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Thank you for your interest in our graduate programs!

California State University, Stanislaus offers three graduate program options: M.A. Applied Behavior Analysis, M.A. Psychology – General and M.S. Psychology – Marriage and Family Therapy. The M.S. Psychology – Marriage and Family Therapy program includes two tracks: Behavior Analysis and Counseling.

A group of graduates from the Masters of Psychology program at the Class of 2026 ceremonies

Fall 2027 Application Deadline

Applications Due on Dec. 15, 2026

Only one application cycle is offered each year for admission the following fall.

Completed applications are due online via Cal State Apply by December 15. Incomplete applications will not be considered. GRE scores are not required.

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Overview of the Programs

Our graduate programs offer small class sizes that support close collaboration with faculty. The behavior analysis and marriage and family therapy programs follow a cohort model, that allow students to progress through curriculum together.

  • Courses are offered in person weekdays at the Turlock Campus.
  • Though course schedule may vary each semester, students can expect to attend classes on campus two to three days per week.
  • Most courses are offered only once each academic year, with one class section available.
  • Students are encouraged to limit employment to no more than 20 hours per week while enrolled.
  • All programs require completion of a master’s thesis.
  • Graduate students may participate in:
    • Graduate Psychology Students Yielding Change (G-PSYC)
    • Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology
    • Student Organization for Behavior Analysis (SOBA)

Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis

The Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis is a 40-semester-unit program designed to prepare students for master’s-level work as behavior analysts in various settings and for doctoral programs with a behavioral emphasis. The program meets the degree and behavior-analytic coursework requirements for Board Certified Behavior Analyst® examination eligibility. It also includes a graduate-level behavior analysis practicum experience.

About the Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis

Master of Science in Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy Concentration

The Master of Science in Psychology program is designed to train master’s-level professionals who can apply psychological knowledge and techniques to address human problems. The program offers two tracks: Behavior Analysis and Counseling. Both tracks meet the educational requirements for California Marriage and Family Therapist licensure and include a graduate-level marriage and family therapy practicum experience.

Students must also complete the post-degree supervised hours and licensing examinations required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences to become licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

Behavior Analysis Track

The Behavior Analysis track is a 64-semester-unit program that includes coursework aligned with careers as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® and Marriage and Family Therapist. In addition to meeting the educational requirements for California Marriage and Family Therapist licensure, the program meets the degree and behavior-analytic coursework requirements for Board Certified Behavior Analyst examination eligibility.

About the MFT Behavior Analysis Track

Counseling Track

The Counseling track is a 60-semester-unit program that includes coursework aligned with a professional career as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

About the MFT Counseling Track

Master of Arts in Psychology: General

The Master of Arts in Psychology: General program is a 30-semester-unit, research-oriented program designed to prepare students for advanced graduate work in psychology. Before applying, prospective students must identify a current faculty member who agrees to serve as their thesis chair if they are accepted into the program.

About the Master of Arts in Psychology: General

Contact Information

For Graduate Program Information:

Please contact Mary Gonsalves-Pires:  mpires3@csustan.edu 

Updated: June 09, 2026