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. He Len Chung.
Faculty affiliated with the Counseling & Clinical Psychology Specialization:
- Dr. Ashley Borders
- Dr. He Len Chung (Chair)
- Dr. Candice Feiring
- Dr. Joanna Herres
- Dr. Jeanine Vivona
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 299 – Research Seminar
Foundation Courses:
- 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:
- 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. For more information on Internships and the
Internship application process, click here.
- Students in this Specialization must obtain a supervised field
- 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)
Senior Experience (Choose 1):
Students select 1 Senior Experience (400-level) course.
- Details on Senior Experience options can be found here.
- 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.