MSc in Counseling (Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling) in Sacramento United States | California State University, Sacramento

The Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling specialization equips students with essential knowledge, theoretical frameworks, and practical skills to serve as competent counselors and therapists across diverse environments. These include community organizations, public and private institutions, non-profits, independent practices, and school wellness centers focused on student mental health. This concentration fulfills all educational requirements set by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) for Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensure. The curriculum emphasizes developing professionals who can drive social change and serve diverse populations while addressing developmental and preventive mental health needs.
The clinically focused programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on learning, featuring a 100-hour practicum and 600 hours of fieldwork. Designed as a three-year full-time commitment, students enroll in 9-12 units per semester to complete the program on schedule. Participants join a cohort that progresses through a structured course sequence, fostering peer support and professional networks. Students are empowered to enhance their advocacy and career development through engagement with professional associations, research projects, conference presentations at various levels, participation in CSUS's Multicultural Conference, and involvement in the Counselor Education Student Counseling Society. Faculty mentorship supports both leadership development and research initiatives. The curriculum integrates foundational coursework, intensive on-campus clinic training, personal growth components, advanced theoretical studies, and a final field placement experience.