FAQ
Graduate Psychology FAQs
General Questions
If you have additional questions that are not addressed, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 213-477-2800 or send an email to gradadmissions@msmu.edu.
-
What makes MSMU unique?+-
-
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.
-
Am I a good fit for the M.S. in Counseling Psychology?+-
-
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.
-
Are men eligible for admission? +-
-
Yes, Mount Saint Mary's University accepts men and women into their graduate programs.
-
Whom can I contact for more information about the application process or specific specialization questions? +-
-
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.
-
When are classes offered?+-
-
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
-
Is financial aid available?+-
-
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.
Prospective Applicants
-
When can I apply?+-
-
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.
-
How do I apply? +-
-
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.
-
What are the application deadlines for the program?+-
-
General Counseling Psychology specialization accepts students in fall and spring
Application Dates: Spring
- Priority Submission: November 1st
- General Submission: December 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
- General Submission: June 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
- General Submission: June 1st
- Rolling Submission: Applicants will continue to be considered after the general submission date on a space-available basis
-
What prerequisites are necessary? Do I have to take the GRE? +-
-
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.
-
Is a bachelor's degree required to pursue a master's degree?+-
-
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.
-
Do you accept electronic transcripts? +-
-
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.
-
How long after my application is complete should I expect a decision? +-
-
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.
-
What are the admission requirements? +-
-
Click admission requirements to view specific requirements
Specializations
-
How long does it take to complete the General Counseling Psychology Specialization?+-
-
Should you follow MSMU's suggested education plan, the 36-unit General Counseling Psychology specialization can be completed in two years.
-
How long does it take to complete the MFT specialization?+-
-
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
-
As an MFT student, is personal psychotherapy required while in the program?+-
-
Yes, personal psychotherapy is required in your third year when enrolled in PSY 269A and PSY 269B (fieldwork classes)
-
What is the difference between the MFT program and the license?+-
-
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.
-
What must I do to become a licensed MFT?+-
-
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/
-
What is the licensing exam pass rate for MSMU students?+-
-
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.
-
Can I get a job? +-
-
According to the US Department of Labor, the projected growth rate for MFTs in California is 19% between the years 2014-2024.
-
How much money can I expect to make?+-
-
According to California Labor Market information, the annual average salary for California MFTs is $54,975.
Admitted Students
-
Am I assigned a Graduate Advisor?+-
-
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.
-
How many units should I take as a Counseling Psychology grad student?+-
-
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.
-
How many students are enrolled in each grad class?+-
-
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.
-
Is it possible to defer my enrollment?+-
-
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.
-
If I cannot attend Mount Saint Mary's University graduate courses for a semester or two, will I lose my place in the program?+-
-
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.