Vanguard University
M.S. in Clinical Psychology
On-Campus and Online Options
Santa Ana Campus
55 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Program details below are quoted from program websites, supplied here for informational purposes only, and subject to change at any time. Refer to the program website for current information, deadlines, complete admission requirements, etc. It is the responsibility of the prospective student to verify with program administrators program details and that the program still meets BBS requirements for licensure in the state of California.
Program Snapshot
Accreditation
WASC
Concentrations/Specializations Offered
None
LMFT Track or Dual LMFT/LPCC Track
LMFT (Add five units and a few more practicum hours, and graduates also meet all academic requirements for licensure as a Professional Clinical Counselor in California.)
Length of Program
61-66 units
Full-time students receive a degree in 3 years (7-8 semesters) or 2 years (5 semesters).
Schedule/Format
Track options that include full or part-time (2-4 years), on campus or online, as well as evening only.
On Campus Track Times
A three-unit course is three hours, once a week, for sixteen weeks.
Our classes are typically offered on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from either 3:30-6:30 pm or 7:00-10:00 pm. (Past schedules can be found here.)
Online Track Times
A three-unit course is offered for two hours, once a week, for eight weeks. (Practicum related classes are 16 weeks.)
Our classes are typically offered on Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday from either 4:00-6:00 pm or 6:30-8:30 pm. (Schedule examples.)
An evening only track is available and allows students to graduate while taking only evening courses.
We currently offer a 3 and 4 year track for the online format, but a 2-year track will be available in the future.
In addition to live, online course participation, students will have 3 on campus, face-to-face experiences:
Orientation Weekend.
Current Topics course taken over a weekend in the first summer semester.
Group Psychotherapy course taken over an extended weekend in the final spring semester.
Program Start
Fall and Spring (Spring entrance is an early start to a fall track.)
Estimated Total Program Tuition
$48,495 - $52,470
Religious Orientation
Emphasis placed on integration of Christianity and psychology.
Entering Class Size and Classroom Sizes
Clinical class sizes are limited to 15 and practicum class sizes are limited to 8.
Fieldwork Hours Accrued During Program
Students in Orange County have the opportunity to complete their practicum placement at the Journeys at Vanguard counseling center located at our Santa Ana campus.
225 clinical hours at approved practicum placements with a minimum of 150 face-to-face client contact hours.
Personal Psychotherapy Requirement During Program
30 sessions of personal therapy.
Comprehensive Exam/Culminating Project/Thesis/Etc:
Exit Project required in place of a thesis.
Application Process
Application Deadline
Priority deadlines:
Spring: October 1
Fall: March 1
Applications completed after the Priority Deadline are considered on a space available basis.
Undergraduate GPA Required
None
GRE Requirement
None
Prerequisite Courses
Required prerequisite courses:
A Bachelor's degree in Psychology or all of the following:
Introduction to Statistics
Psychopathology or Abnormal Psychology
Developmental Psychology or Human Development
Counseling Theories or Theories of Personality
It is required that all prerequisite courses have been completed with a grade of B- or better. For assistance with questions regarding prerequisite requirements or whether any exceptions would apply, please email gradadmissions@vanguard.edu.
Application Highlights
3 References: Download the paper version of the Graduate Psychology Reference. Each applicant is required to secure three references: one from a professor with whom you took classes within your major, another from a professional reference, and the third one from someone who can speak knowledgeably about you. Both reference form and a letter must be submitted. These should not be completed by someone who is a relative or friend.
Statement of Purpose (250 words): Write a detailed statement of purpose describing reasons for pursuing graduate education in Clinical Psychology.
Autobiographical Statement (500 words): Write a statement addressing the ways in which your life experiences have influenced and shaped you to be the person you are today.
Statement of Faith (250 words): Write a statement which includes your personal faith development and journey and how your faith impacts your decision to apply for this program.
Resume/Curriculum Vitae: Provide a detailed resume or curriculum vitae listing all employment, experience, education, training, etc.
Interview Requirement
Unknown
Program Summary
ACADEMIC FEATURES
This degree fulfills all academic requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist as set forth by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. You can see our most recent pass rates for the licensing exams on the BBS website.
Add five units and a few more practicum hours, and graduates also meet all academic requirements for licensure as a Professional Clinical Counselor in California.
Exit Project required in place of a thesis.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Clinical interests developed through training in a variety of agencies.
Clinical training and fieldwork experience equips students to work and minister effectively within a variety of settings.
Students in Orange County have the opportunity to complete their practicum placement at the Journeys at Vanguard counseling center located at our Santa Ana campus.
Specific training in clinical conceptualization.
Required personal therapy concurrent with course work benefits the student by giving them the opportunity to be engaged in the therapeutic process as a client.
PROGRAM DESIGN
Clinical class sizes are limited to 15 and practicum class sizes are limited to 8.
Full-time students receive a degree in 3 years (7-8 semesters) or 2 years (5 semesters).
Track options that include full or part-time (2-4 years), on campus or online, as well as evening only.
Late afternoon and evening classes.
Note: On campus and Online tracks are separate and students on each track are guaranteed priority registration in their format. Registration across formats is only possible when space is available.
CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
Mentoring and individual attention from faculty and staff.
Emphasis placed on integration of Christianity and psychology.
Environment that facilitates development of a cohesive and supportive community.
Faculty are licensed professionals working in their areas of expertise who are committed to Christian integration in academic excellence, community, and guiding students.