Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology On Campus Track
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
On Campus Track
Fulfill Your Purpose with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology
Do you feel called to work in the field of mental health?
Vanguard’s master’s in clinical psychology program prepares you to work as a mental health professional and provides you with an advanced understanding of psychology, relationships and therapeutic skills—empowering you to help others, change lives and make a difference in our world.
Our coursework, clinical training and guided professional development equip you for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapy professional and/or Professional Clinical Counselor, as well as pursuing advanced certifications, doctoral degrees and other career opportunities in mental health.
Flexible options to complete your master’s degree in clinical psychology
Our degree is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences to meet the educational requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of California and offers full- and part-time tracks with varying degree lengths, as well as evening-only and online tracks.
Master’s in Clinical Psychology Program Highlights
The master of clinical psychology degree with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy respects diversity and promotes an inclusive community. We focus on the therapeutic relationships, counter-transferential and transferential data—and we do so in an experiential manner.
Gain valuable tools and techniques to prepare to become a Professional Clinical Counselor and/or Marriage and Family Therapy professional as you:
- Learn from leaders in the field.
Whether it’s depression and anxiety, relationship conflicts, trauma and suicide, addictive behaviors or other mental health issues, our faculty are experts in their chosen fields. Our students benefit from these mentors and experts in the classroom, in clinical experiences and beyond. - Taking a hands-on approach to learning.
Starting in your first semester you’ll gain practical experience by meeting with volunteers to practice the clinical skills you’re learning in class. This applied experience will prepare you for your practicum placements and help you grow as a counselor or therapist.
Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology Admissions Information
Vanguard’s on campus master’s in clinical psychology program offers both fall and spring start times:
- Priority Deadline—March 1 and October 1.
- Applications completed following the priority deadline are considered as space allows.
- Complete your application early to secure an early interview and for your best chance at acceptance.
What You Will Study in the Master’s in Clinical Psychology Program
Our program integrates faith and diversity throughout the curriculum, and you will learn from faculty who are invested in your cognitive, personal and spiritual growth.
Coursework will provide you with a strong foundation in varying theoretical and clinical modalities that will help you choose and develop your clinical and professional identity as a professional clinical counselor or marriage and family therapy professional. You will take courses such as:
- PSYG 601 - Clinical Foundations I
- PSYG 616 - Psychodynamic Theory and Treatment
- PSYG 617 - Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and Treatment
- PSYG 712 - Psychology, Theology and Spirituality
PSYG 601 - Clinical Foundations I
PSYG 616 - Psychodynamic Theory and Treatment
PSYG 617 - Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and Treatment
PSYG 712 - Psychology, Theology and Spirituality
What Master’s in Clinical Psychology Program Students Are Saying
What Can You Do With a Master of Clinical Psychology?
Careers with a master of clinical psychology degree will grow 10% over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. At Vanguard, you’ll prepare to meet the needs of an ever-growing—and ever-changing—profession.
Graduates of our master’s degree in clinical psychology work at:
- Colleges and universities
- Community counseling centers
- County mental health agencies
- Foster care and adoption agencies
- Group homes
- Private practice
- Substance abuse treatment centers
Our alumni have also specialized in areas such as dialectical behavioral therapy, dream work, emotionally focused couples therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, play therapy, postpartum care and somatic treatment.
Additional Master of Clinical Psychology Program Highlights
Small Class Sizes
Whether you’re studying on campus or online, your master’s degree in clinical psychology coursework is designed with the purpose of providing you with individualized attention. You’ll greatly benefit from our small class sizes, which average 12 students.
Graduate Financial Aid
Many of our master’s in clinical psychology program students receive academic scholarships and loans to help pay for their graduate degree. In fact, 70% of all Vanguard graduate students receive some form of financial aid.