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
| Application Deadlines | Tuition Rate Per Unit | Number of Units | Format and Length |
| Fall: June 1 Spring: December 1 | $1,246 View Tuition and Financial Aid Information for details. | 43-60 Units Depending on your specific program, the number of units varies. | In-person 30-36 months |
Admissions and Financial Aid
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.
If an application deadline falls on a weekend and/or holiday, applications will be accepted through the end of the next business day.
Program slots will fill on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
| Fall Deadline | June 1 |
| Spring Deadline | December 1 |
Learn about tuition per unit, additional fees and total tuition.
We'll also show you how a Dominican education is more affordable than you might think with support from financial aid, scholarships and loans.
Concentrations
Dominican's Master's in Counseling Psychology is a 43-unit program designed to prepare students to provide consultation, case management, education and training in a wide variety of settings or for further doctoral work.
The program also helps students looking to enter other counseling specialties, such as community college counseling, professional life coaching, somatic therapies, health sciences, research, managed care, community outreach, career services, learning specialties, and all other vocations where excellent communication skills are necessary for personal and professional success.
The MS in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60-unit program that prepares students for MFT licensure in California. The concentration is designed to meet the requirements of the Business and Professions Code, Section 4980.37 and SB 33 for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
The MS in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Professional Clinical Counseling is a 60-unit program designed to prepare students for PCC licensure in California. This concentration is designed to meet the requirements of the Business and Professions Code, 4999.10-4999.122 and SB 788 for licensure as a Professional Clinical Counselor.
*Both the MFT and PCC concentrations are obtained in one 60 unit program.
Program Format and Career Paths
This program provides flexibility for students who may be working or have personal commitments. Dominican offers a variety of class schedules, including part-time, full-time, as well as evening and weekend classes.
Students receiving a degree in Counseling Psychology are prepared for a wide range of careers such as marriage and family therapist, professional clinical counselor, consultant, case manager, educator, psychotherapy clinician, substance abuse recovery professional, school counselor and hospice/bereavement counselor.
Degrees Offered
MS, MFT, PCC
Course Catalog
Program Contact
Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions
