The Counseling & Clinical Psychology Specialization prepares students for employment, careers and graduate study in the field of Psychology as a helping profession. In this program, you will learn about a wide range of psychological difficulties, as well as the theories psychologists use to understand them, the research methods used to study them, and the techniques used for helping people who struggle with them. You will have opportunities to conduct clinically-relevant research and to develop your knowledge and practical skills with field-work experiences in mental health settings. If you are considering graduate studies in the helping professions or a career as a counselor, therapist, social worker, or practicing psychologist, this specialization is for you.
For more information about this specialization, contact the Counseling & Clinical Coordinator, Dr. Joanna Herres.
Faculty affiliated with the Counseling & Clinical Psychology Specialization:
- Dr. He Len Chung | REACH Lab
- Dr. Joanna Herres (Specialization Coordinator) | Reactivity Lab
- Dr. Jeanine Vivona | Psychodynamic Lab
Counseling & Clinical Psychology Course Requirements
Methods Sequence (Taken in sequence):
- PSY 101 – General Psychology
- PSY 121 – Methods and Tools of Psychology
- PSY 203 – Design and Statistical Analysis
- PSY 390 – Collaborative Research
*Prior to Fall 2025, PSY 299 – Research Seminar was the fourth and final required course for the methods sequence. Students entering the College beginning in Fall 2025 will instead be required to complete PSY 390 – Collaborative Research.
Foundation Courses (Choose 3):
- PSY 217 – Psychological Disorders (formerly Abnormal Psychology)
- PSY 219 – Clinical Psychology
- Other Foundation Course (Choose 1)
- Your advisor may be able to help you in making selections.
*PSY 216 – Personality Theory and Research is no longer offered. For students who took PSY 216 as a foundation course prior to Spring 2023, the course will count toward their major and toward the Counseling & Clinical Specialization, if applicable.
Specialized Courses (Choose 3):
- Field Experience (Internship): PSY 398
- Students in this Specialization must obtain a supervised field experience (internship) in a counseling or clinical setting for which they earn at least 1 unit. This provides students with hands-on related learning experiences that are viewed favorably by potential employers and graduate schools. To fulfill this requirement, we strongly recommend PSY 398 – Counseling & Clinical Field Experience Seminar – because the course mimics grad school training and facilitates the practice of clinical skills with a course instructor and other students. PSY 398 is offered during both Fall and Spring semesters. It is possible to substitute PSY 399 – Independent Internship if you are unable to take PSY 398; consult with your advisor. View more information on Internships and the Internship application process.
- Other Specialized courses (Choose 2). Students select any 2 other 300-level Psychology courses. Please discuss course selections with your advisor.
Psychology Elective (formerly Psychology Option) (Choose 1):
- One course (Recommended at the 300- or 400-level)
*The Psychology Elective is not a requirement for students entering the College beginning in Fall 2025.
Senior Experience (Choose 1):
Students select 1 Senior Experience (400-level) course.
- View details on Senior Experience options.
- Note: Students should not choose the PSY 487 (Senior
Internship) option for clinical or counseling field experiences
(internships).
Please consult with your academic advisor if you have any questions.