Counseling Psychology
Master of Arts
The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out. ~ Prov. 20:5
The M.A. in Counseling Psychology program is carefully designed to meet California state qualifying degree requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
It prepares students for the challenges of the mental health profession by applying current psychological theory, integrated with biblical principles throughout the curriculum. Instructors are scholars and practitioners, offering both academic and practical guidance. Built on a cohort model, the program facilitates long-term relationships and supportive growth.
Please Note: This program is not currently approved for veteran educational benefits. Please contact our Veterans Services Specialist at veterans@jessup.edu for more information.
About the Program
The MA in Counseling Psychology is a graduate degree that prepares students for counseling of individuals, couples, children, and families; consulting; agency affiliations; church/ministry affiliations; and doctoral preparation. It is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology prepares students having an interest in the mental health professions with a firm foundation of psychological theory, research, spiritual formation, and preparation as practitioners. It prepares students for the challenges of the mental health profession by applying current psychological theory integrated with biblical principles throughout the curriculum. Instructors are scholars and practitioners, offering both academic and practical guidance. Built on a cohort model, the program facilitates long-term relationships, supportive growth, and guided professional development. The M.A. in Counseling Psychology program is carefully designed to meet California state requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
WASC has granted final accreditation approval and the program is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. The M.A. in Counseling Psychology is a graduate degree that prepares students for:
- Counseling: Individuals/Couples/Children/Families
- Consulting
- Agency Affiliations
- Churches/Ministry Affiliations
- Doctoral Preparation
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university—Official Transcripts Required
- GPA: minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (Applicants with an undergraduate GPA lower than 3.0 are welcome to apply; a petition letter to waive the 3.0 GPA minimum requirement is required and to be 2 pages or less double spaced. Please include an explanation of your undergraduate GPA and how you plan to be academically successful in graduate school.)
- Resume
- Two reference letters from academic or employment sources.
- Personal Essay of faith development and interest in pursuing Psychology (maximum 3 pages double spaced)
- Oral interview if requested
- Maximum 2-minute video using the following prompts:
1. Introduce yourself and share your reasons for pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Jessup University.
2. Share something unique about yourself that you believe will be a valuable addition to our program and the field of counseling psychology.
3. Submit video to: macpapplication@jessup.edu.
Prerequisites
- Biopsychology (must complete with a minimum C)
Program Courses
Class Time: 2-3 courses taught 2 nights/week 6-9pm or 6-10pm
Clinical Hours Requirement: 280 direct client contact hours during Practicum
Graduation Requirement: 20 hours of personal psychotherapy while in the program
- 1st Year
- PSYC530 | Essential Counseling Skills and Treatment Planning
- PSYC531 | Advanced Counseling Theories and Individual Therapy
- PSYC560 | Law and Ethics
- PSYC540 | Life Span Development/ Aging & Long-Term Care
- PSYC550 | Psychopathology
- PSYC691 | Assessment Measures & Techniques
- PSYC521 | Child and Adolescent Therapy & Abuse Reporting
- PSYC522 | Couples and Marital Therapy & Domestic Violence
- PSYC520 | Family Systems Therapy
- PSYC523 | Crisis, Trauma & Community Mental Health
- 2nd Year
- PSYC575 | Career Development & Career Counseling
- PSYC630 | Group Therapy: Theory & Practice
- PSYC690 | Research Methods
- PSYC642 | Human Sexuality
- PSYC680 | Psychopharmacology
- PSYC641 | Human Diversity
- PSYC675a | Practicum I
- PSYC675b | Practicum II
- PSYC675c | Practicum III
- Elective
- PSYC621 | Advanced Child & Family Therapy
- PSYC622 | Advanced Couple & Marital Therapy
- 3rd Year
- PSYC631 | Addictions Therapy: Theory and Practice
- PSYC675d | Practicum IV: Capstone
To view all courses and course descriptions, please see our current Academic Catalog.
Remote Learning Option
Earning your MACP is closer than you think! Jessup also offers a flexible, 100% remote learning option for California residents, where you can study from the comfort of your home and participate in a fully-live, virtual classroom right alongside your remote program’s own cohort and professors.
In addition to these remote classes, you’ll also be paired with a California clinical practitioner to complete in-person practicum hours and satisfy the state requirements for this credential.
The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.
— Proverbs 20:5
FACULTY
Jessup’s dedicated community of faculty, both full-time and adjunct, are here to walk alongside you, equipping you with the knowledge and values you’ll need to establish a meaningful career, grow spiritually, and succeed in all areas of your life. Learn more about our full-time faculty.
Program Director, MACP Synchronous
Assistant Professor, School of Psychology
Program Director, Master of the Arts in Counseling Psychology
Associate Professor, School of Psychology
MACP Practicum Coordinator
Clinical Faculty, School of Psychology
Professor, School of Psychology
Chair, Traditional Undergraduate Psychology Program
Associate Professor, MACP Psychology, TRAD Psychology
MACP SYNC Practicum Coordinator
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