Required Courses

The Master of Science in School Counseling includes coursework and experiences designed to meet the competencies required for the California Pupil Personnel Services Credential.

MS in School Counseling Sequence of Study(PDF, 830 K)

• EDSC 601 Methods of Inquiry (3 units)

  • EDSC 601 Methods of Inquiry (3 units) 
  • EDSC 602 Cross-Cultural Counseling Communication Skills (2 units) 
  • EDSC 603 Cross-Cultural Counseling Pre-practicum (1 units) 

• Foundations (12 units)

  • EDSC 611 Theoretical Foundations of Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy (3 units) 
  • EDSC 612 Determinants of Human Behavior and Development (3 units) 
  • EDSC 613 Seminar in Multicultural Dimensions in Counseling (3 units) 
  • EDSC 614 Foundations of the Professional School Counselor Leader (3 units) 

• Theory, Research, and Techniques (21 units)

  • EDSC 621 Learning, Achievement, and Instruction for School Counselors (3 units) 
  • EDSC 622 Social Justice and Holistic School Systems for School Counselors (3 units) 
  • EDSC 623 College Planning and Career Development P-16 (3 units) 
  • EDSC 624 Counseling Interventions with Children and Adolescents: School Counseling and School Psychology (3 units) 
  • EDSC 625 Theory and Process of Group Counseling (3 units) 
  • EDSC 627 Prevention, Crisis Intervention, and Conflict Resolution in Schools (3 units) 
  • EDSC 628 The Opportunity Gap: Leadership, Advocacy, and Systemic Change (3 units) 

• Integration and Application of Theory, Research, and Techniques (Minimum 12 units)

  • EDSC 631 Fieldwork in Counseling (6 units) 
  • EDSC 632 Practicum (6 units) 

• Additional Requirement for Concentration (6 units)

  • EDSC 641 Consultation with Families and Teachers for School Counselors (3 units) 
  • EDSC 642 Policy, Politics, Law, and Ethics for School Counselors (3 units)

• Research

  • (Minimum three units selected in consultation with Advisor) Students may select one, but not both. 
  • EDSC 651 Professional Seminar: School Counseling (3) 
  • EDUC 616 Thesis

Total units to complete the degree- 60 units

Culminating Experience requirement  

Students can elect one of two choices for the culminating experience—either a Professional Seminar or a Thesis. Most students will take the Professional Seminar, as it is tailored for the scholar-practitioner school counselor. A few students may select the Thesis option in consultation with their advisor if they intend to pursue a terminal degree in the future.

EDSC 651 Professional Seminar
Candidates develop a professional portfolio representing the work completed that aligns with the program and student learning outcomes and the CTC standards that is derived from coursework, the practicum, and the school counseling internship hours.

EDUC 616 Thesis
Independent research on topic of choice with advisor approval. Finished product evidences originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization and format, and thorough documentation.