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Nov 25, 2024
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University Catalog 2014-2015 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Psychology, M.S.
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A total of 52-55 units are required depending on the option selected. At least 50% of all units for the degree must be 500-level. The Applied Behavior Analysis option requires 55 units, the Forensic Psychology Option requires 52 units, and the Marriage, and Family and Therapy option requires 55 units. The Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program requires an additional 18-31 units to satisfy state licensure requirements.
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General Admission Requirements
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. Non-major conditional program for students whose baccalaureate is not in Psychology
The following prerequisites (or their equivalents) must be completed before beginning the master’s program. Required (8 units):
Select 8 units from the following: Required (8 units):
Select 8 units from the following: General Program Requirements
Departmental Core Requirements (4-5 units)
Classified graduate students must complete within their first four courses one of the following with a grade of B or higher: Advancement to Candidacy
Upon satisfactory completion of one of the departmental core requirements listed above, the WPE exam, and 12 additional units (16 units total) selected in consultation with an adviser, students must file Advancement to Candidacy application form (GS-10) with the department.
Enrollment in PSY 585 , 595 , 597 , 598 , 599 , and the Comprehensive Examination (PSY 596 ) is limited to students who have been advanced to candidacy. Master of Science: Applied Behavior Analysis Option (55 units)
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. Departmental Core Requirements (4 units)
Required courses (35 units)
(See below) Conceptual/Experimental Analysis of Behavior (12 units)
Applied Behavior Analysis (23 Units)
Electives (4 units for Thesis students; 8 units for students who opt to take the Comprehensive Exam)
Select from the following: Comprehensive Exam or Thesis (2, 6 units)
Comprehensive Examination and Graduate Directed Study (2 units)
Graduate Research and Thesis (6 Units)
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. Master of Science: Marriage Family Therapy Option (55 units)
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. Departmental Core Requirement (4 units)
Required Courses (33 units)
Required Fieldwork (16 units)
Comprehensive Examination and Graduate Directed Study (2 units)
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. Electives to Qualify for Licensing (18-31 Units)
**Must be taken as a sequence and appear on graduate program. The Psychology Clinic (PSY 585)
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. Master of Science: Forensic Psychology Option (52-53 Units)
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. Departmental Core Requirement (4-5 units) (see above)
Required Courses (36 Units)
Electives in Psychology/Criminal Justice (8 Units)
Select 8 units from following: |
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