Master of Science - Counseling - School Counseling

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling with an option in School 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 focused on school counseling. Students entering this program will be prepared to work in PreK-12 public schools as school counselors, as well as in community agencies as professional clinical counselors. The program is driven by a vision for counselors who can develop comprehensive, results-based school counseling programs that promote educational equity and high academic achievement for all students. Program courses are integrated with school-based experiences and activities that prepare counselors to address the personal, social, emotional, career and academic development of PreK-12 students. The program meets the accreditation standards of and is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). At the completion of the program, graduates qualify for the State of California Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in School Counseling, required to become a School Counselor in PreK-12 education in the State of California. 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.