BA in Psychology

The principles and applications of psychology have endless possibilities. Whether you're considering a career in mental health, gaining an understanding of human thought, emotion and behavior to apply in everyday life, or thinking about continuing on to graduate study--you will be well prepared with a bachelor's degree in psychology from CLU.You will acquire a practical foundation in psychology and will apply theory and concepts to real-world problems, cases and issues. In the process, you will develop excellent analytical, communication and critical thinking skills. In addition, CLU's faculty will encourage you to become actively engaged in the learning process. In your capstone course you will work directly in the mental health field so you can integrate theory and concepts with ethical and practical concerns.The field of psychology uses scientific methods and procedures to study all aspects of behavior and cognitive processes. Knowledge acquired about such topics as motivation, perception, learning, memory, personality and social interaction will prove invaluable. Through the applied focus of many of our course offerings, you will learn practical skills and knowledge that are useful in a wide variety of employment settings.

MS in Clinical Psychology

The Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Psychology is a 34-credit program emphasizing both research and counseling skills. This combination provides a strong foundation for the advanced study of psychology. The development of research skills takes place through completing advanced courses in statistics and research methods. Students have the option of conducting their own research study and completing a thesis (which involves an additional 3 credits of course work, for a total of 37 credits).Counseling skills are developed in many of the courses offered in the clinical psychology program. Students gain an understanding of psychological disorders and methods of treating those disorders. They also develop skills in interviewing, group therapy and applied behavior analysis.Students are exposed to an overview of psychological testing, and they learn how to effectively develop treatment plans and engage in program evaluation. Legal and ethical issues related to both research and counseling are emphasized in the program.

MS in Counseling & Guidance

In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, never has there been a greater need for knowledgeable, reflective, principled school and college counselors and support professionals.

California Lutheran University's Master of Science (MS) in Counseling and Guidance provides a highly respected, relevant and engaging academic program renowned for developing exceptional counselors throughout California and beyond.

Offered through CLU's School of Education and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the program is an ideal fit for talented, motivated professionals looking to make meaningful contributions in counseling and educational support services.

The program offers two distinct specializations:

• Pupil Personnel Services
• College Student Personnel

Offered through CLU's School of Education and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the Preliminary Level I Education Specialist and the Clear Level II Education Specialist credential programs are often taken concurrently with the Master of Science degree and are offered in the mild to moderate or moderate to severe disabilities specializations. Part of the program also offers course work to obtain a Resource Specialist Certificate.

MS in Counseling Psychology - Marriage and Family Therapy

The Master of Science (MS) in Counseling Psychology is a 50-credit program, which prepares the student to become a professional marital and family therapist. It is designed to meet all academic requirements for the California state license in marital and family therapy. Licensing by the California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners requires a master's degree with specified content, supervised counseling experience, a post-master's internship, and written and oral examinations.The counseling psychology program is designed to prepare the student for this undertaking from a perspective which takes into account the human being as a whole person with physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions, and which focuses on the family as an interactive system.The focus of this program is on developing an integration of academic knowledge and clinical skills so that, at the time of graduation, students are well prepared as beginning marital and family therapists. In addition, students develop personal insights and communication skills to enable them to work effectively in a wide variety of settings.Over the years, graduates of the CLU program have an outstanding record of obtaining internships, passing the state licensing examinations, and establishing successful practices in both private and institutional fields.

PsyD in Clinical Psychology

California Lutheran University's Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree in Clinical Psychology is a five-year program that integrates theoretical and practical approaches to prepare graduates for careers as licensed clinical psychologists.

A member of the National Council of Schools of Professional Psychology (NCSPP), the program provides students with a broad perspective of psychology and explores the role of research in clinical practice. The curriculum includes six core courses that provide an in-depth developmental examination of major diagnostic categories, as well as areas of emphasis in research and practical skill development.

Program Outcomes

• Graduates of the program will gain diverse knowledge and expertise in:
• Interviewing
• Interpersonal Relationships
• Psychological Testing
• Professional Ethics
• Intervention Planning
• Research
• Evaluation