Masters of Science Degree in Counseling Program

We are happy you are interested in considering a graduate degree in counseling. We offer a robust and exciting curriculum, to prepare students for a rewarding career in counseling in a variety of settings. As we move our program to a semester system, we are expanding the options for the degree to better meet a variety of interests! Students can be granted a master's degree concentrating in school counseling, which includes a PPS credential. Or, students can receive a master's degree concentrating in professional counseling, which meets the criteria for people interested in being certified as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LPCC). Most students entering our program elect to combine these two concentrations to meet qualifications to earn both their PPS and LPCC, opening too many exciting job possibilities.

Many of our graduates work in K–12 schools or community colleges as professional counselors. Additionally, our graduates work in a variety of settings providing counseling and leadership in public and private sectors in hospitals, counseling clinics, criminal justice & probation, higher education, and private counseling. Graduates also can continue on to pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor or seek a Ph.D.

Students are often drawn to our program for a variety of reasons. Noteworthy is our program's teaching philosophy, which is committed to serving our local communities and the unique challenges faced. This includes preparing students to understand the complexities of racism, gendered biases, and the effects of poverty as students enter a counseling and service-driven profession. MS coursework blends the theoretical with practice using narrative and postmodern frameworks to prepare graduates to address a variety of issues.

Our vision in the College of Education is, “To be the premier provider of teachers, counselors, and educational leaders” in the area. As we embark on the new and exciting adventures ahead, we hope to impact the Southern California communities and our state at large through graduates who would serve our communities with passion, compassion, and excellence.