MASTER OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY

Welcome video from Dr. Keisha Paxton, Graduate Co-Coordinator

Program Description

Our program provides students with a solid academic background by giving them an opportunity to complete advanced coursework and further develop their research skills by working closely with a faculty mentor on a research project or thesis. A wide variety of practicum sites are available for students to learn about direct service provision to clients, employees, and patients. The MA Psychology program is designed for students who want to strengthen their academic record in preparation for applying to doctoral programs. Others choose to begin careers in industry, mental health, community agency and education settings.

Click on the Prospective Students tab to get more information about how to apply and the admissions requirements.

M.A. in Clinical Psychology (33 units)

The Clinical Psychology option is designed to meet the professional needs of college graduates who plan careers in community mental health or who are already employed as paraprofessionals and desire to further their education and opportunities for advancement. The student is offered a unique opportunity to obtain solid academic knowledge of clinical psychology coupled with extensive research and supervised experience in the application of such knowledge. Students who are interested in pursuing licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) may opt to take additional approved coursework beyond that required for the MA. Specific coursework and requirements will be provided by the Psychology Department and must be completed prior to graduating from the program.

In the Psychology M.A. (clinical) the student is required to complete 33 units of credit, plus 550 hours of supervised practicum in a clinical setting within the community. In addition, the student must successfully complete a written comprehensive examination or a thesis. Students seeking the LPCC are required to complete 63 units of specified coursework in our program and a minimum of 280 hours of face-to-face clinical work supervised by a licensed therapist. These 280 hours are included in the 550 practicum hour requirement not in addition to it.

M.A. in Health Psychology (36 units)

The Health Psychology Option will provide students with a solid academic background in health psychology. This specialized track is designed to meet the professional needs of college graduates who plan careers in community health and other health care settings such as rehabilitation centers, primary care centers and hospices. In addition, students enrolled in the Health Psychology Option will learn how to promote wellness in individuals and within organizations, and how to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention and treatment programs. The goal of concentrated study in health psychology is to provide the student with an understanding of the relationships among biological, psychological, and social factors as they interact to influence mental and physical health. This goal is accomplished through an integrated program of coursework and research training. Students can earn up to 3 units of credit per semester for directed research (PSY 598) and thesis research (PSY 599). Our graduate students have been very successful securing funding for their graduate studies through several opportunities at California State University, Dominguez: Graduate Studies and Research travel fellowships, Graduate Equity Fellowship, PEGS RA/TA fellowships, and PEGS travel fellowships. In the Psychology M.A. (Health Psychology track) the student is required to complete 36 units of credit. In addition, the student must successfully complete a thesis.

Contact Us

Name	Title	Email
Dr. Silvia Santos	Graduate Co-Coordinator	ssantos@csudh.edu	Please direct admissions, comprehensive examination, and graduation related questions to Dr. Santos
Dr. Keisha Paxton	Graduate Co-Coordinator	kpaxton@csudh.edu	Please direct general and/or clinical and practicum related questions to Dr. Paxton