This is an archive of the 2014-2015 University Catalog.
To access the most recent version, please visit catalog.csun.edu.

This is an archive of the 2014-2015 University Catalog.
To access the most recent version, please visit catalog.csun.edu.

Program: M.S., Counseling

School Psychology

Overview

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling offers five options: (1) Career Counseling; (2) College Counseling and Student Services; (3) Marriage and Family Therapy; (4) School Counseling; and (5) School Psychology. 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.

School Psychology Counseling option students may pursue a license as an Educational Psychologist.

This Option within the Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling prepares school psychologists for careers within school-based teams to help all children, including those of linguistically and cultural diverse backgrounds, attain academic and social success. Students attain skills in consultation, assessment and intervention, including counseling. Working at both the individual- and systems-level of service delivery, students develop the skills to facilitate collaboration among families, schools and communities. They creatively use evaluation methods and culturally compatible solutions to dissolve barriers that impede the learning process. Through personal and educational development in the program, graduates become competent professionals, lifelong learners, innovators and leaders in the field. On completion of the program, the student applies for the Advanced Pupil Personnel Services Credential: School Psychology Credential.

Program Requirements

The Admissions 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) or on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Applicants to the School Psychology Program are required to take the GRE or MAT.
    5. Pass Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam by earning a score of 8 or higher.
  2. Complete Department application for admission to graduate programs.
    1. Submit two recommendations, either as letters or on Departmental form;
    2. Participate in the admission’s interview process; and
    3. Be accepted by Departmental Student Affairs Committee.
  3. Complete all required prerequisite courses with a grade of “B-” or better within the past 7 years.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Counseling

Prerequisites (9 units)

EPC 314 or 314BL Psychological Foundations, K-12 (3) (Waived for applicants who have a teaching credential)
EPC 430 Development and Learning in Early Childhood Education (3)
EPC 451 Fundamentals of Counseling and Guidance (3)
EPC 600 Educational Statistics for Research and Measurement (3)
(Equivalent courses may be substituted for prerequisites)

1. Core Program (18 units)

EPC 601 Individual and Group Assessment (3)
EPC 602 Research Principles (3)
EPC 643 Diversity in Counseling (3)
EPC 655 Seminar in Counseling Theory and Practice (3)
EPC 659A Communication Skills in Counseling (3)
EPC 659B Practicum in Counseling (3)

2. Option (49 units)

EPC 611 Seminar in Educational Psychology (3)
EPC 647 Assessment and Intervention with Child and Family in Various Settings (3)
EPC 659E/F Field Work in School Psychology (1-6)
EPC 659G/H Internship in School Psychology (1-6)
EPC 661 Multi-Systemic Behavioral Interventions (3)
EPC 663A/L Clinical and Psychometrics Assessment Techniques and Lab (3/2)
EPC 663B/L Clinical and Psychometric Assessment Techniques and Lab (3/2)
EPC 664 Neuro-developmental, Emotional and Behavior Disorders (3)
EPC 665 School-Based Counseling of Children and Teens (3)
EPC 667 Introduction to School Psychology (3)
EPC 680 Seminar in School Psychology (3)
EPC 684 Educational Program Evaluation and Assessment (3)
SPED 610 Program Planning for Exceptional Children and Youth (3)

Total Units Required for the M.S. Degree: 67

Contact

Chair: Shari Tarver-Behring
Education (ED) 1218
(818) 677-2599
(818) 677-2601
Department email: epcdept@csun.edu
www.csun.edu/coe/epc

Student Learning Outcomes

To fulfill the Department mission, faculty engages in University and professional activities to develop and provide undergraduate and graduate programs for the preparation of professionals. At the conclusion of their program of study, students will be able to:

  1. Develop and apply expertise in their fields of study.
  2. Think critically and engage in reflective, ethical and legal practice throughout their education and professional lives.
  3. Develop empathetic, respectful and congruent interpersonal skills and abilities to work successfully with groups and individuals from diverse backgrounds in educational, community and mental health settings.
  4. Communicate effectively using oral, written, listening and nonverbal attending and observational skills.
  5. Become information-competent scholars and researchers capable of utilizing current technology in work environments while engaging in and disseminating creative, empirical and applied research studies and program evaluations.
  6. Collaborate skillfully and respectfully as leaders, consultants and team members in a variety of settings.
  7. Develop skills necessary to assess and evaluate individuals and groups and to utilize current technology in work environments.
  8. Maintain a multicultural and global perspective, emphasizing social justice, gender and educational equity, access and support.
  9. View their roles as preventative, educative and therapeutic in promoting well-being, healthy relationships, academic success and career mastery.
  10. Provide service through a wide variety of field-based partnerships informed by theory, research and practice.
  11. Act as advocates with initiative, perception and vision to lead and transform the practices and policies of those who provide services to individuals, families, schools, organizations, communities and policymakers.
  12. Pursue lifelong professional and personal development through such mediums as continuing education, information, technology, psychological counseling, participation and leadership in professional organizations, and doctoral study