Program: M.S., Counseling
College Counseling and Student Services
Program Description
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.
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 (49 units)—some of which include focus on mental health and clinical counseling—and will complete 18 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 College Counseling and Student Services 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 focused on college counseling and student services. Students entering this program will be prepared for career opportunities in higher education, with particular emphasis on positions serving university and community college students on urban campuses. Special attention is given to working with diverse student populations, including returning students, historically underrepresented students and students with disabilities. This program is designed for individuals who desire training for entry-level positions in student affairs, and those who are already experienced professionals in student affairs and wish to increase their theoretical background and range of experience. 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]. 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.
Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU, and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., Social Security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees or any associated costs to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements is available from the department. See Notice to Students: Licensure and Certification for more information.
Program Requirements
A. Admission Requirements for Classified Standing
- Complete University application and requirements.
- Have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
- Have been in good standing at the last institution attended.
- Have at least a 2.5 GPA in the last 60 semester/90 quarter units attempted.
- 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). Applicants to the School Psychology Program are required to take the GRE.
- Pass Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam by earning a score of 8 or higher or receive a score of 3.0 or above on the Analytical Writing section of the GRE.
- Complete Department application for admission to graduate programs.
- Submit two recommendations, either as letters or on the departmental form.
- Participate in the admission’s interview process.
- Be accepted by Counseling program faculty.
- Complete all required prerequisite courses 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 Degree in Counseling
1. Core Program (49 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/L Seminar in Group Counseling and Lab (3/1)
EPC 659A Communication Skills in Counseling (3)
EPC 659B Practicum in Counseling (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 681 The Counselor’s Role in Special Education in PreK-16 School Settings (3)
Clinical fieldwork will be completed over two semesters in the final year.
EPC 659CC Fieldwork in Counseling Services (3)
EPC 659DC Fieldwork in Counseling Services (3)
2. Option (18 units)
EPC 620 College Counseling and Student Services Profession (3)
EPC 622 American College Student and Campus Environment (3)
EPC 657A Seminar in Career Counseling Theory (3)
EPC 659JC Fieldwork in College Counseling and Student Services (3)
EPC 659KC Fieldwork in College Counseling and Student Services (3)
EPC 695S Capstone: College Counseling and Student Services (3)
3. Culminating Experience (6 units)
Total Units Required for the M.S. Degree: 73
Contact
Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling
Chair: Alberto Restori
Education (ED) 1218
(818) 677-2599
Graduate Coordinator: Shyrea Minton
(818) 677-4976
Graduate Coordinator: Joannie Aguayo
(818) 677-5725
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Identify and articulate the relevant professional laws and ethical codes of their respective fields of study and practice.
- Develop empathetic, respectful and congruent interpersonal skills and demonstrate their ability to work successfully with groups and individuals from diverse backgrounds in educational, community and mental health settings.
- Collaborate skillfully and respectfully as leaders, consultants and team members in a variety of settings to assess and evaluate individuals and groups.
- Through reflective practices, examine the impact of the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies on the student trainee and professional counselor’s counseling process/engagement, and identify ways in which counselors promote social justice, access, equity and opportunity for historically marginalized populations in their respective fields of study and practice.
- Conduct clinical, diagnostic, psychosocial and crisis assessments, and use effective treatment planning methods to design prevention and early intervention therapeutic programming that is educative in nature and promotes social/emotional well-being, healthy relationships, academic success and/or career mastery.
- Utilize current technology to engage in and disseminate creative, empirical and applied research studies and program evaluations.
- Identify and demonstrate advocacy skills needed to transform harmful policies and practices of institutions that provide services to individuals and families.