The mission of the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at California State University, Chico is to train exemplary, passionate, research-informed, culturally-sensitive, client-centered, systemic therapists capable of excelling in a multitude of mental health settings through innovative and experiential learning.
Program Description
This three-year program provides an integrated course of study that meets the educational requirements for the Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) license as specified in California State law (SB-33; Section 4980.36). The 60-unit program is designed to train exemplary professional therapists to work in public mental health agencies, private practice, and other similar settings. Skill acquisition is emphasized by a strong core of introductory laboratory courses and on-campus practica in our Counselor Training Center (CTC), culminating in an off-campus traineeship at a local agency. Theoretical background and training are provided in a variety of theoretical approaches, with emphasis on core “common-factors” that span all therapy practice. The program is designed to emphasize three overarching facets of clinical training: academic research, clinical practice, and personal experience. Self-care and personal growth are recognized as equally important processes to clinical learning as is academic ability. Program faculty aim to present themselves as models of ethical, professional, and passionate therapists.
Program Learning Objectives
Preparing students to provide mental health services to the population of Northern California by meeting the specific needs of predominantly rural and multi-ethnic communities.
Challenging students to continually develop an ethical and professional foundation to their therapy practice, including emphasis on developing a culturally sensitive practice.
Training students to use a systemic framework to conceptualize varied individual, child, couple, family, and group concerns in therapy.
Developing research and feedback-informed clinicians capable of critically evaluating and applying research in practice.
Obtaining skills in the assessment and diagnosis of psychopathology and related clinical issues.
Encouraging students toward personal growth and the development of effective self-care strategies so as to maintain efficacy and longevity in the field;
Helping students place their role as a therapist in the larger healthcare landscape by teaching them effective collaborative skills.
Graduate Advising Requirement
Students should consult the MS Psychology Coordinator in planning their MS program.
Licensure and Credentialing
Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., Social Security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements.
The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states' educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students enrolled in a California State University program who are planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether they will meet their state's requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 §CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).
Research with Human Participants or Animals
All research projects that involve human participants must be reviewed for adherence to ethical guidelines as outlined in departmental and University policies (EM 23-030). No research involving human subjects will be conducted until a review of the project has been carried out and written approval given. All activity with animals must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the University Animal Welfare Policy (EM 23-031). Guidelines on the use of human or animal subjects are available from Chico State Enterprises.
Requirements for the MS in Psychology
Completion of all requirements established by the department graduate committee, the graduate advisory committee, and Graduate Studies.
MFT Coursework
Students seeking eligibility for the California Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) license must complete at least 60 units of coursework, including PSYC 696M, PSYC 697P, or PSYC 699T as designated by the department, the courses listed below, and any elective units needed to attain this 60-unit minimum.
Completion of an approved program consisting of 60 units of 500/600-level courses.
At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 30 percent of the units counted toward the degree requirements may be special session credit earned in non-matriculated status combined with all transfer coursework. This applies to special session credit earned through Open University, or in courses offered for academic credit through Professional & Continuing Education. Correspondence courses and UC Extension coursework are not acceptable for transfer.
Not more than 15 units taken before admission to classified status.
Not more than a total of 10 units of PSYC 697), (PSYC 699T), and (PSYC 687); not more than six units of (PSYC 697P) or (PSYC 699T). Enrollment in PSYC 697P and PSYC 699T is restricted to students who have been advanced to candidacy; students may not enroll in PSYC 697P or PSYC 699T for more than three semesters. Not more than four units of supervised teaching of counseling (PSYC 628A and PSYC 629A).
With the exception of Professional Paper: Empirical Research Manuscript (PSYC 697P) and Master's Thesis (PSYC 699T), all coursework included in the approved program must be taken for a letter grade.
Completion and final approval of a professional paper, thesis or the comprehensive exam as specified by the student's graduate advisory committee.
Satisfactory completion of an oral examination for students completing the professional paper or thesis.
Approval by the departmental graduate committee and the Graduate Council on behalf of the faculty of the University.
Graduate Grading Requirements
All courses in the major (with the exception of PSYC 697P and PSYC 699T) must be taken for a letter grade, except those courses specified by the department as ABC/No Credit (400/500-level courses), AB/No Credit (600-level courses), or Credit/No Credit grading only. A maximum of 10 units combined of ABC/No Credit, AB/No Credit, and Credit/No Credit grades may be used on the approved program (including 699 and courses outside the major).
Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average in each of the following three categories: all coursework taken at an accredited institution subsequent to admission to the master's program; all coursework taken at California State University, Chico subsequent to admission to the program; and all courses on the approved master's degree program.
Continuous enrollment is required. At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 30 percent of the units counted toward the degree requirements may be special session credit earned in non-matriculated status combined with all transfer coursework. This applies to special session credit earned through Open University, or in courses offered for academic credit through Professional & Continuing Education.
Graduate Time Limit
All requirements for the degree are to be completed within five years of the end of the semester of enrollment in the oldest course applied toward the degree. See Master's Degree Requirements for complete details on general degree requirements.
Graduate Requirement in Writing Proficiency
All students must demonstrate competency in writing skills as a requirement for graduation. Psychology MS students will demonstrate their writing competence through an essay examination offered once a semester by the Department of Psychology's graduate committee. This requirement must be completed before advancement to candidacy.
Application Procedures
The Department of Psychology admits applicants to its MS program only in the fall semester each year. In addition to Graduate Studies' admission prerequisites and application procedures (please see the Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Admission Requirements), the Department of Psychology requires the completion of its own admissions application. Application materials can be uploaded through CalState Apply, along with unofficial transcripts and test scores, by February 15 for consideration for fall admission.
Prerequisites for Admission to Conditionally Classified Status
An acceptable baccalaureate from an accredited institution.
Prerequisites for Admission to Classified Status
In addition to any requirements listed above:
Students must have completed the following four course prerequisites within the last 10 years: one course in research methods for psychology; one course in developmental or child psychology; one course in statistics; and one course in abnormal psychology.
Advancement to Candidacy
In addition to any requirements listed above:
Classified graduate standing and completion at the University of at least 18 units of the proposed program, including PSYC 573, PSYC 670, PSYC 673A, and nine units selected from remaining eligible program course requirements with at least a B average in these courses.
A student must pass the writing proficiency requirement in order to be advanced to candidacy.
All "Incomplete" grades must be completed before a student will be advanced to candidacy.
Formation of the graduate advisory committee.
Development of an approved program in consultation with the MS Psychology Coordinator and the graduate advisory committee, and approved by the Graduate Coordinator.
Demonstrated ability to provide competent service, in accordance with the current versions of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists' Code of Ethics, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy's Code of Ethics, the American Counseling Association's Code of Ethics, and the American Psychological Association's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.
Approval of the graduate committee in the Department of Psychology.
