MS in Counseling – Professional Counseling Concentration

MS in Counseling – Professional Counseling Concentration

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. 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.

Our highly competitive program offers students practices and theories grounded in social justice. Our program’s teaching philosophy is committed to serving our local communities and the unique challenges the Inland Empire faces. This includes preparing students to understand the complexities of racism, gendered biases, and the effects of poverty as students enter a counseling and service-driven profession. MS coursework blends the theoretical with practice using narrative and postmodern frameworks to prepare graduates to address various issues. 

We are one of the few counseling programs in the country that embraces a narrative and postmodern framework that provides up-to-date, innovative counseling training. Many of our professors are leaders in their field, researching writing and training worldwide. Some topics of expertise include Narrative Mediation, Conflict Resolution, Diversity & Counseling, Participatory Action Research, Addictions Counseling, Grief & Bereavement Counseling, and Narrative Therapy, to note a few. We hope students will find these fresh ideas encouraging and create a hopeful way out of the grips of suffocating problem stories.

Our professors are committed to providing top-notch teaching and training for students. In addition to offering their expertise in class, professors serve as advisors to students to ensure their academic success throughout the program. We want to see that you are supported and successful as students in the program and professionals in your future career. You will be assigned an advisor during your first semester as a Counseling student. This faculty member will be available to you throughout your program of study, helping plan your coursework and answer questions.

The Counseling Program, Professional Counseling Concentration, is accredited by: