Clinical Psychology M.A. Program

The M.A. in Clinical Psychology program at CSUN provides a unique and rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students to be more competitive candidates for Ph.D. or Psy.D. programs in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Community Psychology, or closely related fields. Students receive training in research methodology and statistics, core clinical areas including psychopathology, psychological assessment, and psychotherapy theories. Clinical students are also matched with a faculty mentor based on their research and/or clinical interests. Additionally, students receive hands-on experience in supervised clinical fieldwork.

Unique Features of Our Program

Program Options

The M.A in Clinical Psychology program has two options:

• Clinical research
• Clinical fieldwork Students in the clinical research option engage in independent research projects, under the guidance of a faculty mentor, leading to graduate thesis projects. Students in the clinical fieldwork option participate in fieldwork placements, under the guidance of a faculty mentor, in clinical practicum settings leading to the completion of comprehensive examinations.

"Mentor-match" Model

Similar to many doctoral programs, our program matches each admitted student with a faculty mentor based on mutual research or clinical interests. Applicants rank up to 3 potential faculty mentors in their applications to the program. Students in the clinical research option work in their mentor's research lab and/or receive guidance on their thesis project. Students in the clinical fieldwork option participate in fieldwork placements and receive mentorship on practicum placements and the successful completion of comprehensive examinations. Since admission to the program depends in part on fit with a faculty mentor, students are strongly encouraged to review program faculty bios for more information on their areas of expertise and interest.

Clinical Fieldwork Experience

All students receive hands-on clinical fieldwork experience through one of our in-house clinics; our Assessment Clinic or our Mood & Anxiety Disorders Clinic, both supervised by full-time clinical faculty who are licensed Clinical Psychologists. Fieldwork is rarely available at the MA level, and provides invaluable experience in clinical-service delivery.

Opportunities for Teaching Experience

We offer several opportunities for students to gain valuable, hands-on teaching experience, ranging from assisting a faculty member in their course instruction to obtaining a paid position as an independent instructor for an introductory psychology course.

Program Overview

Our curriculum trains graduate students using the "scientist-practitioner" model, and is designed to be completed in 2 years of full-time study. Students receive extensive training in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders as well as in quantitative research methods and statistics. Classroom instruction and seminars are supplemented by field work training.

Master of Arts in Psychology

Course Curriculum by Program Option

Required Core Courses All Options (21 units)

• PSY 620 Advanced Psychopathology (3)
• PSY 624/L Advanced Psychological Assessment and Lab (3/1)
• PSY 628 Fundamentals of Psychotherapy (3)
• PSY 485US/S Univariate Statistics and Lab (3/2)
• PSY 692A Seminar in Research Methodology (3)
• PSY 655BC/CC Fieldwork in Psychological Services (3)

Clinical Research Option (10 units)

• PSY 696 Directed Clinical Research (3,3)
• PSY 524/L Multivariate Analysis Computer and Lab (3/1)

Clinical Fieldwork Option (12 Units)

• PSY 655BB/CC Fieldwork in Psychological Services (3,3,3,3)

Clinical Research Culminating Experience (6 units)

• PSY 698C Thesis or Graduate Project (3,3)

Clinical Fieldwork Culminating Experience (3 units)

• PSY 697C Directed Comprehensive Exam (3)

Total Units for the M.A. Degree

• Clinical Research Option: 37 units
• Clinical Fieldwork Option: 36 units

Admissions Information

Our program is highly competitive, admitting only about 12 students per year. Over the past 2 years, successful applicants to our program had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.6. For students completing a research thesis, successful applicants are typically able to clearly articulate their research interests and fit with their potential faculty mentor(s). Prior research experience is preferred but not required.

Prerequisites

Prior to enrollment in the program, students must have obtained an undergraduate degree and have completed at least 18 units in undergraduate psychology courses, including the following specific prerequisite courses or equivalents, which are required by the Clinical Psychology program:

• Introductory Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Statistics and Lab
• Research Methods and Lab

Program Faculty

Clinical or Counseling Psychologists (i.e., Core Clinical Program Faculty):

• Alyssa Arentoft (Program Co-Director)
• Juventino Hernandez Rodriguez
• Gary Katz
• Jonathan Martinez (Program Co-Director)
• Jill Razani
• Adrian Valadez
• Bianca Villalobos

Associated Psychology Faculty:

• Sara Berzenski
• Stefanie Drew
• Elise Fenn
• Mark Otten
• Jill Quilici
• Abe Rutchick
• Omar Ruvalcaba
• Yolanda Vasquez-Salgado
• Erica Wohldmann

California State University Northridge

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Overview:

California State University Northridge (CSUN) is a public university located in Northridge, California. It is part of the 23-campus California State University system. CSUN offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.

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Services Offered:

CSUN provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Advising & Tutoring:

Support services to help students navigate their academic journey.

Student Services & Support:

Resources for student well-being, including counseling, health services, and disability support.

Athletics:

Opportunities to participate in intercollegiate sports.

Housing & Dining:

On-campus housing options and dining services.

Health & Wellness:

Programs and resources to promote student health and well-being.

Safety & Security:

Campus security measures to ensure student safety.

University Student Union:

A central hub for student activities, events, and organizations.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

CSUN offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with numerous opportunities for student engagement. Students can:

Join Clubs & Activities:

Participate in a wide range of student organizations and clubs.

Engage in Community-Engaged Learning:

Gain practical experience through community service and outreach programs.

Study Abroad:

Expand their horizons by studying at international partner institutions.

Attend Events and Activities:

Enjoy a variety of cultural, social, and academic events on campus.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Diverse and Inclusive Community:

CSUN fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds.

Strong Academic Programs:

Offers a wide range of high-quality academic programs across various disciplines.

Affordable Education:

Provides a relatively affordable education compared to other universities.

Location:

Located in the San Fernando Valley, offering easy access to Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.

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Academic Programs:

CSUN offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various colleges, including:

College of Arts, Media and Communication

College of Business and Economics

College of Education

College of Engineering and Computer Science

College of Health and Human Services

College of Humanities

College of Science and Mathematics

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

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Other: