WHY CGI IS THE RIGHT CHOICE

Choosing a graduate school can be one of the most important decisions you are likely to make.  And often one of the most confusing.  The school’s reliability, flexibility, faculty, reputation student opportunities, and, of course, cost of tuition, are important considerations.

Below are some salient points that distinguish CGI as a unique and relevant graduate school of psychology and marital & family therapy.

• Clinical Instruction From Licensed Practioners
  Distinguished, cutting-edge faculty has long been a trademark at CGI.  CGI faculty are licensed, experienced therapists with active practices.  This quality of instruction is unparalleled in traditional programs since university programs seldom hire such professionals full-time.  Knowing current trends instead of seeking tenure prompts a different set of teaching skills and motivation.  Many faculty also present professional seminars, publish books and journal articles, and devote time to hospitals and clinics.
   
• Reliability
  CGI has continuously and successfully educated and trained mental health professionals for 40 years. Our programs have been refined over the years to reflect depth of learning and the breadth needed for the right process.
   
• Flexability
  Degree curriculum are not "lock-step" whereby students are required to take specific classes each term at designated times.  CGI allows students to advance at their preferred pace,taking the amount of course-work that fits best with their preference, and personal schedule.  This allows a custom designed program to maximize learning opportunities.
   
• Reasonable Tuition For An Excellent Education
  Compare CGI, at $475 per credit unit, to other graduate schools charging up to $800 (or more) per unit!  Furthermore, students at other graduate schools using tuition loan programs have a total payment balance of more than twice as much after graduation.
   
• Financial Aid
  CGI gives eligible students access to easily managed loan programs and tuition payment plans.
   
• Location
  With two locations for both classes and clinical training – in Westwood and in Irvine – CGI is within reach of everyone in Southern California.  And each location is next to world-class research facilities (University of California, Los Angeles & Irvine), as well as bookstores, coffee houses, and theatres.
   
• Field Placement
  CGI maintains an active field placement service with over 150 contracted clinical training facilities throughout Southern California, providing ample opportunity for clinical experience under competent supervision.  And this includes the CGI Counseling Center, operated at both the Westwood and Irvine locations.
   
• Service To Students
  CGI’s mentor approach to education means smaller classroom enrollment.  This, combined with our continuous curriculum advisement and field placement coordination means greater individual attention.  It also allows more opportunities to network with experienced professors and advisors, as well as other students.
   
• Reputation And Alumni Success
  In addition to independent private practice, CGI alumni work in a variety of clinical settings including county mental health centers, state hospitals, residential treatment centers and outpatient clinics; in academic settings, such as federal and state government offices, public and private service agencies, foundation and corporations.  And this is only a small sampling of the positions and success achieved by graduates of CGI.
   
• Licensing Opportunities
  CGI graduates are eligible for either the Psychology or the Marital & Family Therapy license in California.