Graduate Programs in Psychology

The Department of Psychology offers the Master of Arts degree with an emphasis on research and conceptual skills for students whose primary interest is in continuing their education in a doctoral program.

The department also offers the Master of Science degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy , Forensic Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis . The Applied Behavior Analysis option trains students in the concepts and techniques of behavior analysis as they apply to areas of counseling, behavior medicine, and education, provides training in traditional areas of psychology, and prepares students for employment at the master's degree level and for doctoral degree training. The Forensic option prepares individuals to work in the criminal justice system. The Marriage Family Therapy option qualifies students for state licensure in the field and and equips them with the skills necessary for employment in mental health and related fields that utilize psychological and counseling services.

Admission to the Programs in Psychology

Acceptance into any of the department's graduate programs involves a two-step application process:

Applicants must submit an online application to the University by going to http://www.csumentor.edu/. For more information or for questions regarding this application, you can visit The University Admissions Office website or call (323) 343-3901. The University application also requires that you submit one copy of official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. Be aware that the University application has different, earlier deadlines than those listed below.
Applicants must also submit a separate application directly to the Department of Psychology. Please refer to the application pdf files located above (under Application Materials) for more detailed information. In addition to the department application itself, each applicant must also have a) Three (3) letters of recommendation submitted on their behalf, b) must submit one copy of official transcripts from each college or university attended and c) must submit a personal statement/letter of intent.

Department applications should be mailed or dropped-off in person to the following address: California State University, Los Angeles, Department of Psychology, Attn: Michael Sizemore, 5151 State University Drive, KH C3104, Los Angeles, CA 90032-8227

Please note: if you are mailing your application, we recommend you contact the department office at (323) 343-2272 to confirm receipt of your materials.

Deadlines

Applicants must submit a complete departmental application by the deadlines listed below to be considered for September (Fall) admission:

Applied Behavior Analysis option: February 1
Master of Arts in Psychology: March 1
Forensic Psychology option: April 1
Marriage & Family Therapy option: Program temporarily suspended; no applications are being considered

Prerequisite Program for Non-Psychology Majors

Students who do not have a bachelor's degree in Psychology are also encouraged to submit the University and Department applications and required materials. In such instances, admission may be granted on a conditional basis. Students admitted conditionally will be required to complete 31-36 units of Psychology coursework with a GPA of 3.0 or higher before beginning the Masters program. Whenever possible, credit will be given for equivalent coursework taken elsewhere. Click here for a list of Prerequisite Coursework.

Please note: coursework taken at a community college does not apply to upper division psychology requirements.

FAQ's

Please click here for a list of frequently asked questions...

For More Information

For other questions or for clarification on any aspect of the application process, please email the Graduate Assistant, Michael Sizemore. You can also reach him at (323) 343-2272.

You may also contact the Faculty Director of each respective program:

Applied Behavior Analysis - Dr. Henry Schlinger (323) 343-2250

Forensic Psychology - Dr. Mitchell Eisen (323) 343-5006

Master of Arts - Dr. Jessica Dennis (323) 343-2276