Learn the tools and theories you need to enter a Ph.D. or Psy.D. program. Our combination of research and clinical experience will prepare you for your future in this field.
Why Earn a Master's in Psychology?
Earn a master's in psychology to prepare you for Ph.D. or Psy.D. programs. You'll be prepared to assess and treat mental illness and behavioral health issues.
In your classes, you'll learn research methodology and statistics. You'll study core clinical areas including psychological assessment and psychotherapy theories. You'll be a competitive candidate for Ph.D. or Psy.D. programs in clinical psychology, counseling and other related fields.
Why Study Psychology at CSUN?
CSUN's Psychology curriculum trains graduate students using the "scientist-practitioner" model. That means you will be knowledgeable in both research and clinical practice.
Program Options
The Psychology program has two options that allow you to delve even deeper into research or fieldwork.
- In the Clinical Research option, you will take part in research projects under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
- In the Clinical Fieldwork option, you will interact with patients in clinical settings under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
"Mentor-match" Model
You will be matched with a faculty mentor based on mutual research or clinical interests. In the clinical research option, you will work in your mentor’s research lab and receive guidance on your own research projects. In the clinical fieldwork option, your mentor will supervise your fieldwork. This mentor model will help you succeed in your projects and prepare you for future endeavors.
Clinical Fieldwork Experience
Clinical fieldwork is rarely available at the master's level. But at CSUN, you will receive invaluable experience in our on-campus clinics. You will be able to interact with patients under faculty supervision in our Community Services Center.
Teaching Intern Program
Psychology students can apply to join the Teacher Intern Program (TIPs). You'll gain valuable experience as you create your own syllabus, lectures and classroom exercises. You'll receive training and find support from the TIPs coordinator. You'll receive a monthly stipend as well as other benefits.
What You'll Learn
In the master's of psychology program, you will receive extensive training in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders. You will also be well-versed in quantitative research methods and statistics.
In your core classes, you will learn:
- Fundamentals of psychotherapy
- Research methodology
- Advanced psychopathology
- Advanced psychological assessment
- Advanced research and analysis methods
You will also perform fieldwork or clinical research in a supervised environment.
The rest of our coursework will depend on your option.
In this option, you will focus on research and gain experience in running and analyzing experiments.
In your classes, you will learn:
- Multivariate analysis on computer programs
- Latent variable analysis
For your culminating experience, you are also required to complete a master’s-level thesis or project. If you choose to complete a master’s thesis, you will perform an oral defense of your thesis.
In this option, you will gain experience working with patients in your clinical fieldwork courses. You will be placed in on-campus clinics. They include:
- Child and Adolescent Diagnostic Assessment Clinic
- Anxiety and Mood Disorders Clinic
For your culminating experience, you will pass a comprehensive examination.
Careers & Outcomes
The Psychology master's program will help you enter doctoral programs in clinical psychology. Taken alone, it is not intended as preparation for the independent, unrestricted private practice of clinical psychology, which requires a doctoral-level license in California and in most other states.
Psychologists who receive their doctorate may become:
- Professors
- Researchers
- Consultants
- Public policy analysts
- Licensed clinical psychologists
There are also increasing opportunities in business, education and healthcare for graduate-level psychologists. These careers include:
- School psychology
- Behavior analysis
- Community mental health clinics
- Prevention and/or high-risk programs
Access to mental health services for all.
Care for the health and well-being of the community around CSUN at our Community Services Center. You will assist with diagnostic and intervention programs for children, adolescents and adults while gaining valuable experience.
Admission Information
To be considered for admission to CSUN as a master’s student, you will need to:
- Meet university requirements.
- Meet department requirements for the Master of Arts in Psychology.
- Apply to both the university and the specific graduate program of interest.
Learn more about applying for a master's program at CSUN.