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Master of Science in Clinical Psychology

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About the Program

Our Master of Science program in Clinical Psychology offers a combination of advanced scientific and applied clinical training that is rarely found at the master's level. We produce rigorously trained graduates who can work in a variety of professional and academic settings, or continue their studies in a doctoral program at either a professional school or a university psychology department.

NOTE: The CSUF Clinical Psychology M.S. program in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences is distinct and different from another CSUF program, the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program in the College of Health and Human Development

The M.S. program meets the requirements of the Business and Professional Code, Section 4980.37, for MFT and LPCC licensure.

Admission Information

Applications open October 1, 2025. Deadline to submit is January 15, 2026.

Seven Master of Science students posing together outside wearing blue graduation caps and robes with oranges sashes

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Our M.S. in Clinical Psychology helps students prepare for

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  • MFT
  • Marriage and Family Therapist License
  • LPCC
  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor License
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What Our M.S. Program Offers

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  • Great Credentials
  • Our program has an outstanding reputation and attracts students on a national and international basis.
  • Flexibility
  • Students receive the clinical foundation needed to work as a mental health professional, as well as the research training and experience required for competitive application to a university doctoral program.
  • Excellent Training
  • Students benefit from our strong commitment to the Boulder model scientist-practitioner training approach, receiving instruction in personality theory, clinical assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic methods. During their second year, students receive intensive weekly supervision in their fieldwork placements from supervisors at their internship sites and from faculty on campus. This includes group and individual supervision, as well as videotape supervision. Students in the M.S. program develop high quality research skills and carry out a research thesis under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Our graduates develop as well-rounded clinicians who can pursue careers in counseling or related fields, or go on for further academic training in research or clinical psychology.
  • Individual Mentoring
  • Our commitment to in-depth advisement and personal attention is demonstrated by our low student to faculty ratio. We admit 18 to 20 students to the program each year. Keeping the graduate class small permits students ample opportunity to receive high quality instruction. Additionally, students select thesis advisors who work closely with students, assisting them at each phase of thesis development, design, and data analysis. Faculty members also serve as clinical mentors for students, providing feedback and support on their therapeutic skills development.
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M.S. Program Curriculum

The M.S. degree requires 60 units:

I. Core Courses (42 units)

PSYC 501    Professional Issues in Psychology (3)

PSYC 510    Research Design (3)

PSYC 520T  Advanced Topics in Research (3)

PSYC 535    Addictions Counseling (3)

PSYC 545    Advanced Psychopathology (3)

PSYC 547    Theories of Psychological Intervention (3)

PSYC 548    Psychotherapeutic Techniques (3)

PSYC 549    Marriage, Family and Child Therapy (3)

PSYC 560    Children and Adolescent Treatment (3)

PSYC 561    Clinical Psychological Assessment (3)

PSYC 569    Cross Cultural Psychology (3)

PSYC 594A    Fieldwork (3)

PSYC 594B    Fieldwork (3)

PSYC 599    Independent Graduate Research (3)

 

II. Thesis (6 units)

PSYC 598    Thesis Research (6)

Alternatives to Empirical Theses 

 

III.  Electives (12 units)

Students are required to take 12 units of graduate electives. Students can use PSYC 520T, Topical Seminars as elective units or choose from approved elective classes. Students pursuing MFT licensure need to complete Psychopharmacology (3), Child Abuse Reporting (3), Sexual Dysfunction Human Sexuality (3) as electives. Students pursuing the LPCC Licensure should include Addiction, Career Counseling, Crisis Intervention and Trauma Treatment, Group Psychotherapy, and Psychopharmacology as electives in addition to the MFT requirements. In consultation with the M.S. Program Coordinator, students will develop a Plan of Study during their first semester in the program. Seminars and elective courses will be chosen to help students reach their career objectives.

Application Materials

Required Materials:

  1. University Application
  2. Department Application
    • Download the department application, fill it out, and then upload it on CSU Apply
  3. Statement of Purpose
  4. Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
  5. Transcripts of ALL previous coursework
    • One set for the university and an additional set for the department
    • Submit unofficial transcripts with your department application
  6. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
  7. Minimum GPA of 3.0 in psychology courses, 2.5 GPA in last 60 semester units, and overall GPA of 2.5.
  8. Supervised Clinical Experience and research experience required
  9. List of Required Prerequisite Coursework
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