MA in Clinical Psychology

Advocate for and implement change by helping others.

Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Clinical Counselors are engaged people, involved in real relationships that require commitment and genuine emotions in the midst of professional work. Our clinical psychology degree program emphasizes authentic relationships. At Antioch University, you’ll join a community of students and faculty who are active, engaged, and socially conscious. You’ll be part of a small cohort of classmates in an environment that fosters collaboration. Offered in two locations – on campus and in Downtown Los Angeles.

This degree is offered by AU Los Angeles.

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program prepares you to work in today’s society by introducing you to a wide range of theories and techniques. You are challenged to look inward and arrive at new psychological insights that will help you develop greater depth as a psychotherapist and socially-engaged citizen of the world.

The 90 unit program meets the educational requirements for licensure as a California Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and by including the PCC specialization as part of your degree program as a Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC). Our Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program is known for successful preparation of compassionate, highly trained, multiculturally competent therapists.

Students in the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program choose from one of our unique and richly stimulating specializations in Addiction and Recovery, Applied Community Psychology, Child Studies, General Practice Specialization, LGBT-Affirmative Psychology, Professional Clinical Counselor, Psychological Trauma Studies, and Spiritual and Depth Psychology. Each specialization has a highly-regarded curriculum that is embedded in the program. The specializations were developed to meet growing demand for clinicians with expertise in focused areas of practice, enrich your experience, increase appreciation for cultural diversity, and help develop a successful career path in a chosen area of interest.

Inside the classroom, you are encouraged to explore multiple perspectives and approaches and to engage instructors and peers in mutually-beneficial learning experiences. Beyond the classroom walls, you have the opportunity to implement your learning by practicing therapy under professional supervision at one of over 100 affiliated mental health services agencies.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology degree is a 90 unit program, taken over 8 full-time quarters or 16 part-time quarters.

Coursework:

• Field Study: Psychology and Society
• Personality Theory I: Psychodynamic Theories
• Personality Theory II: Comparative Contemporary Theories
• Psychopathology
• Assessment of Psychopathology and Treatment Planning
• Process of Interpersonal Psychotherapy I
• Perspectives: Trauma/Its Effects/Awareness/Recovery (3 quarter units)
• Systems Theory and the Family I
• Systems Theory and the Family II
• Research For Mental Health Professionals
• Psychopharmacology
• Psychological Testing
• Child and Adolescent Development
• Contemporary Issues of Aging
• Society and the Individual
• Community Psychology: Theory and Methods
• Human Sexuality
• Professional Ethics and the Law
• Dependency and Addiction
• Group Treatment Methods
• Couples Counseling
• Treatment of Children and Adolescents
• Domestic Violence: Spousal, Elder and Child Abuse
• Choose one of the following:
  • Brief Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Therapy
  • Treatment of Families
  • Advanced Family Systems
  • Process of Interpersonal Psychotherapy II
  • Mental Health Paradigm in Action: 21st Century Recovery Model
  • Queer Counseling and Narrative Practice
• Clinical Readiness Activities
• Applied Psychotherapeutic Techniques of MFT and LPCC (minimum 9 units)
• Clinical Practicum
• Personal Psychotherapy (Two Quarters)
• Specialization courses (17 units)

Learning Outcomes

The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology is designed to meet the following objectives:

• Prepare students for MFT or LPCC licensure in California and for doctoral study in psychology
• Develop eclectically trained practitioners who are sensitive to issues of diversity, including gender, class, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, and disability
• Promote student personal growth and development
• Provide practical clinical experience in highly varied, community-based mental health settings
• Train mental health professionals to successfully the needs of Southern California’s diverse communities

Additional Info

New Student Orientation

New students are required to attend registration/orientation and a campus resource day.

Clinical Psychology New Student Orientation Dates

Events are located at the AULA Campus: 400 Corporate Pointe, Culver City, CA 90230

Please note:
Saturday cohorts begin every term, and the weekday cohort is only offered during Winter Term.