Counseling M.A.

Suzanne Whitehead, Ed.D., Department Chair, Advanced Studies

Office: DBH 345
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 use disorder field, working with foster children, counseling/advising in higher education settings, working with the homeless, working as school counselors, and working in mental health clinics, residential treatment centers, or hospitals, and/or or numerous other counseling-related positions that require a Master’s degree. It is available as a combined program with the Pupil Personnel Services Credential , or with the Professional Clinical Counselor option .

Applicants to the Counselor Education Program must declare a concentration with the Master of Arts in Counseling for the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential, or the Master of Arts in Counseling for the Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) degree. Applicants can also choose the Master of Arts in Counseling with the dual concentrations for the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential and for the Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) degree together, provided through the Continuing and Professional Education Program (CaPE). This latter program is entitled, Master of Arts in Counselor Education, or MACE. Each concentration begins in August, with a newly proposed MACE (dual-concentration through CaPE) also being offered, planned each Spring beginning 2027. For information regarding the MACE program, please visit the CaPE programs at Stanislaus State. All concentrations are taught using a chort model that assigns prerequisites and relevant courses in a planned succession (Options are available for those who want to attend part-time).

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 Chancellors Office.