Program Overview

Introduction to the MS in Clinical Psychology Program

The MS in Clinical Psychology program at San Jose State University prepares graduate students for licensure as a Marriage Family Therapist (MFT) in California. The program is approved by the California state licensing board to provide the education required to move toward licensure as an independent psychotherapist in the state.

Program Overview

The mission of this program is to train evidence-based Masters level psychotherapists for work in a variety of clinical settings, including hospitals, schools, public agencies, and private practice. Evidence-based practice of psychotherapy places the client first and considers the conceptualization of the client's problem, including important contextual and cultural variables, informed and guided by relevant empirical literature, and gathers data to determine choices and allow accountability.

Program Details

• The program represents a variety of theoretical, clinical, and research interests, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness and Acceptance-based approaches, Psychodynamic traditions, Cross-cultural interventions, Feminist Therapy, Community Psychology, and the biopsychosocial model inherent in Behavioral Medicine/Health psychology.
• Faculty in the program value diversity in thinking and encourage students to sample ideas from different points of view.
• The program requires that any approach students take be supported by a high standard of professional ethics and an established body of professional literature, including empirical clinical research.
• Graduates of this program adhere to ethical standards and demonstrate a basic familiarity with the major approaches to assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, a respect for cultural diversity, and accountability for service delivery.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

• The program expects graduates to have the ability to read and critically evaluate the literature in the field.
• Graduates are required to achieve a basic level of proficiency within at least one psychotherapeutic approach.
• The program aims to produce graduates who are evidence-based, broadly educated, critically minded, and have the ability to ethically apply theory to practice in a diverse and changing community.

Curriculum and Structure

• The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive education in clinical psychology, including coursework, clinical training, and research experiences.
• The program includes a variety of courses that cover the theoretical, research, and practical aspects of clinical psychology.

Admission and Requirements

• Admission into the program requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a strong academic record.
• Applicants must also submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
• The program may have additional requirements, such as prerequisite courses or standardized test scores.

Licensure and Certification

• The program is designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure as an MFT in California.
• Students planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether they will meet their state's requirements for licensure or certification.

Faculty and Research

• The faculty in the program have a variety of research interests and specialties, including clinical psychology, counseling psychology, and research methods.
• Students have the opportunity to work with faculty on research projects and to develop their own research skills.

Resources and Support

• The program provides students with access to a variety of resources, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.
• Students also have the opportunity to participate in professional organizations and to attend conferences and workshops in the field.