Online Master of Science in Counseling Psychology
Deliver compassionate, faith-influenced leadership through guidance in contexts involving individuals, couples and families.
Find Purpose Through Connection, Listening and Leadership
Many seek out a kind, listening ear. Sometimes, that’s simply to have someone unbiased to talk to. In others, this entails looking for informed, compassionate guidance to strengthen personal and familial bonds and uncover a pathway toward positive habits and healthful relationships. Become this light of leadership through service to others with California Baptist University’s online Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program.
Combining a mix of synchronous and asynchronous coursework with clinical hours, this program prepares you to seek licensure as a marriage and family therapist (LMFT) or professional clinical counselor (LPCC). In the process, you’ll gain a firm perspective of psychological science and its applications, including helping individuals, couples and families lead more fruitful lives and address relational difficulties.
*with a full-time course load
*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.
Why Earn a Master’s in Counseling Psychology at CBU?
Many view you as a source of direction and logical guidance. You’re someone firmly standing upon your faith — utilizing its teachings to inform and shape your life. You may have majored in psychology or a related area as an undergraduate, and now, in looking ahead, you’re interested in a career applying faith and psychological science to illuminate the path forward.
CBU’s online Master’s in Counseling Psychology:
- Presents one of two paths forward toward your goal.
- Is structured for working adults with flexible, primarily asynchronous accelerated courses.
- Builds off the closeness of our Christian community, helping you establish connections with your peers and professors.
- Provides theoretical and hands-on training to guide individuals, couples, families and children in multiple contexts.
- Helps you become eligible to pursue licensure as an LMFT or LPCC in California.
- Fuses psychology and spiritual principles, allowing you to go forth and shepherd others toward more meaningful connections, a more supportive family unit and personal success.
What You'll Learn
The online Master’s in Counseling Psychology covers:
- Conducting therapeutic interventions with diverse clients.
- Family system, behavioral, humanism, existentialism and psychoanalytic theories.
- The cycle of child and human development.
- Effective couple and family therapy techniques that factor in children and teens.
- Theories and aspects related to human sexuality.
- Group treatment models and effective communication skills.
- Psychotherapy research methods.
- Diagnosing and treating anxiety and personality disorders.
- Professional ethics and laws.
- Psychopharmacology for non-medical psychotherapists.
- The development of addiction, co-occurring disorders and treatment methods.
- Mental health issues in older adults.
Program Details
CBU structures the online MS in Counseling Psychology using distinct virtual formats. This combines a synchronous, high-definition online environment where students interact with each other and their instructors in real time. This is paired with asynchronous courses in an accelerated format where you’ll progress at your own pace. This combination allows for more meaningful, supportive relationships with your peers and mentorship from faculty, helping you strengthen interpersonal bonds and grow your professional network.
Along with all coursework, the online Master’s in Counseling Psychology has a clinical component. You’ll complete 24 hours of individual therapy or 50 hours of group therapy under the supervision of a licensed psychotherapist in an off-campus location.
PSY 500: Diversity Issues in Counseling Psychology
Examination of the effects of therapeutic interventions on culturally distinct populations.
PSY 505: MFT Counseling Theory
The student is introduced to the theoretical foundations of Family Systems Theory, Behaviorism, Humanism, Existentialism and Psychoanalytic Theory.
PSY 535: Advanced Psychopathology
Nature and causes of reactions to social, biological and psychological stress, maladaptive development and faulty learning. Includes an in-depth study of anxiety disorders, character personality and the psychoses.
Consistent with the university student outcomes, upon completion of the Master of Science in Counseling Psychology degree, graduates will be able to:
- Identify systemic clinical concerns based on both client presentations as well as consider issues like trauma, crisis, and substance abuse as motivators to begin marriage and family therapy treatment.
- Utilize a relational understanding of psychopathology and incorporate relational assessment to develop an accurate diagnostic framework upon which to base marriage and family therapy treatment.
- Develop evidence-based treatment plans tailored to address client concerns as well as incorporate clinical assessment and diagnosis in marriage and family therapy treatment.
- Evaluate a variety of foundational and contemporary family theories and therapy models and interventions.
- Apply current laws and ethical issues affecting marriage and family therapists.
- Apply knowledge of research, evidence-based treatments, and basic strategies for evaluating research relevant to the practice of marriage and family therapy.
- Apply worldview framework and its application to the practice of marriage and family therapy.
- Integrate foundational and contemporary models of counseling into treatment plans and case conceptualization.*
*Specific to PCC concentration
Professor of Psychology Office Phone: 951-343-2191 Professor of Psychology Office Phone: 951-343-3998 Professor of Psychology Office Phone: 951-343-4206
Thomas Frederick, PhD
Online Master of Science in Counseling Psychology Coordinator
E-mail: tfrederick@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: James Rm 130
Susan Purrington, Psy.D.
E-mail: spurrington@calbaptist.edu
Mischa Routon, PhD
Associate Dean of Faculty Development, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Director, Master in Counseling Psychology program
E-mail: mrouton@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: W.E. James Building, Room 110
Is financial aid available to help pay for online programs?
Our online degrees offer a reputable and more affordable option for earning your bachelor’s,
master's or doctorate degree. When pursuing an online degree, students are freed from
the financial obligations that accompany some traditional degrees, such as room accommodations,
gas and parking. Additionally, CBU has partnered with select employers to provide their employees with the opportunity to improve their career through their
educational goals and receive a 20% tuition scholarship. Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
Are CBU's online programs accredited?
California Baptist University (CBU), which includes all programs offered online, is accredited by the Western Association
of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Many prospective
students are uncertain about which college degrees employers or universities will
accept. This regional accreditation by WSCUC means you can be confident that your
CBU degree is recognized and respected by schools and companies across the country.
What resources do I need to complete my degree online?
To complete your online degree, you will need access to a computer, Wi-Fi and a word
processor like Microsoft Word. These are necessary to access the student learning
system and complete your assignments. Some programs may require different resources.
Check with your enrollment counselor for specific expectations upon applying for your
program, or you can view additional information here.
As you make decisions about graduate school, keep in mind the full social, spiritual and educational experience awaiting you at CBU. Here, you will be supported by professors, staff and fellow students who will help you discover your strengths and challenge you to do more than you ever thought you could. Let us equip you with the education, training and opportunities you'll need to start making a unique difference doing what you love.
| Application Deadlines | Fall | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority | May 15 | November 1 | March 1 |
| Standard | August 1 | December 1 | April 1 |
Careers
Addressing mental health and providing informed guidance allow everyone to uncover their best selves and go forth to support others in their family unit and community. Growing attention to these effects, as well as the relationship between mental and physical health, is fueling demand for trained counselors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, positions for substance abuse, behavior disorder and mental health counselors are expected to increase 22% between 2021 and 2031. Marriage and family therapists, meanwhile, are predicted to see 14% more roles over the same period.
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Discover Your Purpose
Harness your caring nature and desire to see others succeed in CBU’s online MS in Counseling Psychology program. To fulfill your purpose and glorify God through your vocation, request additional information today, or start your application.