About the course

The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology degree at National University prepares you with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to be an effective counselor who can make difference. If you’re called to give back to the community and help others seeking mental wellness, this is an excellent path for you. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be well-prepared to sit for the Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) License mandated by the Board of Behavioral Sciences in the state of California.

　　You will choose from two specialization options based on your career goals: the standard Marriage and Family Therapist Option and the Combined MFT/LPCC Option.

　　The MA Counseling Psychology MFT option is for students committed to helping individuals, couples, families, adolescents, and children in psychotherapy. You’ll learn how to assess, diagnose, and treat psychological stress or impairment, mental disorders, or problems that arise in couples and families, and how to work in various mental health settings. Only licensed MFTs may provide counseling to families and couples.

　　The MA Counseling Combined MFT/LPCC option is for students interested in also being licensed as a Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California. It meets the academic requirements for both the LMFT and LPCC. The combined option adds three courses specific to the scope of practice for LPCCs, including career counseling, research, and assessment techniques. This option includes additional hours of practicum training experience to meet state requirements for PCC trainees. The specialization focuses on individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, and vocational counseling.

　　This master’s in counseling psychology degree is designed for California only. Either option may not meet requirements in other states. Students should consult the licensing boards of the appropriate states for information about licensure outside of California. Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 2 Semester(s)Fees: Not available

Intake	Location
Open intake available until (December), 2023	San Diego
Open intake available until (December), 2023	San Diego
Open intake available until (December), 2023	La Mesa
Open intake available until (December), 2023	Chula Vista
Open intake available until (December), 2023	San Diego
Open intake available until (December), 2023	Rancho Cordova
Open intake available until (December), 2023	San Jose
Open intake available until (December), 2023	Woodland Hills
Open intake available until (December), 2023	Oxnard
Open intake available until (December), 2023	Henderson
Open intake available until (December), 2023	Fresno
Open intake available until (December), 2023	Costa Mesa
Open intake available until (December), 2023	Stockton
Open intake available until (December), 2023	Bakersfield
Open intake available until (December), 2023	Los Angeles
Fall (September), 2024	Fresno
Fall (September), 2024	Rancho Cordova
Fall (September), 2024	Costa Mesa
Fall (September), 2024	Bakersfield
Fall (September), 2024	Stockton
Fall (September), 2024	San Jose
Fall (September), 2024	Woodland Hills
Fall (September), 2024	Los Angeles
Fall (September), 2024	San Diego
Fall (September), 2024	La Mesa
Fall (September), 2024	San Diego
Fall (September), 2024	Henderson
Fall (September), 2024	Oxnard
Fall (September), 2024	Chula Vista
Fall (September), 2024	San Diego
Open intake available until (December), 2024	Rancho Cordova
Open intake available until (December), 2024	San Jose
Open intake available until (December), 2024	Woodland Hills
Open intake available until (December), 2024	San Diego
Open intake available until (December), 2024	La Mesa
Open intake available until (December), 2024	San Diego
Open intake available until (December), 2024	Chula Vista
Open intake available until (December), 2024	Oxnard
Open intake available until (December), 2024	San Diego
Open intake available until (December), 2024	Henderson
Open intake available until (December), 2024	Fresno
Open intake available until (December), 2024	Costa Mesa
Open intake available until (December), 2024	Stockton
Open intake available until (December), 2024	Bakersfield
Open intake available until (December), 2024	Los Angeles
Fall (September), 2025	Costa Mesa
Fall (September), 2025	Fresno
Fall (September), 2025	Rancho Cordova
Fall (September), 2025	San Jose
Fall (September), 2025	Stockton
Fall (September), 2025	Bakersfield
Fall (September), 2025	Los Angeles
Fall (September), 2025	Woodland Hills
Fall (September), 2025	San Diego
Fall (September), 2025	San Diego
Fall (September), 2025	La Mesa
Fall (September), 2025	Chula Vista
Fall (September), 2025	Oxnard
Fall (September), 2025	San Diego
Fall (September), 2025	Henderson
Open intake available until (December), 2025	Fresno
Open intake available until (December), 2025	Costa Mesa
Open intake available until (December), 2025	Rancho Cordova
Open intake available until (December), 2025	San Jose
Open intake available until (December), 2025	Stockton
Open intake available until (December), 2025	Bakersfield
Open intake available until (December), 2025	Los Angeles
Open intake available until (December), 2025	Woodland Hills
Open intake available until (December), 2025	San Diego
Open intake available until (December), 2025	San Diego
Open intake available until (December), 2025	La Mesa
Open intake available until (December), 2025	Chula Vista
Open intake available until (December), 2025	Oxnard
Open intake available until (December), 2025	San Diego
Open intake available until (December), 2025	Henderson

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for National University

Admission to graduate programs at National University is based on evidence including the student's academic record in other institutions, test scores, interviews, professional experience, motivation, and educational objectives. Official college/university transcripts and marksheets (and certified English translations, if applicable) , Official college/university diploma(s)/proof of graduation (and certified English translations, if applicable)

　　Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university where an overall grade point average of 2.5 or better was achieved, or where a grade point average of 2.75 or higher was achieved in the last 90 quarter units.

　　Students with a grade point average of 2.0 to 2.49 may be admitted to the University if they have a satisfactory score on one of the following tests: GMAT, GRE, Miller Analogies Test, or an approved, standardized program-specific exam. These tests are NOT required for those with a GPA over 2.5.

　　Students with an undergraduate grade point average of 2.0 to 2.49 may be accepted to National University on a probationary status (instead of taking the above tests). Students are ineligible for official admission and will not be processed for degree evaluation or financial aid until students have completed a minimum of 4.5 or a maximum of 13.5 quarter units of graduate study with a cumulative GPA of 3.0.

　　Preliminary documentation of prior education must be presented at required interview with an admissions advisor. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

　　Complete an application for admission and enrollment agreement. TOEFL Paper-based Test - 550, TOEFL Computer-based Test – 213, TOEFL Internet-based Test – 79, Ielts – 6

　　Students interested in enrolling in this program should contact the appropriate campus for further information regarding the application process. To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the University Graduate Admission requirements listed in the general information section of the catalog, as well as the MAC program criteria. All applicants are evaluated for the psychotherapy profession, regardless of career goals. Students must submit an application packet, pass a personal interview, and attend the program orientation before they may begin classes.

　　

English language requirements

　　6.0

　　Overall IELTS band score

　　Book IELTS

　　About IELTS

　　Practice and prepare

　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 79.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomesIf you aren’t eligible for the above entry requirements, you might want to explore pathway options at National University. If you want to find out more, please speak to our counsellors.

　　Pathway options to study at this institution

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　401st / 1250

　　THE World ranking

　　

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