Master of Science in Counseling Program Overview
The MS Counseling Program at CSUSB offers varying pathways for students to achieve their personal and professional goals. The Master of Science in Counseling meets the general and advanced areas of study to prepare students for a career in various professional counseling positions. When students apply to the program, they have to select a pathway from the following three options:
- School Counseling Concentration or
- Professional Counseling Concentration or
- School and Professional Counseling Dual Concentration
The degree houses two distinct concentrations: professional counseling and school counseling. The professional counseling concentration prepares students to become Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC), regulated by The California Board of Behavioral Sciences. While CSUSB does not grant the LPCC, you can apply to the Board of Behavioral Sciences for an intern number upon completing the degree. The school counseling concentration prepares students for a California Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPS) granted by the California Teaching Commission. Either can be completed as a stand-alone degree or combined to meet the LPCC and PPS credential requirements.
Regardless of concentration, all students complete the program in three years. Our program uses a cohort model. This means that all students start in the Fall semester regardless of concentration(s). Students move through the program in three years, taking most courses on a Monday/Wednesday OR Tuesday/Thursday schedule. Typically, on a semester system, students will take four classes per semester, two each night.
If students decide to change concentrations early in the program, they must consult with the program coordinator & faculty advisor. You view an overview of the concentrations and course schedule.