Our Counseling Master's program curriculum provides quality foundational training to prepare students to be counselors in a variety of settings.
Why Get a Master's in Counseling?
Counselors play an important role in our society. They help individuals address emotional, social, work, school and physical health concerns at different stages in their lives.
If you aim to be one of the people providing support to those in need, a master's in counseling prepares you to do just that.
Why Study Counseling at CSUN?
Multiple Options
The Master of Science in Counseling at CSUN offers specialized curriculum options. You can pursue a concentration in college counseling and student services or school counseling. Both program concentrations also include clinical coursework and clinical fieldwork requirements, thereby enhancing training and preparation to support various individuals and communities.
Designed with Students in Mind
The 3-year full-time degree program is designed to prepare students to be counselors in a variety of settings and includes specialized coursework in school counseling, college counseling/student services, and clinical counseling. Each concentration option provides training focused on practical application of knowledge and skills learned within the program and honed during fieldwork training. Classes are offered during the day and evenings, with most classes meeting on campus at CSUN.
Ready for Licensure
Students enrolled in the School Counseling degree program concentration will earn a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential upon completion of the master’s degree program, including fieldwork and coursework. The PPS Credential is granted by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and is required to become a School Counselor in Prek-12 education in the State of California.
Graduates of both concentrations (school counseling and college counseling/student services) are eligible to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) to qualify for certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) [additional requirements must be met]. As clinical coursework and a clinical fieldwork requirement are embedded in the program, any graduate of the program wishing to pursue licensure post-graduation to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California may do so. After program completion, candidates are required to complete post-graduate field experience and sit for state examinations.
What You'll Learn
CSUN's state-of-the-art curriculum prepares students to work in a variety of environments. You'll choose from one of two counseling specializations based on your interests and career goals.
Graduates of this program are prepared for career opportunities in higher education. You'll focus on positions serving university and community college students on urban campuses. Special attention is given to working with returning students, historically underrepresented students and students with disabilities.
Our School Counseling program prepares you to work in PreK-12 public schools and community agencies. As a counselor, you'll develop comprehensive, results-based school counseling programs. You'll also promote educational equity and academic achievement for all students. The program meets the accreditation standards of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
Admission Information
To be considered for admission to CSUN as a master’s student, you will need to:
- Meet university requirements.
- Meet department requirements for the Master of Science in Counseling:
- Apply to both the university and the specific graduate program of interest.
Learn more about applying for a master's program at CSUN.