Psychology, M.S.

In addition to submitting a University Admissions Application, applicants must also apply separately to the department. Please note that acceptance into the University does not guarantee admittance to the department. Application forms are available in the department graduate studies office. Completed applications and transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (except Cal State L.A.) must be received by the department as well as the admissions office before action on admission can be taken. Note that application deadlines for each program and required supporting materials are stated within the department’s application form.

The minimum requirements for admission to the graduate program in psychology are:

• Completion of an undergraduate major in psychology with a grade point average of 2.75 or higher in the last 90 quarter units of work at an accredited institution.

or

• For students whose bachelor’s degree is not in psychology, completion of the non-major conditional program of 36 units (described below) with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Note that these minimum admissions requirements apply to the MA degree and to the MS degree with MFT option only; both the ABA and the Forensic Psychology options of the MS degree require a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Special Action Admission

Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirements must petition directly to the department for admission by Psychology / 643 special action. All petitions must be accompanied by evidence that the applicant is qualified for graduate work. This evidence could include (but is not limited to) relevant experience or an advance psychology GRE score of 550 or higher. Students whose petitions are approved must complete a 16 unit conditional program of upper division course work in psychology with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Students are cautioned that no credit toward a graduate degree can be earned before completion of the conditional program.

• Master of Science: Applied Behavior Analysis Option
• Master of Science: Marriage Family Therapy Option
• Master of Science: Forensic Psychology Option

The MS program in Applied Behavior Analysis is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis. The program trains students in the concepts, principles and techniques of behavior analysis as applied to the areas of counseling, behavioral medicine, organizational behavior management, as well as to the formulation and evaluation of behavioral intervention plans for individual clients. The program also prepares students for doctoral training in behavior analysis.

Admission to the Master of Science Program in Applied Behavior Analysis

Students must submit a complete departmental application by February 1st to be considered for September admission. Students are required to have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in the last 90 quarter units. Admission to the program requires an interview with faculty in the applied behavior analysis MS program. Applicants will be notified of their status by April 1st.

(See below)

Select from the following:

Students who select the comprehensive examination (PSY 596) must be advanced to candidacy and must comply with college requirements before enrolling to take the examination.

Students who want to opt for the Thesis Option must be advanced to candidacy, must maintain a 4.0 GPA in the first 16 units of psychology ABA coursework, and must pass an ABA program writing competency exam by the end of the spring quarter of their first year in the program.

The major with this option is designed to partially fulfill state regulations for licensure in Marriage Family Therapy as outlined in the Business and Professions Code Section 4980.37. To complete state requirements for licensing, students in this option must take additional units. Generally, students will need a total of 73-86 units in order to meet all state requirements, depending upon prior coursework. This program further prepares students with the skills necessary for employment in mental health and related fields that utilize psychological and counseling services.

Admission to the Master of Science Program in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)

Students must submit a complete departmental application by February 1 to be considered for September admission. Final acceptance into the program requires a personal interview.

The student should complete PSY 598 units under faculty supervision during the quarter prior to enrolling in the comprehensive exam. The Comprehensive Examination (PSY 596) should be taken the quarter all courses for the program are completed.

 **Must be taken as a sequence and appear on graduate program.

The Department of Psychology provides a training facility for those students in the MFT option admitted to the master’s degree program. Qualified students who obtain departmental approval to work in the clinic must enroll in PSY 585, directed clinical practice. Students may counsel, children, families, and/or groups. All students accepted to work in the clinic will be subject to university policies and procedures governing the university’s approved clinics.

The M.S. in Forensic Psychology option is designed for students whose primary interest is in working or studying in areas of psychology that intersect with the Criminal Justice system. A key feature of the program is a close mentoring relationship with a faculty member who oversees the student’s progress toward his or her individual career goals. All students begin their program in the fall quarter and take several core courses together. Students will also take part in a 9-month practicum (PSY 595) where they will receive hands-on training and on-site supervision.

Admission to the Master of Science Program in Forensic Psychology

Students must submit a complete departmental application by April 1 to be considered for September admission. Applicants will be notified of their status by July 1.

Students are required to have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in the last 90 quarter units to be eligible for the forensic psychology option. However, students with a GPA between 2.75 and 3.0 may be admitted if they present evidence that they are qualified for graduate work. This evidence could include relevant experience or an advanced psychology GRE score of 550 or higher. Students with a GPA below 2.75 will not be considered.

Select 8 units from following: