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.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
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).
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.
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
- Resume
- Two reference letters from academic or employment sources.
- Personal Essay of faith development and interest in pursuing Psychology
- 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 WJU.
2. Share something unique about yourself that you believe will be a valuable addition to our program and the field of counseling psychology.
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.
Remote Learning FAQ's
What’s the difference between a remote course and Jessup Online?
At Jessup, earning your degree remotely is a synchronous learning experience that joins your professor and classmates together in the same virtual classroom via video. This will foster discussions and allow you to build relationships with your academic community, all from the comfort of your home. *This remote learning option is for California residents only.Do I have to be available on specific days and times to participate in a remote course?
Yes. As a remote student, there is the same expectation that you will be present and engaged in lectures at the course’s designated days and times. The only difference is that you will be accessing the course content through video.What is the benefit to earning the MACP remotely?
Some students prefer the remote learning option for the MACP degree because it eliminates the need to commute and allows you to live and travel away from the Rocklin, California campus while still experiencing the same Christ-centered education and support services as our on-site programs. Without the stress of traffic, you’ll learn, discuss, and grow with a cohort of people with similar goals and passions. However, you will still need to complete in-person practicum hours with the California practice you’ll be matched with in order to satisfy the state requirements for this credential.How do I enroll and register for a remote program?
Everything is completed online, from enrollment to course registration to payment. Once you complete the application process, you’ll receive details on how everything works.What are my support options as a remote student?
The Paul Nystrom Library, Academic Achievement Center, and Student Life Office offer many different kinds of support services to help you flourish academically, vocationally, and spiritually.
FACULTY
Brandi Juarez, M.A., LMFT
Erin Ambrose, Ph.D., LMFT
Gina Mertz, M.A., LMFT
Jeff Stone, Ph.D., ABPP
Melanie Trowbridge, M.D.
Richard Mullis, Psy.D., Th.M.
Stephanie Caine, M.Ed., Ph.D., LPCC
ADJUNCT FACULTY
Corrine Brodnicki, M.A., LMFT
Joshua Ascherman
Lawton Daysi
Matthew Campbell
Narkesia Swanigan
Steven Swink
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