Psychology is the study of individual human cognition and behavior across the lifespan. The Psychology Program at University of the West additionally emphasizes the dimensions of multicultural and cross cultural influence. Furthermore, course offerings in Psychology at the University of the West include introductory and advanced instruction in not only Western, but also Eastern systems of psychological theory and practice.

Additionally, the program was designed to promote innovative critical thinkers in order to meet the needs of a dynamic and complex global community. This is achieved in part by our culturally diverse faculty and staff’s commitment to cultivate an appreciation of cultural differences.

And lastly, consistent with the mission of University of the West, we aim not only to provide and cultivate an exceptional level of knowledge and skills to our students, but also aspire to provide a whole person education by nurturing social responsibility and integrity in all future endeavors.

University of the West offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology. Located in Rosemead, a part of the beautiful San Gabriel Valley and about 10 minutes by car from downtown Los Angeles, the University of the West campus is a quiet oasis of learning and culture.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

The undergraduate program prepares successful alums to be competitive graduate school candidates, primarily in the fields of research psychology, applied counseling psychology, clinical psychology, school psychology and social work. Graduates are also prepared to work in successfully in a wide variety of cultural environments.

Master of Arts in Psychology

The Masters level Psychology Program at University of the West prepares students for careers in a wide variety of applied counseling and consultation settings. Furthermore, the psychology program is designed to meet the pre-requirements for the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) license.

The Multicultural Counseling MA program is based on regulations provided by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and on guidelines suggested by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Coursework is designed to prepare the student for the California MFT license examinations. More information about the MFT license can be found at http://www.bbs.ca.gov.

Unique to University of the West is a Multicultural Generalist focus, as well as a one-of-a-kind Buddhist Psychology track. In such a globally connected world, it has become imperative to train psychology professionals who are proficient in working with a wide variety of cultural identities. For this reason, the Masters of Psychology at University of the West focuses on exploring both the Western and Eastern contributions to psychology.

The Buddhist Psychology track holds the same multicultural emphasis as the Multicultural Generalist track, but with the additional inclusion of Buddhist perspectives. Buddhist concepts and practices have been successfully used in Western counseling settings. For example, the concept of mindfulness and meditation has been empirically supported and widely integrated into contemporary Western psychology practices. Students following this track will gain additional expertise in these areas.

Both the Multicultural Generalist and Buddhist Psychology specialty track require a minimum of 48 semester units. Units are divided into 15 foundational course units, 12 core level course units, 3 advanced level units, 6 units of practicum at an approved practicum site, and a minimum of 12 units to be taken from a list of electives. Specialty tracks (i.e. Buddhist Psychology) require 12 units of coursework in the area of specialty which are taken in lieu of electives. Furthermore, all students are required to pass a comprehensive exam in their final semester.