Counseling M.A.

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Suzanne Whitehead, Ed.D., Program Coordinator and Department Chair, Advanced Studies

Office: DBH 348A
Phone: (209) 667-3955 or 3364

The Master of Arts in Counseling, is intended for those who wish to provide counseling in a variety of settings such as the substance abuse field, working with foster children, counseling/advising in higher education settings, working with the homeless, or numerous other counseling-related positions that require a Master’s degree. It is also available as a combined program with the Pupil Personnel Services Credential , or with the Professional Clinical Counselor option .

*Please Note: The 2024-2025 academic year may be the last time the Masters in Counseling concentration by itself may be offered, as it will be phased out soon. The Masters in Counseling plus the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential, and the Masters in Counseling plus the Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) concentration that leads to licensure in California as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) will be the two concentrations that will be offered. A third, dual-concentration cohort is being planned for the Masters in Counseling plus the PPS and PCC concentrations together through our program and the Continuing and Professional Education (CaPE) program of extended education with a proposed start date of Fall 2025. Applications are being planned for this dual-concentration for Winter, 2024-2025.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the M.A. Counseling, applicants must:

Possess a baccalaureate degree.
Be admitted to the University with a GPA of at least 3.0 for the last 60 units earned.
Submit Application for First Interview form with payment receipt to the Advanced Studies in Education office (DBH 348). The application for the First Interview indicates that you must submit a written statement indicating suitability for the Stanislaus State Counselor Education Program and future work as a counselor. This document will not only be used to ascertain a candidate’s fit within the program, but will also be used as a measure of writing proficiency.
Pay program application fee at Cashier’s Office.
Submit a Certificate of Clearance (or valid California Teaching/Service Credential or Substitute Permit) with Application for First Interview.
Submit two (2) signed forms of recommendation with the Application for First Interview. The directions with the link to be sent to your references are included in the application instructions.
Successfully complete First Interview.

General Information

Coursework Requirements - Students must be fully admitted to program prior to taking any Counseling coursework.
Graduate Requirements - The minimum academic grade point average for earning the M.A. degree is 3.0. The minimum acceptable grade for courses included in the M.A. program is a “C.” A student who earns a grade of “C” or below may be put on probation if their GPA falls below the required 3.0. Earning a second grade of “C” or below may lead to disqualification and removal from program and will be reviewed by the program coordinator on a case-by-case basis.
Final Requirements - The M.A. in Counseling degree requires the successful completion of all coursework and passing a Comprehensive Exam and Competency Interview, or approval of a written thesis, and passing of an oral thesis defense. After all requirements have been met, the student will be awarded the M.A. degree.
Class Scheduling - Courses are scheduled in the late afternoon and evening to enable employed individuals to enroll in classes. Early registration is strongly recommended.
Coursework - Coursework expires seven years from completion and cannot be applied toward the Master’s degree. One-third of units may be revalidated if less than 10 years old. This applies to all Master’s degree options: thesis or comprehensive examination. We use a cohort model for all our concentrations.
Program Learning Outcomes - PLO 1a: Competent professionals demonstrate subject-specific knowledge, pedagogical, and practical skills; PLO 2a Reflective learners practice data-driven decision making; PLO 3a Engaged professionals engage in collaborative efforts to advance teaching and learning; PLO 1b Competent professionals demonstrate ability to teach in a diverse society; PLO 2b Reflective learners reflect on assessment and instructional practices

Requirements - Comprehensive Exam Option

(32 units)

Note:

If the Comprehensive Exam is not passed during the final semester of course enrollment, then student needs to register for EDGS 7006 (once).

Requirements - Thesis Option

(33-35 units)

Program Courses

EDCL 5520 - Principles of the Diagnostic Process 3 unit(s)
EDCL 5525 - Applied Psychopharmacology for Counselors 3 unit(s)
EDCL 5530 - Testing in Education and Counseling 3 unit(s)
EDCL 5535 - Advanced Families and Couples Counseling 3 unit(s)
EDCL 5540 - Counseling Exceptional Children and At-Risk Youth 3 unit(s)
EDCL 5545 - Human Development and Sexuality Throughout the Life Cycle 3 unit(s)
EDCL 5550 - Ethics and Law in Counseling 3 unit(s)
EDCL 5555 - Addiction Counseling 3 unit(s)
EDCL 5560 - Crisis and Trauma Counseling 3 unit(s)
EDCL 5570 - Counseling and Guidance in Education 4 unit(s)
EDCL 5600 - Family Counseling and Community Resources 3 unit(s)
EDCL 5610 - Educational and Occupational Information 3 unit(s)
EDCL 5630 - Multicultural Counseling 3 unit(s)
EDCL 5640 - Counseling and Psychotherapeutic Theories and Techniques 3 unit(s)
EDCL 5645 - Advanced Theories, Applications, and Administration of Clinical Counseling Services 3 unit(s)
EDCL 5650 - Group Counseling Techniques 3 unit(s)
EDCL 5760 - Pupil Personnel Services Seminar 4 unit(s)
EDCL 5770 - College Counseling and Student Services 3 unit(s)
EDCL 5780 - Consultation and Supervision for School Counselors 3 unit(s)
EDCL 5850 - Counseling Seminar and Field Experiences 4 unit(s)
(1 enrollment) Prerequisites: EDCL 5540, EDCL 5570, and EDCL 5640
EDCL 5930 - School Counseling Practicum 3 unit(s)

Graduate Core Courses

EDGS 5510 - Introduction to Educational Research 3 unit(s)
EDGS 5620 - Action Research: Mixed Methods Design for Practitioners 3 unit(s)
EDGS 5990 - Thesis 1-4 unit(s) (4-6 units, minimum of 4 units)

Technology Courses

EDIT 4170 - Educational Technology Foundations 2 unit(s)

Note:

If Thesis is not completed after three semesters of enrollment in EDGS 5990, then student must enroll in EDGS 7005 every semester until completion of M.A.

Licensure/Credentialing Requirements

Admission into programs leading to licensure or credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure or credential requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or tax payer identification number) and successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements.

Professional licensure notification from the Chancellor’s Office.