M.A. in Counseling Psychology

Simpson University’s Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program is designed to prepare you for licensure in the State of California as a Marriage and Family Therapist and to positively impact individuals, couples and families in our community. Our comprehensive curriculum will give you a broad academic and clinical experience that is uniquely grounded in the identity and values of a Christian university.

The program features:


  • Graduate-level training in theories and approaches to counseling psychopathology, assessment, and human development
  • Excellent faculty who are trained and experienced in the subject matter they teach
  • The opportunity to learn and practice clinical assessment and therapy skills, professional attitudes, and interpersonal competencies throughout the program
  • Supervised clinical experience
  • Excellent individual and group support throughout the placement and clinical field training experience
  • An awareness of issues of diversity and training in working with diverse populations
  • An opportunity to integrate spiritual beliefs and values into the educational experience
  • A focus on the development of ethical and professional attitudes and skills
  • Support for adult students
  • A program that meets the California licensing standards for marriage and family therapists according to Business and Professions code 4980.36.
  • Preparation for a career in the field of marital and family therapy or preparation to work in a professional area of service where effective interpersonal skills and human relationships are important to success

 

  • Sample Schedule

  • Click here for a sample program schedule (PDF).


  • Course Descriptions

  • Click here to view our course descriptions.

  • Current Student Program Policies

  • In addition to the policies and procedures published in the Simpson University MACP Catalog, 2011-2012 (PDF), the following policies and guidelines are in effect for the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program.


  • Program Events and Activities

  • AAMFT Annual Conference



    MACP Program Coffee Social – August 23, 2010



  • MACP Press
  • Faculty Directory

  • Click here to view our faculty directory.

  • Staff Directory

  • Click here to view our staff directory.

  • Professional Resources

  • Marriage and Family Therapy Resources


  • Admissions Requirements and Important Dates

  • Applications from students from diverse backgrounds are welcomed and encouraged.

    Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in any field.  Candidates must have a minimum 3.00 GPA for the last 60 semester units (90 quarter units) of course work.

    Applicants, who do not have an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related field, must have completed the following courses (or their equivalents) with a grade of C or better prior to being accepted into the Program: Introduction to Psychology, Theories of Personality or Theories of Counseling, Statistics, Research Methods, and Human Development. Applicants whose native language is not English, or who have graduated from a foreign institution, must have a written TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 550 (paper version), 213 (computer version) or 79 (internet version). 

    Applicants must submit:

    • Online at www.simpsonu.edu
    • Three letters of recommendation written by someone professionally qualified to recommend for the field of counseling psychology/marriage and family therapy.
    • At least one letter must be from someone qualified to evaluate the applicant's academic and professional potential. Letters from friends or relatives will not be accepted.
    • Typed personal statement outlining career objectives, personal interest in the field of marriage and family therapy, rationale for choosing to attend Simpson University, how life experiences have influenced applicant's career choice, and additional thoughts the applicant deems important. 
    • A current resume
    • Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the sending institution to the Office of Enrollment Services.
    • Applicants must have a personal interview with members of the Program Admissions Committee. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. must provide a valid student visa.
    • Please submit all admission material through the online application system or directly to the Admissions office at Simpson University

    In addition, applicants who are recovering from an addiction to substances of any kind must have been clean and sober for one year prior to entering the program and for two years prior to engaging in Clinical Field Placement. An explanation of all relevant circumstances related to an applicant's addiction and recovery history must be included in the personal statement.  

    After an applicant's file is complete, the Program Admissions Committee will review it and will extend an invitation to interview to those applicants who meet the minimum admissions requirements. Following the interview, all applicants whom the Program Admissions Committee deem as having the academic and personal potential for success in the program and in the profession, will be extended an invitation to enroll. All admissions decisions rest with the Program Admissions Committee. It is the policy of the program not to discuss admissions decisions with applicants.

    Exceptions to the Minimum Grade Point Average
    A limited number of applicants with a grade point average between 2.7 and 2.99 may be admitted to the program as provisional candidates at the discretion of the Program Admissions Committee. To be considered for provisional candidacy, applicants must demonstrate significant professional potential by submitting a statement of explanation, demonstrated career and/or professional accomplishments indicated in the personal statement and academic or professional letters of reference.

    Important Dates
    March 2, 2011      Deadline to file your 2011-2012 FAFSA online at fafsa.gov (SU School Code: 001291)
    April 15, 2011      Application Deadline
    May 2-6, 2011     Group Interviews
    June 10, 2011      Admissions Decisions Published Online
    June 17, 2011      Students MUST accept/decline admission online
    June 23, 2011      Financial Aid Workshop for MA Counseling (6-8 pm)
    June 30, 2011      Admission Decision Regarding Waitlisted Students
    July 8, 2011         New Student Orientation
    July 15, 2011       Financial Aid Completion Date
    August 1, 2011    Classes Begin

  • Program Cost & Financial Aid

  • Tuition and Fees 2011-2012 Academic Year
    Application Fee $25
    Admissions Deposit $100
    Tuition per Credit hour $475
    Vehicle Registration Fee $40
    Payment Plan Fee $50-$125
    Late Registration Fee/Late Payment Fee $100
    Payment Plan Late Payment Fee $25
    Graduation Fee* $50
    Graduation Fee (late submission)* $75
    *One-time Fee  

    Refund Eligibility

    To review the MACP Refund Policies, click here.

    Financial Aid
    Simpson University offers student financial aid equivalent to the graduate and professional level as outlined by the U.S. Department of Education.
    Federal Student aid is available to citizens and permanent residents who are not in default on prior student loans or do not owe a refund of any federal education grant.  A student must file the FAFSA before eligibility for federal student financial aid can be determined.
    STAFFORD LOANS
    Stafford loans are long-term, with a low fixed interest rate set by the federal government, and repayment generally begins six months after the student graduates or ceases to be enrolled in at least half-time.
    Graduate students (seeking a master's degree) may borrow up to $20,500 (of which no more than $8,500 can be subsidized).
    Subsidized:  All accrued interest is paid by the student while in school
    Unsubsidized:  All accrued interest is paid by the student while in school; however the student my elect to postpone or capitalize the interest until repayment of the loan begins.
    PERKINS LOAN
    A federal loan available to a limited number of students with demonstrated financial need.  Because of limited funds, award amounts vary. Perkins loans have a maximum repayment term of 10 years, a minimum payment of $40.00 per month, a low interest rate and repayment that begins nine month after the student graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least at half-time status.
    PLUS LOAN FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
    This loan is available to graduate students, in addition to Stafford loans. This loan is credit –based.  The loan has a fixed interest rate set by the government, but repayment starts soon after the last disbursement.  The loan amount is awarded up to the full cost of attendance minus any other financial assistance received.
    Steps to Apply for Financial Aid

    1. Apply for admission to Simpson University
    2. Complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov and list Simpson University as the first choice of colleges to attend. Simpson's Title lV institution code is 001291
    3. Review the financial aid award letter. Financial aid will be awarded after the student has been accepted into the program.
    4. Accept student loans by following directions sent by the Student Financial Aid Office. Review the "Financing Your Education" slide presentation below.
    5. Accepted financial aid will be automatically applied to the student account after the semester begins and after completion of the student financial aid file.

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