Dual Master’s Program in Medical Sciences and Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine

The MAMS/MHCBM is a three-year, 83-unit dual degree program. This program offers students an opportunity to combine a broad-based program in Medical Sciences with professional study in Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine, including a strong academic foundation in neuroscience. Completion of the program earns students two master’s degrees.

The MAMS/MHCBM dual degree program is a three-year program; in some cases, the degree may be completed in 2 1/2 years, although this is not the modal trajectory. Summer sessions are also included.

In addition to coursework, graduates will develop research skills in the medical sciences with successful completion of a thesis as well as clinical mental health skills that include substantial field training. Successful completion of the program will also lead to eligibility for independent licensure as a mental health counselor. Students completing the program will be awarded two master’s degrees: Master of Science in Medical Sciences and Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an in-depth and integrated knowledge of the processes underlying normal and abnormal function in the human body in preparation for advanced studies in a healthcare field.
• Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team to integrate and apply concepts in the medical sciences and draw linkages between structure and function at the level of molecules, cells, organs, and systems.
• Demonstrate the ability to critically read and analyze the scientific literature, propose and test a hypothesis, and communicate findings clearly, incorporating them into the existing body of knowledge.

Course Requirements

Dual degree candidates can cross-register and take courses in both programs. All courses are taught on the Medical Campus. Successful completion of the program includes approximately 1,000 hours of clinical field work experience and a 50-to-60-page thesis.

Application

Applications are only accepted from students currently enrolled in either the MS in Medical Sciences Program or the Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine Program with the support of their academic advisor.

Upon acceptance, the director of the dual degree program will review the applicant’s current transcripts and determine what courses must be taken to complete the combined dual degree requirements.

Dual Degree Program Curriculum

Year 1 (Fall Term)

• GMS AN 722 Cellular Organization of Tissues (4 units)
• GMS BI 751 Biochemistry (6 units)
• GMS MH 707 Research and Evaluation (3 units)
• GMS PH 730 Human Physiology A (4 units)

Total term hours: 17 units

Year 1 (Spring Term)

• GMS MS 640 Biomedical Information (2 units)
• GMS MS 700 Biostatistics (2 units)
• GMS PA 510 Immunology or other elective (2 units)
• GMS PA 600 Pathology or other elective (4 units)
• GMS PH 731 Human Physiology B (4 units)

Total term hours: 14 units

Year 1 (Summer Term)

Summer Session 1

• GMS MS 812 Addictions (3 units)

Summer Session II

• Directed Thesis Research (3 units)

Year 2 (Fall Term)

• GMS MH 703 Counseling Techniques (3 units)
• GMS MH 704 Group Work Dynamics (3 units)
• GMS MH 705 Psychopathology (3 units)
• GMS MH 710 Basic Mental Health Assessment
• GMS MH 901 Orientation to Professional Counseling (3 units)
• Process Group

Total term hours: 15 units

Year 2 (Spring Term)

• GMS MH 701 Counseling Theory (3 units)
• GMS MH 706 Social and Cultural Foundations (3 units)
• GMS MH 717 Theory and Practice of Child and Adolescent Counseling (3-unit elective)
• GMS MH 902 Practicum Supervision (3 units)

Total term hours: 9–12 units

Year 3 (Fall Term)

• GMS MH 708 Human Growth and Development (3 units)
• GMS MH 712 Marriage and Family Counseling (3-unit elective)
• GMS MH 714 Behavioral Medicine and Applied Health Psychology (3 units)
• GMS MH 921 Internship Supervision (6 units)

Total term hours: 12–15 units

Year 3 (Spring Term)

• GMS MH 702 Professional Orientation and Ethics (3 units)
• GMS MH 713 Human Sexuality (3-unit elective)
• GMS MH 716 Career and Vocational Counseling (3 units)
• GMS MH 922 Internship Supervision (6 units)

Total term hours: 12–15 units