The Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology, with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy degree is a program designed for those interested in pursuing a career as a marriage and family therapist (MFT) and/or as a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC). If you are drawn to helping people with emotional, behavioral, mental health, or relationship concerns, this degree may be right for you.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Foundational Knowledge in Psychology
Articulate a broad knowledge of systems concepts, theories, and techniques that are foundational to the practice of counseling.
- Scientific Literacy & Research
Utilize appropriate strategies to evaluate and apply psychological research in counseling and therapy practice.
- Ethics & Professional Standards
Apply ethical behavior, standards and decision-making in accordance with the ethical and legal standards of the profession.
- Cultural Diversity, Awareness & Humility
Apply cultural humility and understanding to counseling practice with diverse individuals and groups.
- Psychological & Professional Literacy
Applies psychological research and theory to effectively manage therapeutic practice to achieve treatment goals for individuals and/or groups.
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Communicate competently in multiple formats (written, oral, and interpersonal) appropriate to various audiences, cultures, and contexts to foster counseling efficacy.
- Professional Values & Development
Apply knowledge, skills, feedback, and experience toward professional development to enhance potential for success in chosen profession.
- Assessment
Utilize assessment measures appropriately in clinical settings.
- Intervention
Apply evidence-based clinical intervention and/or prevention strategies designed to promote the mental health and well-being of individuals, families, children, and group clients.
- Supervision
Incorporate supervision feedback to guide professional development and clinical competence.
- Consultation & Interprofessional /Interdisciplinary Skills
Collaborate effectively to engage with individuals and their families, other health care professionals, interprofessional groups, or systems related to health and behavior.
Licensure and Certification
CalSouthern’s MA degree program is designed with both marriage and family therapist (MFT) and licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) license eligibility in mind.
Since licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction, by license type, and are subject to change, learners are advised to verify these specific requirements directly with the applicable board or jurisdictional authority. If needed, the learner may supplement their degree plan to meet additional requirements. CalSouthern makes its best effort to assess applicability of this program to the requirements for license eligibility in each of the jurisdictions listed, but the final decision regarding licensure eligibility is made by the jurisdiction, not the institution.
Marriage and Family Therapist
United States: CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification as a marriage and family therapist in the following states: AL, AK, AR, AZ, CA*, CO, DE, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, NC, NJ, NM, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, WA. Some states may have additional requirements that are not part of the curriculum, but which may be satisfied at CalSouthern.
CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum does not meet the state educational requirements for licensure or certification as a marriage and family therapist in the following states: CT, DC, FL, KS, MA, ME, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, NH, NV, NY, OK, RI, VA, VT, WI, WV, WY. This program does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside in these states.
Other Jurisdictions: This program does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside outside of the jurisdictions listed above.
Last Update: March 17, 2025
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
United States: CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification as a licensed professional clinical counselor in the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA*, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, LA, MD, MI, MN, NJ, NM, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, WA. Some states may have additional requirements that are not part of the curriculum, but which may be satisfied at CalSouthern.
CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum does not meet the state educational requirements for licensure or certification as a licensed professional clinical counselor in the following states: FL, KY, KS, MA, ME, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NV, NY, OH, OK, RI, VT, VA, WV, WI, WY. This program does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside in these states.
Other Jurisdictions: This program does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside outside of the jurisdictions listed above.
Last Update: March 17, 2025
*California Licensure Information
The California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) has determined that the Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology, with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy degree program meets the statutory requirements for California license eligibility for the following per the applicable Business and Professions Code (BPC) as follows:
- Licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and registration as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) - BPC 4980.36.
- Licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and registration as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) - BPC 4999.33.
MA program graduates interested in licensure in California will apply through the BBS in-state pathway. Following completion of the MA degree program, additional training and exams may be required for full MFT and/or LPCC license eligibility.
