COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY

Master of Arts (MACP)

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 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.

63 UNITS

26 MONTHS

ROCKLIN CAMPUS & REMOTE

Remote courses allow you to participate in a live class virtually, no matter your location.

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).

Apply diagnostic assessment and criteria to the prognosis and treatment of mental disorders.
Understand and implement ethical decision‐making in the practice of psychotherapy.
Apply theoretical concepts to therapeutic issues and developmental challenges in individual, couples, family, and group therapy.
Understand the various research methodologies and their applications.
Recognize the complexity of cross‐cultural issues and the interventions that address these challenges.
Evaluate approaches to the integration of psychology and Christianity and how they impact personal spiritual formation.

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.

Gina Mertz, M.A., LMFT

Program Director, Master of the Arts in Counseling Psychology
Associate Professor, School of Psychology

Stephanie Caine, Ph.D., LPCC

Program Director, MACP Synchronous
Assistant Professor, School of Psychology

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.

Gina Mertz, M.A., LMFT

Program Director, Master of the Arts in Counseling Psychology
Associate Professor, School of Psychology

Brandi Juarez, M.A., LMFT

MACP Practicum Coordinator
Clinical Faculty, School of Psychology

Erin Ambrose, Ph.D., LMFT

Professor, School of Psychology
Chair, Traditional Undergraduate Psychology Program

Jeff Stone, Ph.D., ABPP

Dean, School of Psychology

Stephanie Caine, Ph.D.,
LPCC

Program Director, MACP Synchronous
Assistant Professor, School of Psychology

Richard Mullis, Psy.D., Th.M.

Associate Professor, MACP Psychology, TRAD Psychology

Find Your Major

Complete the following free assessment to match your academic goals, interests, and personality with Jessup majors.

Start the Assessment

JESSUP NEWS & STORIES

In Search of a Better Life – Isabella Carreiro

ISABELLA CARREIRO Many Jessup students overcome significant obstacles in their pursuit of Christian higher education and Isabella Carreiro is no exception. Originally from Sao Paulo,…