Recovery Model
PSYC 570/571	Theories of Latino Counseling and Techniques of Latino Counseling
PSYC 574/575	Attachment Theory and Attachment Techniques
PSYC 577/578	Family Mediation Theory and Research and Family Mediation Application/Practice
PSYC 583/584	IPV: Adv Research, Theory Technique and IPV: Adv Clinical Applications

Graduate Psychology is offering the above elective tracks for students as well as post degree and post license individuals who have an interest in developing knowledge and skill in a specialized area.

Other Requirements

1. Successful completion of a comprehensive examination. Please note the following policy related to absences. Students who do not show up on examination day without having an approved absence automatically fail the exam and it will be counted as an attempt. To be considered for an absence, students must submit a request to the program specialist, along with the reason/documentation for the absence in writing at least one week prior to the exam. Special consideration may be given for exceptional circumstances that are clearly beyond students’ control. The Law and Ethics Comprehensive Exam and Clinical Comprehensive Exam must be completed within two years of each initial exam registration.

2. Personal experience in therapy is required for a minimum of 20 sessions. Students are encouraged to begin therapy in the second semester of the first year of the program and must complete the 20 hours of personal therapy with a licensed MFT, PsyD, PhD, or Social Worker before beginning practicum. Consult program adviser for details.

3. A feature of the Counseling Psychology program is a 12-month practicum placement at CLU Community Counseling Services. Alternatively, students may request to complete the practicum experience at an external site such as a nonprofit counseling agency.  Please note the following policies related to grading for practicum courses. ​Students taking Practicum (591, 592, 593, 59X, 59S) complete class requirements in Practicum Seminar (this includes attending classes and completing case presentations) and clinical requirements at their practicum site. Pass is assigned when all class assignments and clinical requirements have been met, or, in the case of PSYC 59S, the clinical portion of the remediation plan has been successfully completed. IN is assigned in a practicum course if students meet any of these conditions: (a) one outstanding practicum seminar assignment, (b) have made insufficient progress in meeting clinical requirements in any practicum course, or (c) have not met all of the clinical requirements at the end of PSYC 593 (e.g., 225 clinical hours, community outreaches, turning in BBS paperwork, finishing documentation/case files). Students must register in PSYC 59X Counseling Practicum Continuation to complete any clinical requirements. No Credit is assigned when academic or professional concerns have been raised in a practicum seminar or on practicum. Such grades lead to review for probation or dismissal. If probation is indicated, as part of the remediation plan students may be required to take PSYC 59S Supplemental Counseling Practicum. Depending upon the remediation plan, PSYC 59S may be required prior to or at the same time as repeating the failed course.

Students who are placed in an external practicum continue to meet for weekly seminars on campus. Students begin the practicum with faculty approval after completing a minimum of 18 credits and PSYC 520 as well as 20 hours of personal psychotherapy with a licensed therapist.

Grading For MS Counseling Psychology Practicum Courses. Students taking Practicum (591, 592, 593, 594, 589S) complete class requirements in Practicum Seminar (this includes attending classes and completing case presentations) and clinical requirements at their practicum site.

1. Pass is assigned when all class assignments and clinical requirements have been met, or, in the case of PSYC 589S, the clinical portion of the remediation plan has been successfully completed.

2. IN is assigned in a practicum course if students meet any of these conditions: (a) one outstanding practicum seminar assignment, (b) have made insufficient progress in meeting clinical requirements in any practicum course, or (c) have not met all of the clinical requirements at the end of PSYC 593 (e.g., 225 clinical hours, community outreaches, turning in BBS paperwork, finishing documentation/case files). Students must register in PSYC 594 Counseling Practicum Continuation to complete any clinical requirements.

3. No Credit is assigned when academic or professional concerns have been raised in a practicum seminar or on practicum. Such grades lead to review for probation or dismissal. If probation is indicated, as part of the remediation plan students may be required to take PSYC 589S Supplemental Counseling Practicum. Depending upon the remediation plan, PSYC 589S may be required prior to or at the same time as repeating the failed course.

 

Program Probation, Remediation, and Dismissal

(MS Counseling Psychology)

Program Probation

Program probation occurs when the core faculty of the MS program documents concerns about a student’s professional performance or a student’s performance in meeting professional competencies. Prior to being placed on program probation, a student will be reviewed by the core faculty of the MS program who will determine an appropriate remediation plan in consultation with appropriate administrators. Some examples of circumstances that can result in program probation include but are not limited to:

1. The MS Counseling Psychology student fails either the Law and Ethics or Clinical exams twice.

2.  Academic, professional, or clinical deficiencies in any of the program competencies as noted by the faculty, staff, or supervisors.  

3. The student engages in behavior that violates any of the rules or guidelines of the AAMFT Code of Ethics, CAMFT Code of Ethics or California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) or California Lutheran University’s Standards of Conduct; the perceived severity of the offense is at the discretion of the faculty and associated university administrators and can determine whether the student receives probation or dismissal).

4. Evidence of impairment that compromises academic or practicum activities.

Remediation

A remediation plan is written for a student if a concern has been raised about the student by a committee or training site. The remediation plan for the student will identify the specific program competency or competencies that need improvement and will articulate a path forward that will help the student be successful. The plan will include the:

1.      Description of the problem and means by which it was communicated to the student,

2.      Duration of the probationary period, not to exceed three semesters,

3.      Responsibilities of the student,

4.      Responsibilities of the program, and

5.      Method of evaluation at the end of the probationary period.

As part of a remediation plan the student may be required to retake coursework and for practicum/clinical remediation may be required to add one or two credits of PSYC 589S: Supplemental Counseling Practicum. Remediation ends if sufficient progress has been made on the remediation plan. In the event the problem has not been remediated, the student may be reviewed for suspension or dismissal.

Dismissal

Similar to the policies around program probation, academic dismissal can occur whenever a student incurs serious or repeated concerns regarding his or her fitness for the profession. Recommendations regarding a student’s dismissal are made by the program faculty to the Dean. A student has one week to appeal to the Provost a decision to dismiss. Some examples of circumstances that can result in dismissal from the program include but are not limited to:

1. Students who are unable or unwilling to follow a remediation plan, or are unable to demonstrate sufficient improvement on a remediation plan.

2. Students who fail either the Law and Ethics or Clinical exam three times.

3. Students who do not pass the Law and Ethics and Clinical exam within two years of each initial registration.

4. Academic, professional, or clinical deficiencies in any of the program competencies as noted by the faculty, staff, or supervisors.

5. Students who engage in unlawful behavior or violate any of the rules or guidelines of the AAMFT Code of Ethics, CAMFT Code of Ethics or California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) or California Lutheran University’s Standards of Conduct (the perceived severity of the offense is at the discretion of the faculty and associated university administrators and can determine whether the student receives probation or dismissal).

6. Evidence of impairment that compromises academic or practicum activities.