Educational Psychology and Counseling

Notice: The M.S. in Counseling degree option in Career Counseling has been suspended as of Fall 2018.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling offers three options: (1) Career Counseling, (2) College Counseling and Student Services, and (3) School Counseling. Students must successfully complete all prerequisite courses before formal admittance to a master’s degree program. Only students admitted to a Master of Science degree program may take classes in that program.

Students in the Career Counseling, College Counseling and Student Services, and School Counseling options of the Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling degree program will complete a common core of counseling courses (51 units)—some of which include focus on mental health and clinical counseling—and will complete 18-21 additional units in their option area (Career Counseling, College Counseling and Student Services, or School Counseling).

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling with an option in Career Counseling is a full-time program consisting of a core of counseling courses designed to prepare students to be counselors in a variety of settings, and specialization courses specifically grounded in career development theory and career development theory process are equally addressed. Students will also receive training focused on career resources and program development, approaches to developing organizational-based career development programs, consulting, individual and group career assessment, ethical and legal issues, and the career development of special populations. These areas have been identified by the National Career Development Association (NCDA) as essential competency areas for individuals to qualify for national certifications as a Certified Career Counselor (CCC). Graduates of the program will be prepared for employment as career counselors in the following settings: education (community colleges, colleges and universities); business, industry and government; community-based agencies and organizations; career counseling/consulting firms; and private practice as a career counselor. Graduates are eligible to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) to qualify for certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) [additional requirements must be met]. Graduates may also choose to pursue certification as a Certified Career Counselor (CCC) through the National Career Development Association [additional requirements must be met]. For those graduates with an interest in preparing for clinical practice as a psychotherapist, the option of pursuing a license as a Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California exists. Clinical coursework and a clinical fieldwork requirement are embedded in the program. Postgraduate work, candidates would be required to complete postgraduate field experience and sit for state examinations.

A. Admission Requirements for Classified Standing

1. Complete University application and requirements.
   1. Have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
   2. Have been in good standing at the last institution attended.
   3. Have at least a 2.5 GPA in the last 60 semester/90 quarter units attempted.
   4. If cumulative undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0, score at or above the 50th percentile on one of the three sections of the aptitude test of the Graduate Record Examination (i.e., verbal, quantitative or analytical).
2. Complete department application for admission to graduate programs.
   1. Submit the following: Two recommendations (either as letters or on the departmental form), personal statement, resume, applicable test scores and unofficial transcripts.
   2. Participate in the admission’s interview process.
   3. Be accepted by Counseling program faculty.
3. Complete required prerequisite courses EPC 451 and PSY 310 with a grade of “B-” or better within the past 7 years. Equivalent courses may be substituted for prerequisites.

B. Requirements for the Master of Science in Counseling Degree

1. Core Program (51 units)

EPC 601 Individual and Group Assessment (3)
EPC 602 Research Principles (3)
EPC 609 Human Development: A Lifespan Perspective (3)
EPC 643 Diversity in Counseling (3)
EPC 655 Seminar in Counseling Theory and Practice (3)
EPC 658 Seminar in Group Counseling (3)
EPC 659A Communication Skills in Counseling (3)
EPC 659B Practicum in Counseling (3)
EPC 670A Systemic Family Therapy Theories and Their Evidence Base (3)
EPC 671 Laws, Ethics and Professional Issues in Counseling (3)
EPC 672 Mental Health Assessment and Diagnosis (3)
EPC 673 Community Mental Health (3)
EPC 675 Substance Abuse and Addictions Treatment (3)
EPC 678 Psychopharmacology and Neurobiological Foundations (3)
EPC 696 Directed Graduate Research (3)

Clinical fieldwork will be completed over two semesters in the final year.

EPC 659JC Fieldwork in Clinical Counseling (3)
EPC 659KC Fieldwork in Clinical Counseling (3)

3. Culminating Experience (3 units)

Total Units Required for the M.S. Degree: 75