Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.)
School Counseling
w/ Pupil Personnel Services Credential
Program Highlights & Benefits
Successful completion leads to a Master’s degree and the CA Pupil Personal Services credential
Meets all CTC and WASC standards and credential requirements
Rich and rewarding learning experiences in a cohort model with peers who seek similar career goals
Guided fieldwork experience provided by credentialed, experienced school counselors and university supervisors
What You Learn
The school counseling program offers candidates the opportunity to engage in courses focused on research-based foundational theory, skill development and practical experiences needed to serve diverse student populations. Guided field work experiences in site-based school environments provide opportunities to practice skills in educational assessment, personal, social, academic and career counseling; program coordination, supervision and consultation; interaction with administrators, teachers, parents, support services and outside agencies within the context of current law, district policies and professional ethics.
How You Learn
Blended Option: This is a blended cohort program offered on the Irvine campus. Each term, cohorts will complete one course every eight weeks. Each course has four classes that will meet on campus from 4:30-8:30 p.m. during weeks 1, 3, 5 and 7. The other four class sessions will meet online asynchronously during which candidates actively engage with each other through an online learning management system, complete assignments, participate in online discussions, and collaborate on group activities. Most candidates complete the program in thirty-three months or less.
Two Online Options: Traditional Track candidates complete the program in thirty-three months. Fast Track candidates complete the program in twenty-six months. This is an online cohort program. Each term, cohorts will complete one course every eight weeks. Courses Classes will meet online for 4 synchronous sessions during weeks 1, 3, 5 and 7. The other 4 weeks will progress online asynchronously. All online students must have access to a computer with an internet connection, web camera, and microphone.
Career Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, candidates will earn a Master of Arts in Education: School Counseling degree and will be eligible for the California Pupil Personnel Services Credential. Although this program is designed to prepare candidates to serve as school counselors in the state of California, additional career opportunities might include options such as:
- Employment specialist/case manager
- Career advancement counselor
- Post-secondary admissions counselor/recruiter
- Post-secondary academic advisor
- Student services specialist/financial aid counselor
- Residential life director
- Adoptions counselor
- Substance abuse counselor
- Juvenile corrections counselor
Prerequisites
In addition to the admission requirements for a graduate degree in the School of Education, applicants must submit a Basic Skills Verification (through CBEST results or other state-approved alternatives) and a valid teaching credential or Certificate of Clearance.
Course List
Core Curriculum
| Course | Title | Units |
| EDSC 511 | Introduction to School Counseling | 3 |
| EDSC 515 | Leadership: Intervention, Consultation & Collaboration | 3 |
| EDSC 520 | Educational Assessment | 3 |
| EDSC 522 | Theories of Counseling | 3 |
| EDSC 531 | Human Communication: Group Process | 3 |
| EDSC 535 | Counseling Exceptional Children | 3 |
| EDSC 541 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| EDSC 550 | Counseling Diverse Populations | 3 |
| EDSC 551 | Legal and Ethical Issues | 3 |
| EDSC 561 | Crises Response, Interventions & Management | 3 |
| EDSC 562 | Career Counseling and Development | 3 |
| Total Core Curriculum Semester Hours: | 33 Units |
Fieldwork Experience
| Course | Title | Units |
| EDSC 590 | Practicum in School Counseling | 3 |
| EDSC 591 | Fieldwork in School Counseling | 6 |
| Total Fieldwork Semester Hours: | 9 Units |
Capstone Experience
| Course | Title | Units |
| EDSC 580 | Educational Research | 3 |
| EDSC 605 | Capstone Project | 3 |
| Total Capstone Semester Hours: | 6 Units |
Master’s Degree Total: 48 Semester Hours
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