Graduate Program
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Psychology at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is a 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. While currently operating on a quarter system, the program will shift to a semester format starting fall term of 2026.
The program's mission is to provide the state of California with highly competent master-level clinicians trained to counsel individuals, 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. Approximately fifteen percent of our graduates pursue doctoral studies in Clinical or Counseling Psychology.
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.
There are approximately 40 fully matriculated students in Cal Poly's M.S. Psychology Program. 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 12-16 quarter units can secure their degree in two years or two years plus two quarters. The definition of full-time to meet these completion timelines will shift when in semester units beginning fall 2026. 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 in the day and evening and are offered only once a 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).