Program Requirements
The Master’s in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Expressive Arts Therapy is a BBS-approved, three-year, low-residency degree program for California residents.
Classes are taught online in asynchronous and virtual synchronous formats. Students are expected to attend an in-person, one-week intensive, held at the start of each fall and spring semester on CIIS’ Mission Street campus.
Course lessons and online discussions require responses through writing, video and audio recordings, image sharing, and playlist creations. Synchronous virtual clinical practice weekends are scheduled two to four times during the semester depending on coursework. Students work in clinical practice dyads and small groups to deliver collaborative assignments.
Students can choose between the full-time three-year option, or a part-time option, which completes the program in five-and-a-half years.
Course of Study
Hybrid MFT Track (60 units total)
The Master’s in Counseling Psychology with a Concentration in Expressive Arts Therapy degree program meets the educational requirements for MFT licensure in the state of California, and LPCC in the state of California with additional optional units. After graduation, students must complete a supervised internship and pass the MFT licensing examination before becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist. This process takes, on average, 3 to 5 years.
CIIS is one of the largest educators of MFTs, and is also the leader in pass rates among larger schools in California.
Practicum
The Expressive Arts Therapy program includes a year-long practicum under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals.
Completion of the practicum requirement includes attendance in weekly classes plus 16-24 hours per week of documented training at an approved site. You must complete a minimum of 225 qualifying BBS hours during practicum training to qualify for graduation for MFT and a minimum of 280 qualifying BBS hours for LPCC.
While you are expected to pursue your own practicum placements, our Field Placement office assists in providing resources and support for finding the right practicum site for you.
Curriculum Highlights
The principles of liberation psychology and relational-cultural theory provide overarching theoretical frameworks for the curriculum. The Expressive Arts Therapy program also provides you with foundational knowledge and skills of the major schools of psychotherapy through multicultural and feminist lenses.
Questions? Contact us.
We are here to help! If you have any questions about applying to a program or registering for an Info Session, please reach out to the Admissions Office.