Department of Graduate Psychology
The Department of Graduate Psychology offers both a master's and
a doctorate in clinical psychology. The M.A. in Clinical
Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy
develops a solid foundation in the theoretical and applied
practice of professional counseling with individuals, couples,
and families, and includes interdisciplinary studies in theology,
ethics, and psychotherapy. The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology with
an emphasis in Family Psychology, emerging as the recognized
degree for practitioners, offers a comprehensive education in
psychological science and emphasizes the service orientation of a
clinical degree in which training and supervision comprise a
substantial part of the curriculum. For those without a master's
in psychology, the department also offers a Pre-Psy.D. program.
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology - Marriage and Family
Therapy
The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in
Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) is intended for individuals who
wish to develop not only a solid foundation in the theoretical
and applied practice of professional counseling with individuals,
couples, and families, but also a knowledge and awareness of
incorporating their faith into the practice of psychotherapy.
Included in the program are interdisciplinary studies in
theology, ethics, and spiritual formation in psychotherapy from a
Christian perspective.
Our MFT Program was thoughtfully designed so you can work while
completing your degree. The program offers courses in blocks of
time, typically between 4-10 p.m., Monday-Thursday, reducing your
required days on campus during the week. In designing your
approach to MFT study, the blueprints can be laid out in a 2-,
3-, or 4-year program. The timeline is up to you. Depending on
your course of action to complete this 60-unit degree, you may
take 6, 9, or 12 units each 15-week semester.
This program meets the current requirements for California
licensure as a marriage and family therapist. For others who want
to pursue a doctoral degree, this program meets most prerequisite
requirements for Psy.D. programs in clinical psychology.
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Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology - Family Psychology
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The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology with an
emphasis in Family Psychology is a professional doctorate
accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of the American
Psychological Association. The Psy.D. is becoming the recognized
degree in psychology for practitioners. The Psy.D. program
retains a commitment to providing a comprehensive education in
psychological science as the foundation for any training in
psychology, yet emphasizes the service orientation of a clinical
degree in which training and supervision comprise a substantial
part of the curriculum.
The Psy.D. at Azusa Pacific University is identified as a
practitioner-scholar program. The intent is that APU graduates
actively apply the science of psychology to the practice of
psychology.
Psy.D. program distinctives include:
- Emphasis on family psychology, the discipline that considers
individual, interpersonal, and macrosystemic/environmental
factors that impact human behavior.
- The integration of psychology with ethics, theology, and
spiritual formation. Coursework and training utilize Christian
values and principles, and students are asked to reflect on their
own beliefs and values as they prepare for professional practice.
- Development of core competencies in critical thinking,
relationship, assessment, intervention, diversity, consultation,
management, and supervision related to the practice of
psychology.
- Choice of clinical dissertation types, including qualitative
research, clinical application, critical literature analysis,
program consultation, quantitative research, and theoretical
development.
- Faculty who maintain active careers in the profession
(clinical, consulting, supervision, forensic) and bring their
experience into the classroom.
- An academic schedule that allows students to work part-time
while they pursue their doctorate.
- Recognition of the diversity of human experience and the need
for students to develop competencies for psychological service to
diverse populations.
The Psy.D. curriculum provides the courses and training necessary
to meet the educational requirements in the state of California
for licensure as a psychologist.
Pre-Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology
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If you do not have a master's degree prior to entering the Psy.D.
program, APU offers an alternative that prepares you for this
direction. The Pre-Psy.D. program is a one-year sequence of
foundational graduate courses in psychology that prime you to
engage with the Psy.D. curriculum. In addition, en route to your
Psy.D., you have the opportunity to earn a master's degree in
clinical psychology at the end of your first year in the Psy.D.
program.
About Azusa Pacific University
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Founded in 1899, Azusa Pacific University has grown from a small
training school for Christian workers to a university offering
more than 60 areas of undergraduate study, 26 master's degree
programs, and 7 doctorates, as well as state-approved credential
programs. As an academic institution, APU promotes the highest
level of scholarship. In addition, APU adheres to the stringent
guidelines of our accrediting agencies.
