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Psychology and Counseling Programs at CalSouthern

California Southern University appears in our ranking of the Top 5 Psy.D. Online Degree Programs.

Online on Moodle, the School of Behavioral Sciences led by Dr. Gia Hamilton grants a 120-credit Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with 68 percent retention for California Southern University undergrads to hone an understanding of human behavior with access to 400+ hours of video lectures. Advised by Dr. Heather Gelhart, the Pre-Baccalaureate Certificate in Addiction Studies follows a 27-credit, NAADAC-approved curriculum focused on substance issues for becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in California. The Certificate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology has an 18-credit, one-year sequence for studying employee dynamics in functional businesses. Costing just $9,810 total, the 18-credit Certificate in Sport Psychology uniquely bridges the divide between mental health and athletic performance or personal fitness. The Certificate in Pastoral Counseling also delivers an 18-credit path overseen by Dr. Benton Allen for applying therapeutic skills in church settings.

Since 2000, California Southern University has granted the Master of Science in Psychology under Dr. Barbara Lackey for 42-credit, WASC-accredited doctoral prep tracks online in General Psychology, Pastoral Counseling, Industrial Psychology, Advanced Addiction Studies, and Sport Psychology. Directed by Dr. Christine Tanimura, the Master of Arts in Psychology shapes a 60-credit, four-year distance degree focused on Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Marriage & Family Therapy to earn LPCC certification after at least 600 practice hours in diverse settings, such as Canyon Ridge Hospital or Stepping Forward. Adding the 18-credit Certificate in Healthcare Services might help.

The Doctor of Psychology involves an intensive 66-credit, 48-month journey through Web-based courses from Cultural Diversity to Advanced Case Management with a qualifying written exam and capstone project.

About California Southern University

California Southern University originated on December 27, 1978, when Dr. Donald Hecht started the Southern California University for Professional Studies in Anaheim to teach working adults. That December, it was first authorized by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. In 1980, it became one of the United States’ pioneers in distance learning. During the 1990s, the school saw enrollment skyrocket and the faculty triple in number.

By 2007, its in-demand programs from law to business were available fully on the World Wide Web. In 2008, the California Southern University name was adopted. That same year, CalSouthern relocated its home base about 16 miles south in Costa Mesa. In 2010, CalSouthern uniquely had the only Psy.D. degree nationally accredited by the DEAC. Regionally accredited five years later, CalSouthern has a for-profit model for educating less than 1,000.

California Southern University Accreditation Details

On July 15, 2015, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission mailed formal notification to California Southern University that reaffirmed the Level VI accreditation through another Spring 2020 evaluation visit under President Dr. Gwen Finestone. Located 406 miles up Interstate 5 in Alameda, this esteemed eight-territory Pacific Coast Region accreditator is recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to review CalSouthern’s five baccalaureate, nine master’s, and three doctoral degrees. Further, the Pre-Baccalaureate Certificate in Addiction Studies is approved by the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC). The California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) authorizes the graduate programs. California Southern University isn’t accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) though.

California Southern University Application Requirements

Getting into California Southern University is classified “non-competitive” by Peterson’s because 100 percent of Fall 2018 applicants were admitted for open access. Freshmen seeking the Online BA in Psychology still must show college readiness with a high school diploma or GED certificate. Minimum grades aren’t listed to ensure equal opportunity. Keeping a GPA of 2.0 or better is suggested for good academic standing. Standardized tests are wholly optional except for international students. Scoring at least 61 on the TOEFL iBT, 6.0 on the IELTS, or 500 on the SAT Reading is required. Undergrads can transfer up to 90 accredited credits graded C- or greater. The School of Behavioral Sciences only considers post-grads with regionally accredited baccalaureate degrees. Competitive MA/MS entrants will have GPAs of 2.5 and higher. The Doctor of Psychology seeks master’s graduates from relevant human science fields. Six doctoral prerequisites, such as Psychopathology and Counseling Theories, are mandated. Up to 30 post-grad credits marked B or better can transfer.

California Southern University conveniently runs admissions on a rolling basis. Eight-week online courses start every month to jump into the School of Behavioral Sciences fast. Anytime, complete the 10-step CalSouthern Application online with $75 by credit or debit card. Forward official transcripts to 3330 Harbor Blvd. in Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Submit testing reports via SAT/TOEFL code 8869 or IELTS code 11228. Attach supplemental materials, such as the government-issued ID copy, personal statement, enrollment agreement, resume, transfer evaluation, and reference letter. Contact (800) 477-2254 or admissions@calsouthern.edu with any questions.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For 2018-19, California Southern University charged online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology majors $425 per credit. Pre-Baccalaureate Certificates were also $425 per credit. The MA/MS in Psychology billed $545 per credit. Post-Baccalaureate Certificate students paid $545 per credit. Online Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) cohorts covered $565 per credit. Veterans and their spouses receive a 15 percent rate adjustment. CalSouthern budgets $900 to $1,200 annually for textbooks. Cost calculators show that 120-credit degrees are $51,000 total. The 18-credit Certificate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology is $9,810. Completing the 27-credit Certificate in Addiction Studies requires $11,475. Overall tuition is $22,890 for the Master of Science and $33,790 for the Master of Arts. The Psy.D. entails paying $35,970 for 66 credits.

The National Center for Education Statistics doesn’t calculate financial aid data on California Southern University because the school has decided to not participate in the FAFSA program. Online students graduate debt-free with the assistance of monthly payment plans. Third-party payers, including employer reimbursement and VA Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits, are accepted. Golden State residents with GPAs of 2.4 or better qualify for up to $9,084 from the Cal Grant. Other California programs like the Chafee Grant, Child Development Grant, Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant, and National Guard Education Assistance Award help. Since 1989, the Orange County Community Foundation has developed 80+ local funds, such as the Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez Scholarship, Lara Family Scholarship, and Beatrice Levin Scholarship. External psychology opportunities, including the Kay Wilson Presidential Leadership Award, Grawemeyer Psychology Award, and Franklin Boyce Scholarship, are also abundant.

Keep reading about California Southern University at the School of Behavioral Sciences website.