Continuing Education
As an accredited institution that meets the requirements specified in BPC §4980.54 (for LMFTs) and §4999.76 (for LPCCs), CalSouthern is an acceptable BBS CEU provider for eligible licensees under their jurisdiction per California Code of Regulations 1887.4.3. California MFT and LPCC licensed learners may earn California BBS CEU credit for applicable master’s or doctoral level courses completed within the School of Behavioral Sciences. California licensed LEPs and LCSWs may also receive CEU credit, as long as the subject of the particular course is relevant to the practice of their profession. The credit hour conversion is 15 hours for every one (1) semester credit earned. Please contact the Registrar or the Programs Manager, School of Behavioral Sciences for more information.
Degree Requirements
| DEGREE REQUIREMENTS |
CREDITS |
| Required Courses |
60 |
| TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR COMPLETION |
60 |
Completion Time
All program requirements for the MA in Psychology degree program must be completed through CalSouthern in no less than two (2) and no more than seven (7) years of initial course enrollment, regardless of continuous enrollment status. Courses taken over 7 years ago may require repeating in order to maintain program currency. Please refer to the Reinstatement: Re-Entry Requirements section of this catalog for information about returning to the program after separation from the University.
The time limit is not automatically extended by a student taking a leave of absence or an Internal Pause. In the event of extenuating circumstances and a learner is unable to complete the degree by the time limit, the learner may petition the School of Behavioral Sciences for an extension to the time limit. All requests for extension, whether prompted by a leave or some other circumstance, must be filed by the learner before the conclusion of the program's time limit. The School of Behavioral Sciences is not obligated to approve additional time for completion.
MA Program Overview Webinar
MA Program Overview Webinar participation is required for all new learners in the MA degree program. This webinar will provide important information regarding program requirements, prerequisites for practicum, and the learner’s responsibilities regarding jurisdictional requirements. Learners are to attend during their first course.
Personal Psychotherapy Requirement
The faculty mentors in the School of Behavioral Sciences believe that personal psychotherapy is an important component of clinical training, personal and professional growth, and development. Thus, learners are required to participate in individual psychotherapy to develop insight into personal factors that may affect their performance as clinicians. This pre-requisite for practicum is met by the completion of 16 hours of individual personal psychotherapy completed between the date of enrollment and prior to eligibility for practicum. Psychotherapy services must be provided by a licensed clinician who is fully licensed to independently practice in the same jurisdiction as the learner/client is physically located.
MA Practicum Preparedness Webinar
The MA Practicum Preparedness webinar provides information to prepare for practicum, discusses practicum requirements, how to find an appropriate site, required documentation, and the approval process. Participation in this webinar is a required prerequisite for practicum. Eligibility to attend follows fulfillment of identified prerequisite courses discussed in the overview webinar.
Required Courses
Required Courses (60 Credits Required)
Practicum
The learner’s placement for practicum must be located within a jurisdiction where the curriculum meets the educational requirements for license eligibility for at least one of the license types listed in the Licensure and Certification section.
Optional Course
Internship is subject to approval and available only to learners in jurisdictions that require an internship.
Additional Courses
Additional courses may be available upon request to meet specific jurisdictional requirements for license eligibility. If additional courses are needed, please bring this information to the attention of the Programs Manager, School of Behavioral Sciences.
Practicum and Internship Approval
Learners must meet the following requirements before being approved for practicum and internship:
- Have earned a minimum passing grade (at least a C-) for all courses completed up to and including PSY 6520
- The last three (3) courses in the program MFT 6700, PSY 6743, and MFT 6900) may be taken, one each concurrently, with practicum
- Have 3.0 minimum overall CGPA and be in good academic standing.
- Have submitted documentation attesting to the completion of 16 hours of individual personal psychotherapy during the program.
- Participate in the MA-MFT Practicum Preparedness Webinar.
- Successfully complete a work plan to address any Learner Code of Conduct warnings (if applicable).
Practicum and internship placement, supervision, and circumstances must be preapproved by the MA Director of Clinical Training.
While California Southern University, as a member of the AIU System, is part of a Title IV eligible institution offering Title IV eligible programs, CalSouthern has elected and designated this program as not participating in Title IV federal financial aid programs. This means students enrolling in this program may not use Federal Student Aid to help pay for this program. Instead, it offers a variety of zero interest payment options for students.