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 is emerging as the recognized degree for practitioners. It 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.

The 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 those who wish to pursue a doctoral degree, the program meets most prerequisite requirements for Psy.D. programs in clinical psychology.

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology – Family Psychology

The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Family Psychology, which is becoming the recognized degree in psychology for practitioners, is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association. This 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 highlights 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

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

Founded in 1899, Azusa Pacific University (APU) 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 and adheres to the stringent guidelines of its accrediting agencies.

Information

If you are interested in this school and would like to find out more, please Request Information from Azusa Pacific University.