Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General Overview
The Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical Psychology is a two-year, full-time program with a primary theoretical orientation in psychodynamic theory, emphasizing family and community systems. We do not offer a part-time option for the program. Students participate in a first-year practicum at a community-based placement and the Psychology Clinic, followed by a second-year internship obtained through a competitive application process. Students receive extensive supervision, including weekly individual supervision from faculty and professionals. While the program is clinically focused, opportunities for voluntary research are available, though students interested in research-intensive training should explore other master’s concentrations like Developmental, SPA, or MBB. For more information on clinical research mentors, please visit this link. The program culminates in a Master's Written Comprehensive Examination, which is satisfied by successfully completing a master's paper under the guidance of a faculty member.
Admissions
Applications for the Master of Science in Psychology, with a concentration in Clinical Psychology, are due on February 1. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed. While a 3.0 GPA is the university's minimum, successful applicants generally have a higher GPA. A bachelor's degree in psychology isn't required, but applicants must possess a bachelor's degree from a four-year university and have taken upper-division courses in Statistics, Abnormal Psychology, and Theories of Personality. The GRE is not required.
When applying, applicants should emphasize their related clinical practice experience, which is a critical factor for admission. Examples of relevant experience include volunteering on a crisis line or working at a community mental health organization. Successful applicants typically have at least one year of such experience. In your autobiographical statement, which should be a maximum of six pages, you should discuss your personal and professional development and why this program is a good fit for your career goals. You can also submit up to four letters of recommendation, with the fourth being sent directly from the reference to the program.
The application is available online. General university application questions can be directed to the Division of Graduate Studies at (415) 338-2234 or gradstudies@sfsu.edu. Questions about the clinical psychology program should be directed to Psychology Graduate Services Liaison, Lauren Riley, at lriley1@sfsu.edu.
After the application deadline, the faculty reviews all materials, and the strongest candidates are invited for an on-campus interview in early to mid-March. Admission decisions are typically made by the end of March.
Professional Licensing
Graduates of this program are eligible to pursue the Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) license. To become a licensed LMFT in California, you must complete the required post-master's supervised hours of experience, in addition to your master's degree. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) specifies these requirements, which generally take 2-3 years of full-time work or 4-5 years of part-time work to complete. It's important to note that all pre- and post-master's experience must be completed within six years to count towards licensure. For the most current and detailed regulations, it is highly recommended that you consult the official BBS website.
Pursuing a Doctoral Program
Many prospective students choose a master's program over a doctoral program when their primary goal is to become a practicing psychotherapist and obtain their LMFT license. This program is designed as a terminal master's degree, with a curriculum that meets the requirements set by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). Graduates are trained to become independent mental health professionals, and as such, very few continue on to pursue a Psy.D. or Ph.D., as this would often duplicate graduate-level work. Students interested in a career that includes research and teaching may consider other master's concentrations, such as Developmental, SPA, or MBB, as these provide an opportunity to develop research skills. Our clinical faculty can offer research mentorship to students in these other programs, and you can find more information about them and their research areas via this link. If a student from this program does decide to pursue a doctorate, the amount of credit given for prior coursework varies greatly by the doctoral institution.