Master of Science in Counseling Program Overview
The Master of Science in Counseling Program at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) offers multiple pathways for students to achieve their personal and professional goals in the counseling profession. The program provides a comprehensive foundation in both general and advanced areas of counseling, preparing students to serve effectively in diverse educational, clinical, and community settings. When applying to the program, prospective students select one of three pathways: (1) School Counseling Concentration, (2) Professional Counseling Concentration, or (3) School and Professional Counseling Dual Concentration.
The School Counseling Concentration prepares students to earn the California Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPS-SC), issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). This pathway equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to support the academic, social, and emotional development of PK–12 students while promoting equity and access in educational systems.
The Professional Counseling Concentration prepares students to become Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC), regulated by the California Board of Behavioral Science (BBS). While CSUSB does not grant the LPCC license directly, graduates are eligible to apply for an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) registration number upon degree completion. After earning the master’s degree, individuals seeking full LPCC licensure must complete 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical experience and successfully pass both the California Law and Ethics Exam and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Students pursuing the Dual Concentration integrate both the PPS and LPCC pathways, allowing them to meet the academic requirements for both credentials simultaneously. Notably, the 3,000 post-graduate hours required for the LPCC may support those who plan to serve in roles where both school and clinical counseling competencies overlap, such as private practice, college counseling, behavioral health, and community-based practice.
Regardless of concentration, all students complete the program in three years within a cohort model. This structure fosters a strong sense of community, collaboration, and professional identity as students advance through the program together. Each cohort begins in the Fall semester, and students follow a structured course sequence designed to balance theory, research, and applied counseling practice. Most students attend classes on either a Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday schedule, typically enrolling in four to five courses per semester (two each evening).
Students considering a change in concentration after beginning the program must meet with the Program Coordinator and their Faculty Advisor to review degree requirements, course sequencing, and credentialing implications. Detailed overviews of each concentration, including sample course schedules, practicum and internship expectations, and credentialing requirements, are available to help students plan their academic journey and align their studies with their long-term professional goals.
To view the course schedule and program sequence, please visit bit.ly/mscourse-sequence.