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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.
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.
Master of Arts: General
The MA General program is a 30-semester unit program designed to prepare students for acceptance into Ph.D. programs in Psychology. Successful completion of the MA involves coursework and thesis research. The student may choose from various psychology courses (with faculty approval) to fulfill the requirements. Full-time students typically finish the MA in two years.
Master of Arts: Applied Behavior Analysis
The MA 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 Ph.D. programs with a behavioral emphasis. It contains the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) Verified Course Sequence to qualify for the exam to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®). It also includes a graduate-level practicum experience. In addition to advanced coursework in applied behavior analysis (ABA), the program also emphasizes theoretical and philosophical concepts in behavior analysis (Radical Behaviorism), clinical behavior analysis, and animal research in the experimental analysis of behavior (pigeon lab). It also prepares behavior analysts to work in settings that do not have a behavioral orientation. A competent, full-time student can finish the MA in Applied Behavior Analysis program in 4 semesters.
About MA in Applied Behavior Analysis
Master of Science in Psychology
The MS program is designed to prepare students for professional roles as counselors, therapists, and/or behavior analysts. The MS in Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration changed effective Fall 2012 to meet California licensing requirements. The Counseling track is now a 60-semester unit program; the Behavior Analysis track is now a 61-semester unit program. Successful completion of the MS involves coursework, supervised practicum experience, and thesis research.
Our MS program meets the California Board of Behavioral Sciences educational requirements to be eligible to become licensed as a Marriage Family Therapist (MFT) in California. A well-organized, productive, full-time student can finish the MS in 5 semesters (2.5 years).
Master of Science in Psychology: MFT Concentration, Behavior Analysis Track
Master of Science in Psychology: MFT Concentration, Counseling Track
Contact Information
For Graduate Program Information:
Please contact Mary Gonsalves-Pires: mpires3@csustan.edu
Updated: June 05, 2026