The Master of Science in Educational Counseling  program prepares compassionate individuals to be academically well prepared, ethical, competent, and responsive counselors who can be leaders and advocates. Educational counselors help create environments in schools and the larger community that support cultural responsiveness, academic achievement, and promote social justice. Educational counselors embrace a holistic approach to maximize the learning environment so that all students can experience success in the academic, college/career readiness, and social/emotional domains.

To provide maximum convenience and flexibility, the MS in Educational Counseling program is available at several campus locations throughout California, including La Verne, Bakersfield, Burbank, Irvine, and Santa Clarita. Courses are held in the late afternoons, evenings, and some weekends to meet the schedules of working students, and students can complete their degree on either a full- or part-time schedule. The degree consists of 55-71 credits and can be completed in as few as 2 years of full-time study or 2 to 3.5 years of  full-time study for those who selection a concentration.

Educational Counseling Curriculum

The Master of Science in Educational Counseling coursework equips students with the skills required to address school climate and mental health concerns, specifically culturally relevant prevention and intervention practices that contribute to increased academic achievement for all students. Our program supports a culture of caring that includes a strong commitment to equity across the academic, career, personal, and social domains defined by the National Standards for School Counseling.

Master’s degree coursework emphasizes social justice, mindfulness, creativity, excellence, and community involvement with community action research components embedded throughout the coursework. MS in Educational Counseling graduates are trained as advocates and collaborators for and with families, other educators, and the global community. Through this degree program, students increase their capacity for critical thinking and self-reflection. They also develop the courage and skills to challenge biases and stereotypes, to appreciate diversity, and become transformative leaders in schools and communities.

View the entire educational counseling curriculum. For more information regarding fieldwork, please contact our fieldwork director, Kathy Elderson.

Pupil Personnel Services Credential

The Master of Science in Educational Counseling program is accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and meets the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential specialization requirements for school counseling.

Educational Counseling Concentrations

Students also have the option to customize the program to meet their professional goals by selecting one of three concentrations:

• Spanish Bilingual Bicultural Counseling (SBBC)
• School and Family Based Counseling (SFBC)*
• Social Justice Higher Education (SJHE)

*Pending Board of Behavior Science (BBS) Approval

Careers in Educational Counseling

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of school and career counselors is projected to grow 10 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. The foundational coursework prepares all graduates to work as school counselors in public K-12 settings, while a concentration can expand career options in a variety of ways:

• MS with the PPS Credential equips graduates to work in the public K–12 education system.
• The MS with Social Justice Higher Education (SJHE) concentration prepares graduates to enter the profession of student affairs in higher education.
• The MS with School and Family Based Counseling (SFBC) concentration positions graduates for licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.*
• The MS with Spanish Bilingual Bicultural Counseling (SBBC) concentration equips graduates to work with Spanish-speaking families and immigrant youth.

*Pending Board of Behavior Science (BBS) Approval