Serving the Needs of Diverse Communities
Earn an MS or MFT/PCC
MS in Counseling Psychology
Students gain professional training in the latest theories and techniques of counseling and psychotherapy with a degree of Master of Science (MSCP) in Counseling Psychology from Dominican. Those seeking licensure are required to take the concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) and Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC).
The Counseling Psychology program promotes professionals competent in diagnosis, assessment, client advocacy, effective communication, and treatment planning. Students also learn to apply current law and professional ethics to specific client situations. Program graduates enter the field prepared to implement interventions with clients from diverse cultural communities.
Program Highlights
- Dominican trainees and alumni are highly sought after by agencies in the Bay Area and beyond.
- Through interactive instruction and practice in a variety of orientations, including traditional, innovative and alternative, students develop excellent clinical skills.
- In this program, students have ample opportunity to work closely with faculty — all of whom are practicing clinicians — as classes are small (maximum of 20 students).
- Dominican’s well-established practicum works with over 50 community agencies to place 100 percent of our trainees in the field.
- Approximately 90 percent of our graduates are licensed MFTs or registered MFT associates.
- Our flexible schedule is convenient for working students — late afternoon, evening, and weekend classes
- Curriculum designed to lead to licensures in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC), or both!
The clinical faculty—all licensed, practicing psychotherapists and staff, are committed to keeping abreast of the changes and emerging opportunities in the field of counseling. Our highly-trained and supportive faculty lead by example and bring industry-relevant perspectives to the classroom.
Robin Gayle, Chair, Department of Counseling Psychology
Meet Your Counselor
Your admissions counselor is ready to help you! Fill out the form and they will connect with you shortly.
(415) 458-3748
MS in Counseling Psychology
A Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited institution is required to apply to our graduate programs. Other requirements include:
- A Completed Application — Apply now!
- Official Transcript(s)
Official transcript of coursework from each college or university attended (undergraduate and graduate). Find complete instructions on how to submit your transcripts to Dominican here. - GPA of 3.0
A GPA of 3.0 is required for the last 60 units of graded undergraduate or graduate coursework. - Resume
- Statement of Purpose or Intent
A brief essay (500 words) describing professional and/or personal goals for obtaining a graduate degree - Autobiography
An autobiography that includes a description of the people who have been of significant influence in your life. Include experiences you believe to be related to your interest in counseling, your desire to be a counselor, and your ability to understand and help others (4 to 5 typed, double-spaced pages). - Response to Scenario
Describe what you believe might be happening in the following crisis situation and how you might handle it:
Someone who has recently moved into your neighborhood has become quite friendly with you, sharing personal feelings and problems. She tells you of a very strained relationship with her partner and difficulties she is having with her teenage daughter who she feels is on drugs. She seeks your advice and lets you know how much she depends on you. One day she calls you on the phone to say that she is thinking of committing suicide. - Prerequisite Requirements
- Theories of Personality course or its equivalent, completed at a regionally accredited institution, either before the program starts or concurrently within the first year.
- Personal Interview
Interview with program director, if necessary. - International Applicants
International candidates must meet additional admissions requirements.
Please note: Criminal background checks, or information relating to a student’s criminal background, are not used as part of the admissions process at Dominican University of California (DUOC). Students should be aware that some programs train students to sit for the State of California or national licensure and certification examinations that qualify them to work in the field relating to their program of choice.
The following programs constitute a list of 2021/2022 DUOC programs that train for licensure or certification: Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physicians Assistants, Counseling Psychology, Art Therapy (Marriage & Family Therapy), and Education.
Students with questions relating to criminal background requirements, who wish to enroll in these programs at DUOC should speak to an Academic Advisor and reference the specific qualifications for degree completion, and license or certification.
2023-2024 Tuition and Fees
MS Counseling Psychology — 2.5 Year Track*
| Semester | Fall 1 | Spring 1 | Fall 2 | Spring 2 | Fall 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Rate per Unit | $1,210 | $1,210 | $1,210 | $1,210 | $1,210 | |
| Enrollment | 9 units | 9 units | 9 units | 8 units | 8 units | 43 Units |
| Total Tuition | $10,890 | $10,890 | $10,890 | $10,890 | $10,890 | $54,450 |
| Campus Comp Fee | $210 | $210 | $210 | $210 | $210 | $1,050 |
| Technology Fee | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $250 |
| Total Cost | $11,150 | $11,150 | $11,150 | $11,150 | $11,150 | $55,750 |
*The program may be completed sooner or later depending on the number of courses a student chooses to take each semester.
MS Counseling Psychology with concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) or Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) — 3 Year Track*
| Semester | Fall 1 | Spring 1 | Fall 2 | Spring 2 | Fall 3 | Spring 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Rate per Unit | $1,210 | $1,210 | $1,210 | $1,210 | $1,210 | $1,210 | |
| Enrollment | 10 units | 10 units | 10 units | 10 units | 10 units | 10 units | 60 Units |
| Total Tuition | $12,100 | $12,100 | $12,100 | $12,100 | $12,100 | $12,100 | $72,600 |
| Campus Comp Fee | $210 | $210 | $210 | $210 | $210 | $210 | $1,260 |
| Technology Fee | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $300 |
| Total Cost | $12,360 | $12,360 | $12,360 | $12,360 | $12,360 | $12,360 | $74,160 |
Scholarships
Scholarships and grants are types of aid that do not have to be repaid and that can help to directly reduce your tuition expenses.
To view more information on tuition and aid, click here.
Below you will find some of the courses you would be taking as a Counseling Psychology student:
- Fundamentals of Clinical Practice:Individual Psychotherapy
- Crisis Intervention and Trauma
- Advanced Counseling Techniques
- Human Diversity
- Professional Ethics and Law
- Alcohol and Substance Abuse
- Child Abuse: Assessment, Reporting, and Treatment
- Psychological Assessment
- Psychopathology and Treatment Planning
Fill out this form and a counselor will be in touch soon!
✔ Top-ranked university ✔ Personalized learning experience ✔ Career support
