Graduate Program

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Psychology at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is a 69 semester unit professional degree program that fulfills the educational and training requirements of the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) for the state of California's Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) license. 

The program's mission is to provide the state of California with highly competent master's-level clinicians trained to counsel adults, children & adolescents, couples, families, and groups in a multicultural society. Graduates are often employed by County Mental Health, Social Services, inpatient and outpatient community mental health centers, and other nonprofits. Many graduates also build successful private practices. Alumni become competent and ethical professionals who serve the growing multicultural population of the Central Coast, California, and the nation. 

Psychology and Child Development Department faculty members coordinate the M.S. Program and regularly teach graduate classes. Some courses are taught by mental health professionals from the community. The M.S. faculty is diverse in terms of professional degrees, clinical training, cultural background, and gender identities.

The graduate program operates on a cohort model wherein classes are small, and students receive much individual attention in our on-campus practicum training clinic and community traineeship sites.

Cal Poly's M.S. Psychology Program admits up to 16 students in each incoming cohort and there are approximately 40 fully matriculated students across all cohorts at any given time. The program structure is full-time, in-person, and runs on a fixed curricular schedule. Graduate courses are scheduled so that full-time students carrying 12-15 semester units can secure their degree in two years or two years plus one semester. The definition of full-time is best understood a calendar year given that students enroll in courses and clinical training in fall and spring semesters, as well as both summer terms of their time in the program. Because of the program's extensive clinical training, student work, family, and other obligations, it may take some students longer to complete the program. Courses are held at various times throughout the day and evening, Monday through Friday and are offered only once per year.

Answers to most questions about the application process and requirements are detailed on the application information tab. Other program related inquires can be directed to the Program Director, Dr. Aaron Estrada (aaestrad@calpoly.edu).