Why California Baptist University?
This online Master of Science in Counselling Psychology offered by this mid-sized private Christian university in Riverside, California Applicants should demonstrate completion of Lifespan Development or General Psychology.Results from standardized tests are not necessary for your application. A minimum GPA of 2.5 in their undergraduate studies is required of all students.
The program is administered by the university’s Division of Online and Professional Studies
Program Snapshot
| University Name | California Baptist University |
| Location | Riverside |
| State | California |
| Niche.com Grade | B+ |
| Name of Degree | Master of Science in Counseling Psychology |
| School or Department Administering Program | Division of Online and Professional Studies |
| Credits | 40 |
| Cost per credit | $1,113.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $44,520.00 |
| Test Requirements | none |
| Minimum GPA | 2.5 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | Lifespan Development or General Psychology |
| Campus Visit Required? | no |
| Typical Time to Complete | 24 months |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | multiple times throughout the year |
| Program Concentrations | none |
| Synchronous classes | no |
| Required Courses | Diversity Issues in Counseling Psychology; Professional Practice Seminar I and II; MFT Counseling Theory; Human Growth and Development; Couples Therapy and Intimate Partner Violence; Human Sexuality; Human Communications in Group Process; Advanced Research Methodology; Pre- or Post-Practicum; Advanced Psychopathology; Psychodiagnostics; MFT Counseling: Child and Adolescent; Practicum I and II; Professional Ethics and Law; Family Therapy I and II; Christian Perspective on Professional Counseling; Psychopharmacology; Addictions Counseling; Aging and Mental Health |
| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | N |
| Does the program include a practicum or internship? | Y |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | Students entering the Graduate Program in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University will be required to complete twenty-four (24) hours of individual psychotherapy or fifty (50) hours of group psychotherapy with a licensed psychotherapist. This therapy must be done outside the campus community and may not include therapists who have any teaching relationship with California Baptist University; Students entering the Online and Professional Studies (OPS) Master of Science in Counseling Psychology (MSCP) program may also complete an additional six (6) units to satisfy the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) academic requirements established by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) in the state of California. Students must complete both PSY536 Community Mental Health Counseling and PSY537 Career Counseling. |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | 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. |
| Program Description | The program’s 40 credits can be completed within 24 months, and include a required internship, but no capstone. Students are given a foundation in the theories and practice of marriage and family therapy from a Christian perspective. Students seeking licensure may need to complete additional coursework. |
What will I Learn?
,Clinical psychology is the branch of psychology that consists of assessing and treating mental health problems through ongoing clinical care. It can include providing care for individuals, couples, and groups, as well as consulting, training, supervision and research on clinical topics.
Graduates will be trained to identify clinical concerns, and use relational understanding of psychopathology as a basis for marriage and family therapy. Graduates develop evidence-based treatment plans that incorporate a variety of theoretical models, and adhere to laws and ethical standards. Students apply their knowledge of research-based treatments, informed by the worldview framework as a theoretical foundation.
Students begin the program by studying foundational topics in courses such as Diversity Issues in Counseling Psychology, Professional Practice Seminar I and II and Marriage and Family Therapy Counseling Theory. Students deepen their understanding through coursework in Human Growth and Development, Couples Therapy and Intimate Partner Violence. Human Sexuality, and Human Communications in Group Process. Students gain fundamental skills while taking Advanced Research Methodology and Pre- or Post-Practicum courses to accompany their required internship. Additional required courses include Advanced Psychopathology, Psychodiagnostics, MFT Counseling: Child and Adolescent, Professional Ethics and Law; Family Therapy I and II, Christian Perspective on Professional Counseling, Psychopharmacology, Addictions Counseling, Aging and Mental Health.
Students seeking licensure in the State of California will need to complete an additional six units, as well as courses in Community Mental Health Counseling and Career Counseling. All students will be required to undergo psychotherapy treatment as part of their degree program.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 24 months and pay $1,113.00 per credit for a total of 40 credits, or just over $44,000.00 for the entire degree.
How does the program fit into my life?
Weekly activities in each course are completed at the student’s own pace. This learning model is known as asynchronous learning. Every week, you might watch a video created by your instructor, read assigned materials, discuss them in an online forum, and then test your comprehension in a quiz format. Students do not need to visit campus unless they wish.
The program is finished by the students in 24 months. There are numerous start dates available each year, enabling students to start the program as soon as they are accepted. The program’s curriculum is adaptable, giving participants more options than some peer programs provide regarding the courses they want to take and when they want to study them.
Summary
With a very comprehensive program of coursework and required practicum experience, this unique online opportunity to become a marriage and family counselor offers much of value to the applicant who is enthusiastic about its Christian-influenced perspective. Students who are not interested in a clinical degree from a Christian worldview should look elsewhere. Applicants should consider carefully whether the high cost and hefty program requirements will help them meet their career goals.
