Counseling Psychology, MS
The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program is the oldest and largest graduate program at CBU. Founded over 40 years ago, this prestigious faith-based degree equips students with the ability to reconcile and restore relationships affecting individuals, couples and families.
Program Intro
In CBU’s MS in Counseling Psychology program, seasoned core faculty teach from a biblically rooted perspective enabling students to address mental, emotional and spiritual needs in the community. The program is widely recognized and highly respected by public, private and faith-based agencies throughout the Inland Empire community.
*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.
Why Earn Your MS in Counseling Psychology at CBU?
Qualify for licensure
The MS in Counseling Psychology program aligns with the degree and coursework requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in the state of California, and as a Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) (for those students who complete the PCC course sequence), as set forth by California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).
Apply knowledge in practice
Through our practicum settings, candidates are provided with the opportunity to put theory in to practice in real-world settings. We have over 100 well established organizational relationships that provide our students with experience in a diverse range of clinical settings, including community mental health, school-based, church-based, and additional contexts. Each placement is pre-approved by the department to meet BBS and CBU standards. Experienced licensed supervisors provide our students with the necessary guidance to not only gain the appropriate and required experience, but to prepare them to pass state licensure. Additionally, in the PCC course sequence, students have the opportunity to take part in interdisciplinary mental health simulations with students from a variety of health care disciplines.
Discover how faith affects therapy
All of our courses integrate theory and faith. Faculty teach from a biblically rooted perspective enabling students to become strong and compassionate, ethical counselors dedicated to raising the client’s quality of life. Faculty encourage students to incorporate individual beliefs and values as well as explore the intersection between their personal and professional lives. This inward examination, together with rigorous clinical training and a required personal psychotherapy, develops counseling professionals to uphold the highest standards of ethical professionalism.
What You'll Learn
- Admission to Treatment: Identify systemic clinical concerns based on both client presentations as well as consider issues like trauma, crises, and substance abuse as motivators to begin marriage and family therapy treatment.
- Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis: Utilize a relational understanding of psychopathalogical and incorporate relational assessment to develop an accurate diagnostic framework upon which to base marriage and family therapy treatment.
- Treatment Planning & Case Management: Develop evidence-based treatment plans tailored to address client concerns as well as incorporate clinical assessment and diagnosis in marriage and family therapy treatment.
- Interventions: Evaluate a variety of foundational and contemporary family theories and therapy models and interventions.
- Legal and Ethical Issues and Standards: Apply current laws and ethical issues affecting marriage and family therapists.
- Research and Program Evaluation: Apply knowledge of research, evidence-based treatments, and basic strategies for evaluating research relevant to the practice of marriage and family therapy.
- Christian Faith Integration: Apply worldview framework and its application to the practice of marriage and family therapy.
- Counselor Preparation: Integrate foundational and contemporary models of counseling into treatment plans and case conceptualization.
Program Details
PSY 500: Diversity Issues in Counseling Psychology
Examination of the effects of therapeutic interventions on culturally distinct populations.
PSY 511: Couples Therapy and Intimate Partner Violence
Address the principles and techniques of effective therapy with couples. Intimate partner violence detection, prevention, and treatment will be integrated into the treatment of couples.
PSY 590: Christian Perspective on Professional Counseling
Faculty and student dialog on issues and topics related to the integration of Christianity and psychology.
- Optional Forensic Psychology Concentration
- Optional Professional Clinical Counselor Coursework
Angela Deulen, Ed.D.
Professor of Psychology
Office Phone: 951-343-4204
E-mail: adeulen@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: W. E. James Building, Room 128B
Antonio Mejico Jr., Ed.D.
Associate Professor of Social Work
Associate Dean of the Division of Social Work and Associate Dean for Academic Services
Office Phone: 951-552-8949
E-mail: amejico@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: James 114
Mischa Routon, PhD
Professor of Psychology
Associate Dean of Faculty Development, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Director, Master in Counseling Psychology program
Office Phone: 951-343-4206
E-mail: mrouton@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: W.E. James Building, Room 110
| Application Deadlines | Fall | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority | May 15 | November 1 | March 1 |
| Standard | August 1 | December 1 | April 1 |
I graduated in May 2021 and I had my job lined up and ready to go as soon as I crossed the stage. If and when I ever need feedback or guidance from one of my professors I know they will always have their doors open for me.
Diana Negrete Zambrano '19 and '21
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Mighty Oak Community Counseling Center
Career Possibilities
Upon completing CBU’s MS in Counseling Psychology program, students will be well prepared for careers in counseling and therapy.
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Professional Clinical Counselor
- Private Practice Therapist
- Community Mental Health Worker
- Substance Abuse Treatment Counselor
- Couples Therapist
Related Programs
Next Steps
Join our community. At CBU, you’ll be challenged to become an individual whose skills, integrity, and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish you in the world.