School Counseling, M.S.
The Master of Science in School Counseling is an advanced academic degree that builds upon an appropriate undergraduate foundation. A total of 50 semester units are required to complete this program. The curriculum for each of the specializations in this degree links theory to practice for preparation to be a school counselor.
Program Learning Outcomes
Candidates who complete the Master of Science 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 Science in School Counseling
- Proof of completion of the basic skills requirement as outlined by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
- A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.000 is required to be admitted in the MS program. Applicants 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.
Prior coursework taken toward a preliminary teaching credential cannot be used as credit toward a PLNU Master’s degree.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| 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 |
| GSC 6051 | Foundations of School Counseling: Professionalism, Ethics, and Legal Mandates | 3 |
| GSC 6052 | School Counseling and Academic Development | 3 |
| GSC 6053 | The School Counselor's Role in Student College and Career Development | 3 |
| GSC 6054 | The School Counselor's Role in Social and Emotional Development | 3 |
| GSC 6055 | Growth, Development, and Learning Support | 3 |
| GSC 6057 | Leadership and Advocacy in Social Justice, Equity, and Access | 3 |
| GSC 6058 | Program Development: Research, Program Evaluation, and Technology | 3 |
| GSC 6187P | School Counseling Practica | 1 |
| GSC 6187S1 | School Counseling Fieldwork Seminar I | 1 |
| GSC 6187S2 | School Counseling Fieldwork Seminar II | 1 |
| GSC 6188F1 | School Counseling Fieldwork Placement I | 4 |
| GSC 6188F2 | School Counseling Fieldwork Placement II | 4 |
| Finishing Courses | ||
| GED 6098 | Master of Science Thesis Design | 3 |
| GED 6099 | Master of Science Thesis | 3 |
| Total Units | 50 | |
Graduation Requirements
In order to earn and receive a Master Science 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 50 units;
- A recommendation from the credential analyst and director of the regional center;
- 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.