Notice to Students Regarding Professional Licensure and Certification
Program Overview
The Master of Science degree in Counseling includes the following options:
- Option in Applied Behavior Analysis - total 52-56 units, this option is designed to train graduate students in the principles, concepts, and application of behavior analysis within a counseling framework, who plan to practice as behavior analysts, and for those who elect to specialize in the behavioral area for doctoral training.
- Option in School-Based Family Counseling* - total 73-77 units, this option contains the Pupil Personnel Services Credential with Advanced Authorization in School Counseling and Child Welfare and Attendance . The option is designed to prepare family-systems oriented counselors who are eligible to apply for licensure in California as Marriage and Family therapists. It meets state requirements for licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy as outlined in the Business and Professions Code, Section 4980.37. Students also complete the Pupil Personnel Services Credential with Advanced Authorization in School Counseling and Child Welfare and Attendance Services in addition to the Master’s Degree. An extensive MFT Handbook, containing a detailed description of the program, the required form for registering with the Board of Behavioral Science Examiners, and the Site Practicum Manual is provided to all students in the program.
- Option in Rehabilitation Counseling - total 70-74 units, this option prepares students to (a) address the needs of individuals with disabilities and maximize their rehabilitation potential, which includes occupational and personal efficacy, and (b) function effectively as professional rehabilitation counselors in a variety of employment settings.
- Option in School Psychology - total 72-76 units; school psychologists focus on the psychoeducational development of individuals from birth through age 21, their abilities and potentialities, and the biological, emotional, behavioral, and cultural factors that influence the learning process. Students who earn the master’s degree with this option also qualify for the Pupil Personnel Services credential with advanced specialization in School Psychology and advanced specialization in School Psychology and advanced specialization in Child Welfare and Attendance Services . Students in this option should see the information below regarding the School Psychology Internship Credential.
*Includes Marriage and Family Therapy
Admission to the Program
In addition to University requirements for admission to graduate study, students must have a 2.75 grade point average in the last 60 semester units attempted, submit College application forms, and be interviewed by the Division screening committee. Successful candidates are admitted to cohort groups and must take a prescribed sequence of cohort classes.
Applications are considered once a year for admission to the Fall Semester. Prospective candidates must check with the Division office for annual application deadlines and procedures. Prior to admission to the program, graduate students are encouraged to obtain preliminary advisement. Upon acceptance, each student is assigned a faculty advisor and a cohort group.
Requirements for the Degree
A total of 52 -77 units are required, depending on the option, prior coursework, and culminating experience selected (Comprehensive Examination, Thesis or Project), with at least half of the units at the 5000-level.
Fieldwork is a core requirement for all M.S. Counseling students and is integral to the degree. All students must complete 18 units of fieldwork for the degree. Students should see an advisor for which specific fieldwork to apply for and enroll in. Any master of science in counseling students receiving a no credit (NC) in a fieldwork experience will be placed on academic probation and must complete an academic improvement plan with their advisor before they may enroll in subsequent fieldwork courses. Receiving two separate no credits in any fieldwork experiences is cause for dismissal.
Before students may take courses to meet the fieldwork requirement, they must be advanced to candidacy and must be recommended by their advisor. Written applications for fieldwork must be submitted to the Division Office during the tenth week of the semester prior to the semester in which the student desires a fieldwork placement.
Students who select the comprehensive examination (COUN 5960 ) must be advanced to candidacy and must comply with College and Division requirements before enrolling to take the examination. These requirements include a formal application no later than the tenth week of the Summer Session for Fall Semester examinations or the tenth week of the Fall Semester for Spring Semester examinations.
Students with research interests are encouraged to undertake the thesis. Selecting the Thesis (COUN 5990A and COUN 5990B ) or Project (COUN 5995A and COUN 5995B ) option may increase the number of units required for completion of the program. Students are encouraged to begin thesis planning as soon as possible.
