Program Quick Facts
Online or On Campus
Study online or take late afternoon and evening classes.
Accelerated Program
Complete your master’s program in as few as two years.
Strong Spiritual Foundation
Deepen your faith in programs taught from a Christian perspective.
Gain Hands-on Training in the Mental Health Field
At Vanguard University, we are known as one of the leading clinical psychology master’s programs in California. Our on-campus and online clinical psychology graduate programs are taught by professor-mentors who fully know you and are committed to preparing you to become a licensed counselor or therapist.
Our Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program is designed to provide you with a strong foundation in varying theoretical and clinical modalities that will help you choose and develop your clinical and professional identity. Throughout your studies, you’ll gain the tools and techniques to work with those who struggle with behavioral, cognitive and emotional challenges.
This program meets the education requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and/or Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) in the state of California.
Career Outcomes
Our clinical psychology graduate program will help you pursue a fulfilling career as a Marriage and Family Therapist or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Graduates of our master’s in clinical psychology program work as mental health clinicians, providing assessment, diagnosis, case management and therapy.
With a focus on helping others live happier, healthier and more meaningful lives, you can make a meaningful difference in a variety of settings, including:
- Churches, nonprofits, local missions and outreach centers
- Colleges and universities
- Community counseling centers
- County mental health agencies
- Foster care and adoption agencies
- Group homes
- Private practice
- Psychiatric hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Substance abuse treatment centers
My favorite part of the clinical psychology degree program was the small class sizes; you get to have a close relationship with your professors and peers. Wherever you see yourself in the mental health field, Vanguard will prepare you for the journey. And if you’re looking for integration of faith in the classroom, this is the program for you. Now in private practice — not too far from campus — I am constantly being reminded of lessons and clinical skills that I learned at Vanguard.
– Jacqueline Islas, ’12
Designed with working professionals in mind, the clinical psychology master’s program is offered on campus or online. In the on-campus program, take coursework in tracks varying from two to four years, with classes available in the late afternoon and evening. In the online program, you’ll learn from the same experts who teach our on-campus courses while having the resources and support to find success. Upon completion of the M.S. in Clinical Psychology program, you will be prepared to:
- Apply fundamental knowledge within the field of clinical psychology and psychotherapy to the treatment of individuals, families and groups.
- Demonstrate and apply cultural competency and sensitivity in the psychotherapeutic process.
- Apply the integration of faith in the psychotherapeutic process.
- Employ effective clinical techniques within a therapeutic relationship.
- Utilize effective written and oral communication skills as it specifically pertains to the field of psychotherapy.
- Develop the professional and personal qualities that are intimately related to effective psychotherapy. Including competence, acceptance, curiosity, caring, integrity, sensitivity, flexibility, insight, compassion and personal presence.
The Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program consists of 61-66 total units and offers Fall and Spring term starts (spring entrance is an early start to a fall track). Degree requirements also include:
- Completion of 225 clinical hours at approved practicum placements with a minimum of 150 face-to-face client contact hours
- Advancement to Candidacy
- Completion of Exit Project
- Completion of 30 sessions of personal therapy
- Successful completion within five years of all degree requirements
While not degree requirements, students interested in pursing licensure as a Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) must also complete 5 additional semester units (for a total of 66 units) and a minimum of 280 face-to-face client contact hours.
| Sample Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| PSYG 601 Clinical Foundations I | 3 Credits |
| PSYG 616 Psychodynamic Theory and Treatment | 3 Credits |
| PSYG 617 Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and Treatment | 3 Credits |
| PSYG 712 Psychology, Theology and Spirituality | 3 Credits |
| PSYG 720 Clinical Psychopharmacology | 3 Credits |
At Vanguard University, you will experience personalized instruction paired with a strong spiritual foundation that fosters knowledge, cultivates character and deepens faith. Our Christian professor-mentors will prepare you to make meaningful contributions in your profession and community, equipping you to lead a Spirit-empowered life of Christ-centered leadership and service.
Accreditation
