MSC1110 Introduction to Counseling Theories | 4 credits

Examine major theories of counseling and counseling processes in a diverse society. Theories covered include Psychodynamic, Person Centered, Behavioral, Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused, Narrative, Feminist, Family Systems (introduction), and Multicultural. Students will choose one theory to explore in-depth.

MSC1015 Professional Development Seminar I | 2 credits

This course introduces students to concepts, standards, and professional practices of graduate trainees and licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT). Clinical topics such as mandated reporting, and risk assessment are covered. This course meets the child and adult abuse assessment and reporting requirements outlined in the Business and Professions Code for Marriage and Family Therapists.

MSC1120 Law and Ethics in Counseling | 4 credits

This course provides instruction in the professional ethics and legal issues that marriage and family therapists must integrate into their thinking and practice. Laws and regulations relevant to practice as a MFT including the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT) code of ethics will be reviewed. Ethical issues relevant to practice with people with diverse and intersecting identifies will be considered. Attention is given to preparing for the licensing process.

MSC1130 Multicultural Foundations | 4 credits

The objective of this course is to support students in their development of awareness and humility pertaining to diverse and intersecting identities in their practice as MFT’s. This course explores the influence of a range of factors including race, ethnicity, culture, class, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, nationality, age, ability, religion, mental and physical characteristics, family influences, and education. Students will explore their own identities, assumptions, beliefs, and values and consider how these factors may inform and influence their practice. Issues of social justice will also be examined.

MSC1210 Clinical Diagnosis, Adult | 4 credits

This course introduces assessment, diagnosis, and prognosis of mental disorders for adults. Study will emphasize the use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Biological, psychological, and social constructs in diagnosis will be considered. Students will explore the causes of dysfunction, the process of labeling, psychiatric nomenclature, and the impact of culture in diagnosis.

MSC1215 Professional Development Seminar II | 2 Credits

This course will focus on exposure to a range of settings where Marriage and Family Therapists provide care to individuals, families, and groups. Attention will be paid to professional behavior in clinical settings, consultation, and supervision in these settings. Students will engage in observational experiences each week. This course meets the requirements of California Statute AB1436 for six hours of training in suicide risk assessment and intervention.

MSC1220 Lifespan Development | 4 credits

Students examine developmental issues from infancy to old age. The course will explore the psychological, psychotherapeutic, and health implications of developmental issues on individuals, couples, and family relationships. Study includes an exploration of the biological, social, cognitive, and psychological aspects of aging. The course includes a range of cultural understandings of human development within social and environmental contexts including socioeconomic status and issues of social justice.

MSC1230 Applied Counseling Techniques | 4 credits

This course covers basic attending and relationship building skills needed for counselors serving individuals, couples, or families to develop a therapeutic relationship, establish counseling goals, design intervention strategies, evaluate client outcome, and terminate the counseling relationship. Students will present video tapes of mock counseling and consulting sessions.

MSC1310 Applied Assessment and Measures | 4 credits

Students will explore the clinical application of assessment as an essential part of mental health care. Students will develop a foundation for using assessment procedures to better understand the individuals, families, and groups they will care for. Emphasis will be given to concepts necessary for the selection, administration, scoring and interpretation of individual and group tests.

MSC1315 Practicum Seminar I | 2 Credits

Students will gain experience in marriage and family therapy by providing therapy services in approved practicum sites while under class supervision of the Marriage and Family Therapy faculty. Students should demonstrate appropriate levels of competency assessed through direct supervision by clinical site supervisors and by course faculty. The seminar will include case conferences, presentation of therapy sessions via video recordings, and documentation of clinical work. Students will begin to accumulate hours of supervised clinical experience toward licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

MSC1320 Clinical Diagnosis, Child and Adolescent | 4 credits

This course introduces assessment, diagnosis, and prognosis of mental disorders for children and adolescents. Study will emphasize the use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Students will explore issues of prevalence, classification, phenomenology, course, and comorbidity. This course will highlight a developmental psychopathology perspective wherever appropriate.

MSC1330 Substance Use, Addiction, Co-occurring Disorders, and Recovery | 4 credits

This course introduces substance use, co-occurring disorders, theories of addiction and recovery. Students will explore the psychoactive and biological effects as well as medical and legal aspects of substance use. The course covers social factors that can contribute to increased risk for different populations. Students will learn methods of screening, assessment, and diagnosis of substance use disorders including Motivational Interviewing. Students will gain an understand of, and apply skills related to prevention, harm-reduction, and evidence-based treatment models. Community resources for support will also be explored.

MSC1410 Therapy with Children, Adolescents, and their Families | 4 credits

This course explores the theories and practices foundational to working with children, adolescents, and family systems. Emphasis will be placed on a multidimensional understanding and approach to these populations. Students will develop the ability to apply these foundational concepts to their work with individuals and family systems.

MSC1415 Practicum Seminar II | 2 credits

Students will continue gaining experience in marriage and family therapy by providing therapy services in approved practicum sites while under class supervision of the Marriage and Family Therapy faculty. Students should demonstrate appropriate levels of competency assessed through direct supervision by clinical site supervisors and by course faculty. The seminar will include case conferences, presentation of therapy sessions via video recordings, and documentation of clinical work. Students will continue accumulating hours of supervised clinical experience toward licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

MSC1420 Trauma, Resilience, and Recovery-oriented Care | 4 credits

Students will develop awareness of the presentation and impact of trauma and disaster experiences for individuals, families, and communities. Concepts such as social determinants of health, resilience and post-traumatic growth will be explored. The course will examine person-first, person-centered, and strength-based approaches to treatment, rehabilitation, and support. Community resources for support will also be explored.

