The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MACP) degree program provides formal training in the science and practice of family systems therapy and clinical counseling. In addition to a broad and rigorous preparation in counseling psychology, the program provides training in theory and treatment inspired by both secular and spiritual concepts and interventions. Mindfulness, movement, and expressive arts, in both clinician self-care and treatment interventions, are integrated throughout the curriculum.
Students who graduate from the MACP program complete the requirements current as of Fall 2019 as set by the
California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) for the Marriage and Family Therapy and/or Professional Clinical Counselor educational tracks. In addition, they complete a minimum of one-year supervised practicum providing therapy to clients in preparation for registering as either a Marriage and Family Therapy or Professional Clinical Counselor associate in the State of California. The program also supports students in completing the requirements that they identify to register for post-degree clinical training in many other states and countries.
Careers as LMFTs (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists) and LPCCs (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors) often include supervisory positions in counseling agencies as well as serving as clinical staff, managers, directors and administrative positions in substance abuse and mental health treatment settings, hospitals, corrections agencies, and private practice. Students who complete the MACP degree and do not choose to pursue post-degree clinical training often apply their education in other fields, including business, coaching, or spiritual guidance.
The MACP degree is offered as an online program (from our Costa Mesa and Palo Alto CA campus) with some low-residency sessions. Some required courses or parts of courses occur in an intensive residential format. Online courses are taught using the university’s Learning Management System; some of these courses may require participation in synchronous telemediated sessions. The intensive residential classes occur two times per year, typically at the beginning of the Fall and Spring quarters for ten consecutive days. There is a total of six required residential intensives for our full-time students, each of which involves full-day participation, throughout the three-year program. For part-time students, there is a total of eight required intensives, each of which involves full-day participation throughout the four-year program.
Advisers are assigned at the onset of the program and meet with students for ongoing mentoring, advising, and review of readiness to begin clinical practicum. Annually, advisors meet with each student either at the intensives or via synchronous web technology for a formal and documented review of student progress. When necessary, students meet with appropriate faculty members, advisors, and Program Chair for further discussion and recommendations.
State Authorizations for Distance Education
Sofia University is licensed, registered, authorized, certified, or formally exempt in the following states and territories as indicated on our State Authorizations page.
Professional Licensure
Please visit our Professional Licensure Disclosure page for more information.
Faculty
Our faculty is comprised of passionate thought-leaders dedicated to bringing their expertise and knowledge to the forefront of all of our programs. Learn more about our MA in Counseling Psychology Faculty members.
