collageIn this ucla masters in counseling psychology guide, we will discuss ucla psychology graduate program requirements and ucla clinical psychology admission requirements. The UCLA Psychology Department offers graduate Ph.D. training (there is no separate M.A. program or Psy.D. program offered) with area emphases in Behavioral Neuroscience, Clinical, Cognitive, Developmental, Health Psychology, Learning and Behavior, Quantitative, and Social Psychology. In all of these fields, the central objective is to train researchers dedicated to increasing the body of scientific knowledge upon which the discipline of psychology rests. The program is designed to prepare psychologists to function effectively as researchers, college and university instructors, and professional research psychologists.
Rigorous scientific training is the foundation of the UCLA Psychology Ph.D. program. As part of this training, the Department encourages student participation in the activities of a number of related departments, schools, or organized research units of the University. For instance, the Brain Research Institute, the interdisciplinary Neuroscience and Cognitive programs, the Institute for Social Science Research, and the Neuropsychiatric Institute provide extensive research facilities for interested students. The Fernald Child Study Center, moreover, bolsters the department’s long-standing commitment to training in childhood learning and behavioral disorders. Other departmental resources include the Psychology Clinic. Our close working relations with local hospitals (the Veterans Administration), clinics, and institutes provide a unique opportunity for year-round training and research. UCLA’s exceptionally strong library system (the University Research, Biomedical and Research libraries, among others) perfectly complements the Department’s scholarly activities.
Graduates are prepared for careers in both academic and applied settings including positions at universities and colleges, research and governmental organizations and business and industry.
The Psychology Ph.D. program is one of 18 Ph.D. programs in the biosciences.
ucla psychology graduate program requirements
ucla masters in counseling psychology
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is one of the nine campuses of the University of California. Located in west Los Angeles, five miles from the Pacific Ocean, UCLA lies in one of the most attractive areas of Southern California. The campus is bordered on the north by the Santa Monica mountains and the new Getty Museum, and at its southern gate by Westwood Village, an entertainment magnet with theaters, restaurants, and the Armand Hammer Museum. The treasures of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art are a few miles to the east, as are the communities of Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the downtown business and entertainment districts.
- Provides psychotherapy and active problem-solving assistance to individuals, families, and children in community mental health agencies, social service agencies, college counseling centers, private practice, hospitals, schools, etc.
- Counseling individuals, couples, and families to improve the clients’ quality of life
- Lead therapy groups for individuals with specific problems (e.g., substance abuse, eating disorders, depression)
- Administering a prevention program for at-risk populations (e.g. teens, children, the aging, the disabled)
- Providing crisis and emergency intervention and counseling Education and Licensing
- Minimum degree, Master’s of Social Work (MSW)
- Coursework and practicum in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological problems
- Does not provide training in psychological testing
- Training is generalist and focuses on at-risk populations like, the aging, children, youth and families, physically and mentally disabled, child welfare and schools
- To become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), must first apply to be an associate clinical social worker, must complete 3200 supervised hours, must pass written and oral exam
National Association of Social Workers – Information on social workers across the country
Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT, LMFT)
Typical Job Duties
- Help people with personal, family, social, and developmental problems
- Work with individuals, couples, and families to resolve emotional conflicts and improve interpersonal functions
- Practice psychotherapy and help clients with less severe psychological problems in mental health centers, social service agencies, counseling centers, private practices, etc.
Education and Licensing
- Master’s degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy
- To become a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), must complete 3,000 supervised hours in no less than 2 years, must pass written and oral exam
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists – National Organization for Marriage and Family Therapists
School Psychologist
Typical Job Duties
- Primarily work in K-12 school systems with students, their families, and teachers
- Major portion of work involves diagnostic assessment of students’ learning aptitudes, special needs, and personality, emotional, social development
- Evaluating effectiveness of programs, conducting individual or group counseling with students, making referrals to appropriate services Education and Credentialing
- Minimum of a Master’s degree, consisting of 60 semester units with one year fieldwork, Specialist degree is recommended (between MA and PhD)
- Requires Pupil Personnel Services credential
- School psychologists with PhD can become licensed psychologist
National Association of School Psychologists – National Organization for School Psychologists
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing – Learn how to obtain a PPS credential
Guidance/Educational Counselor
Typical Job Duties
- Individual and group counseling with students
- Administering achievement, aptitude and vocational testing
- Crisis intervention, prevention programs
- Consulting with parents, faculty, and administrators
- Elementary school counselors focus on behavioral problems
- Secondary school counselors focus on academic, college, and career advising
- Guidance counselors typically work in K-12 grades
- Educational and Vocational counselors work in post-secondary institutions (community colleges, private and public universities) Education and Credentials
- K-12 – Requires Master’s degree as well as Pupil Personnel Services credential, many programs combine M.Ed. with credential
- Community College – Requires Master’s degree in Counseling (e.g., MFT, career, guidance, rehabilitation, student affairs/higher ed.)
- 4 year colleges and universities – At least Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, education preferred
Accredited Counseling and Education Programs CACREP – Find accredited graduate programs in counseling
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing – Find out how to obtain a PPS credential
Rehabilitation Counselor
Typical Job Duties
- Providing individual and group counseling for the disabled and aging in hospitals, community health agencies, schools, college disabled services, government agencies
- Assessment and Evaluation of disabled individual’s strengths and limitations
- Providing educational and vocational counseling
- Planning a client’s rehabilitation program
- Outreach programs to educate public regarding disabilities
Education and Training
- Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or psychology
Accredited Counseling and Education Programs CACREP – Find accredited graduate programs in rehabilitation counseling
ucla clinical psychology admission requirements
If you’re looking for a masters in counseling psychology program, you’ve come to the right place.
At [University], we believe that our students are at their best when they’re getting the most out of their education. That’s why we offer a wide range of opportunities—from hands-on learning experiences to research opportunities and internships—to help you find your passion and hone your skills.
We also know that not everyone is looking for the same thing out of their degree, which is why we offer several different options: our traditional master’s program, our accelerated master’s program, and even an online option so you can study from anywhere in the world.
Our traditional master’s program takes two years to complete and focuses on helping students develop professional skills while preparing them for licensure as a counselor or therapist. Our accelerated master’s program allows students to complete their degree without taking any extra time off from work or family obligations by condensing the coursework into one year instead of two. Finally, if you want to study online but don’t want to give up face-to-face interaction with other students or instructors, then our online master’s program might be right for you!
collage