MSC1430 Group Psychotherapy and Psychoeducation | 4 credits

This course examines the theory and practice of group counseling. Basic principles of group dynamics, group development, member roles, and basic group counseling skills will be covered. Students will participate in a group process experience toward the goal of better understanding theory, principles, and practice of group therapy.

MSC1510 Advanced Counseling Techniques | 3 credits
(Prerequisite: MSC1230)

This course builds on the foundation from MSC1230 and covers process and strategies inherent in major counseling theories. Students will engage in intensive practice with opportunities to apply what they have learned to case conceptualization, treatment interventions, and self-awareness with an emphasis on the role of diversity in assessment and therapeutic processes.

MSC1515 Supervised Fieldwork I | 3 credits
(Prerequisite: MSC1415)

Students continue to gain experience in marriage and family therapy by providing individual, family, and group therapy services in approved practicum sites while under class supervision of the Marriage and Family Therapy faculty. Students should demonstrate increasing levels of competency assessed through direct supervision by clinical site supervisors and by course faculty. The seminar will include case conferences, presentation of therapy sessions via video recordings, and documentation of clinical work. Students will continue to accumulate hours of supervised clinical experience toward licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

MSC1520 Neuroscience and Psychopharmacology | 4 credits

The course introduces intrapersonal and interpersonal neurobiology as well as basic principles of psychopharmacology. Students will gain an overview of commonly prescribed psychotropic medications and learn how to effectively communicate and collaborate with providers who can assess for and prescribe these medications. Neuroplasticity and interventions to support recovery will also be explored.

MSC1610 Relationship and Sexuality Counseling | 3 credits

This course provides an overview of interpersonal dynamics and the complexities of human relationships. Students will study the physiological, psychological, and socio-cultural variables associated with sexual behavior and gender identity. Approaches to assessment and treatment of psychosexual dysfunction will be explored. Students will examine the interface and impact of these understandings with the individuals, families, and groups they will connect with in their professional roles.

MSC1615 Supervised Fieldwork II | 3 credits

Students continue to gain experience in marriage and family therapy by providing individual, family, and group therapy services in approved practicum sites while under class supervision of the Marriage and Family Therapy faculty. Students should demonstrate increasing levels of competency assessed through direct supervision by clinical site supervisors and by course faculty. The seminar will include case conferences, presentation of therapy sessions via video recordings, and documentation of clinical work. Students will continue to accumulate hours of supervised clinical experience toward licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

MSC1620 Research and Program Evaluation | 3 credits

Students explore quantitative and qualitative approaches to research and demonstrate critical evaluative skills as consumers of theoretical, assessment focused and treatment outcome research. The course will examine scientific approaches to developing Evidence Based Practices. Practical applications of research to practice will be emphasized including program evaluation and approaches such as Feedback Informed Care.

MSC1710 Postmodern and Emotion Focused Therapies | 3 credits

This course explores narrative, solutions focused, and emotion focused therapies and their application to individuals, couples, and families. As these theories were introduced in previous coursework, the course emphasis will be placed on application of theory and practice with diverse individuals and families.

MSC1715 Supervised Fieldwork III | 3 credits

Students continue to gain experience in marriage and family therapy by providing individual, family, and group therapy services in approved practicum sites while under class supervision of the Marriage and Family Therapy faculty. Students should demonstrate increasing levels of competency assessed through direct supervision by clinical site supervisors and by course faculty. The seminar will include case conferences, presentation of therapy sessions via video recordings, and documentation of clinical work. Students will continue to accumulate hours of supervised clinical experience toward licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

MSC1720 Advanced Family Therapy | 3 credits
(Prerequisite: MSC1410)

In this course, students will strengthen their theoretical understanding and application of family therapy. Students will focus on the development of personal theory, professional development, and therapeutic change/outcome in their work with family systems. Building on the introductory overview of couple and family therapy theories in MSC1110, MSC1410, and MSC1610, students will focus on selecting and applying counseling interventions with couples and families.

MSC1810 Advanced Group Psychotherapy and Psychoeducation | 3 credits
(Prerequisite: MSC1430)

This course expands upon the basic theory and practice of group counseling students learned in MSC1430. Students will explore group processes with multiple populations and family systems. Participants in the course will develop content for a psychoeducational group focused on an individual, family system, or population focused topic of their choice. Students will demonstrate this content in class with fellow students as participants.

MSC1815 Supervised Fieldwork IV | 3 credits

Students continue to gain experience in marriage and family therapy by providing individual, family, and group therapy services in approved practicum sites while under class supervision of the Marriage and Family Therapy faculty. Students should demonstrate increasing levels of competency assessed through direct supervision by clinical site supervisors and by course faculty. The seminar will include case conferences, presentation of therapy sessions via video recordings, and documentation of clinical work. Students will continue to accumulate hours of supervised clinical experience toward licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

Master of Science in Counseling Course Descriptions