At the core of Mount Saint Mary's University, is academics, developing critical thinkers, and the idea that a student's education should be focused on working toward serving the community, as well as striving to produce responsible lifelong learners for the global community as a whole. 

MSCP students are bright, hardworking, and curious about the communities and world they live in. Perhaps more important, our students are interested in making the world a better place and are constantly thinking of ways to use their Mount education to work with clients in therapy as well as in related nonclinical careers such as research, higher education, leadership, administration, or consulting.

Yes, Mount Saint Mary's University accepts men and women into their graduate programs. 

You can contact the Office of Graduate Admissions and speak with an Admissions Counselor by emailing gradprograms@msmu.edu or calling 213-477-2800. 

More information can be found by visiting our General Counseling Psychology (GCP), Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), and Enlaces websites. Our websites will provide you with the best initial overview of the specializations offered, as well as information on program requirements and deadlines. 

Evening format courses are offered Monday - Thursday from 6:00 - 9:00PM (each class meets once per week) during fall and spring semester 

Daytime format courses are offered Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 - 4:00PM (each class meets once per week) during fall and spring semester 

Summer semester courses meet twice per week 

Yes, MSMU offers graduate students access to departmental scholarships to assist them in achieving their educational goals. 

Graduate students are also eligible for financial aid in the form of Federal Stafford Loans and Graduate Plus Loans. 

For more information, attend an information session.

Students may apply at any time during the year; there are two set priority submission dates (March 1 and November 1). Applications received prior to a stated deadline will be considered for degree matriculation in the following semester. 

We encourage you to apply online via MSMU's Graduate Application website at www.msmu.edu/apply. It's quick, easy, and secure.

After submitting your application electronically, you may submit supporting documents (application essay, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and résumé) via email (graddocs@msmu.edu) to complete your application. 

General Counseling Psychology specialization accepts students in fall and spring 

Application Dates: Spring 

• Priority Submission: November 1st 
• Rolling Submission: Applicants will continue to be considered after the general submission date on a space-available basis 

Application Dates: Fall 

• Priority Submission: March 1st 
• Rolling Submission: Applicants will continue to be considered after the general submission date on a space-available basis 

Marriage and Family Therapy only accepts students in the fall 

Application Dates: Fall 

• Priority Submission: March 1st 
• Rolling Submission: Applicants will continue to be considered after the general submission date on a space-available basis 

A bachelor's degree is the only prerequisite for the Mount's M.S. in Counseling Psychology program. MSMU does not require the GRE or other standardized test scores for admission. 

Yes, a bachelor's degree is required for any form of study (degree or non-matriculated) within graduate programs. However, you can submit an application prior to completing your bachelor's degree. 

Yes, we accept electronic transcripts that have been submitted to graddocs@msmu.edu by the issuing institution. We cannot accept electronic transcripts sent as attachments directly from applicants as official. 

Turn-around time is generally 6 to 8 weeks and may vary at different stages in the application cycle. Please be assured that every application is individually reviewed prior to committee decision. 

Click admission requirements to view specific requirements 

Should you follow MSMU's suggested education plan, the 36-unit General Counseling Psychology specialization can be completed in two years. 

The length of time to completion of the specialization depends upon the number of units taken each semester. MSMU offers two tracks for the 60-unit MFT specialization:

Daytime option 

• Two years 
• Fall, spring, and summer semesters (6 full-time semesters)
• During second year, students begin practicum hours

Evening option 

• Three years 
• Fall, spring, and summer semesters (9 full-time semesters)
• During third year, students begin practicum hours

Yes, personal psychotherapy is required in your third year when enrolled in PSY 269A and PSY 269B (fieldwork classes)

MSMU's program fulfills the academic requirements for a M.S. Degree in Counseling Psychology that allows one to sit for the licensing exam. The license is the next step.

First complete your MS in Counseling Psychology program and send a Program Certification, official transcript, and MFT intern registration application to the Board of Behavioral Sciences to register and get an intern number.

Complete 3000 hours of experience with specific requirements and appropriate supervision.

Take and pass the licensing exam!

This is an extremely brief answer to this important question. For a more thorough answer, visit the BBS website www.bbs.ca.gov/ 

There are two sections of the licensing exam. One is the written examination and the other is the written clinical vignette examination. Statistics for the most recent exam cycle show that 75% of MSMU students passed the written exam and 83% passed the written clinical vignette. Statistics for all accredited and approved universities in CA showed a pass rate of 62% for the written examination and a 61% pass rate for the written clinical vignette.

According to the US Department of Labor, the projected growth rate for MFTs in California is 19% between the years 2014-2024.

According to California Labor Market information, the annual average salary for California MFTs is $54,975.

Yes, all MSMU graduate students are assigned to an academic advisor. Academic advisors work closely with students to provide student education plans, personal support, and mentorship throughout their academic career at the Mount. 

It’s hard to give general answers to these questions prior to meeting with an advisor.

Generally, GCP students register for 6 units/term, evening MFT students register for 9 units/term, evening Enlaces students register for 9 units/term, and day-time Enlaces students register for 12 units/term. 

The average class size is 16 students, providing students with the personal attention and intimate liberal arts experience that is a hallmark of Mount Saint Mary’s University.

The maximum enrollment for classes is set at 23, and classes do not run with fewer than 10 students. 

Yes, students may defer their enrollment. The non-refundable $250 admission deposit must first be paid to secure matriculation.

Upon approval, Mount Saint Mary's University will grant deferred admission for up to one academic year from the semester you are admitted.

Deferred enrollment request must be submitted in writing (letter or email) to the Office of Graduate Admissions by applicant two weeks prior to classes beginning.

Degree seeking candidates who are unable to attend for one or two semesters will not lose their place in the program. 

However, degree seeking candidates who are unable to enroll in a course for three consecutive semesters are encouraged to apply for a leave of absence.