School Counseling, M.A.
The Master of Arts degree in School Counseling is an advanced academic degree that builds upon an appropriate undergraduate foundation. A total of 39 semester units are required to complete this program. The curriculum for each of the specializations in this degree links theory to practice for teachers, counselors, principals, and those in educational roles outside of the K-12 setting.
Program Learning Outcomes
Candidates who complete the Master of Arts in School Counseling program will be able to:
Equip
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Promote the success of all students by understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.
Transform
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Promote the success of all students by modeling a personal code of ethics and developing professional leadership capacity.
Empower
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Promote the success of all students by collaborating with families and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources.
Program Eligibility for the Master of Arts in School Counseling
- Proof of completion of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or equivalent accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). (Not required for entrance into the PPS program.) Candidates seeking a Master’s degree that does not include an approved CTC credential are not required to take the CBEST or equivalent exam;
- A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.000 is required to be admitted in the M.A. in Education or a stand-alone credential or added authorization housed within the M.A. in Education degree program. Candidates with a cumulative grade point average less than 3.000 may apply for “Admission under Exception” which is reviewed by the program director and dean;
- Two or more letters of recommendation from appropriate persons who have knowledge of the applicant’s character and ability to work with children or youth. (References from friends or relatives are not appropriate);
- A writing sample that indicates graduate-level ability; and
- An interview with the appropriate program director or Admissions chair.
Applicants who do not meet the above standards but can demonstrate that they have an exceptionally rich experiential background and/or have demonstrated dramatic change in academic performance may petition the School of Education to review their status.
Transfer of Credits
Up to six (6) units of approved post-baccalaureate coursework aligned with the course of study below, and unused for a previous Master’s degree, may be transferred from other institutions toward this degree. Candidates desiring to transfer coursework must petition this through their advisor during the first semester of enrollment.
The Master of Arts degrees are considered advanced degrees beyond preliminary teacher credential coursework, signified by GED/GEL course numbers.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| GED 6051 | Foundations of School Counseling: Professionalism, Ethics, and Legal Mandates | 3 |
| GED 6052 | School Counseling and Academic Development | 3 |
| GED 6053 | The School Counselor's Role in Student College and Career Development | 3 |
| GED 6054 | The School Counselor's Role in Social and Emotional Development | 3 |
| GED 6055 | Growth, Development, and Learning Support | 3 |
| GED 6057 | Leadership and Advocacy in Social Justice, Equity, and Access | 3 |
| GED 6058 | Program Development: Research, Program Evaluation, and Technology | 3 |
| GED 6062 | Counseling Theory and Techniques | 3 |
| GED 6072 | Philosophy in Education | 3 |
| GED 6075 | Family Systems | 3 |
| GED 6081 | Educational Measurement and Evaluation | 3 |
| Finishing Courses | ||
| GED 6094 | Action Research and Capstone | 3 |
| GED 6095 | Capstone Project and Presentation | 3 |
| Total Units | 39 | |
Graduation Requirements
In order to earn and receive a Master of Arts in School Counseling degree, a student must satisfy all of the following:
- A completed Application for Degree Candidacy (online or in the Records Office, Point Loma campus);
- Satisfactory completion of the prescribed course of study with a cumulative grade point average of 3.000 or higher;
- Completion of the approved graduate program consisting of a minimum of 36 units;
- A recommendation from the credential analyst and director of the branch campus;
- All accounts paid in full; and
- All requirements for graduate degrees must be completed within an eight (8)-year period from the time of initial enrollment in the program.