Master of Science in Counseling (CSP)
The Master of Science in Counseling and College Student Personnel (CSP) is an on-campus, cohort-based program.
In the fall and spring terms, students attend two back-to-back classes one evening per week. In the summer term, students take classes two evenings per week, attending one class each evening.
Curriculum Highlights
- The curriculum is designed to help learners develop strong careers and gain educational counseling skills for individual and group settings.
- The coursework is built on the cultural proficiency model, which emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s own experience in order to better understand the perspectives of others. Students engage with this approach in a dedicated course and consistently throughout the program.
- Learners examine concepts, theories and models related to retention and resiliency, enabling them to assist students in these important areas.
- Culminating field placements in postsecondary settings, under the supervision of experienced professionals, allow learners to gain real-world experience and build connections.
“The program felt like the right choice because it emphasized becoming culturally responsive counselors, and the way that we were going to achieve that was through an ‘inside-out’ approach. This caught my attention because I wanted a program that valued diversity but I never thought it was going to start with examining my own experiences. This was exactly what the program provided for me — a scholarly space to reflect on my counseling philosophy through introspection and theory.”
MS in Counseling Courses
45 credits total
All courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted.
This foundational course explores the history of diversity and multicultural education, and introduces the conceptual framework of cultural proficiency as a lens for counselors in promoting equitable practices for all students in educational settings. An exploration of candidates’ self-identity, beliefs and values and the impact on their roles as counselors, advocates and leaders in diverse and inclusive educational settings will be conducted.
Through an examination of the nature of research, ethical and philosophical principles, types of research and characteristics of data students will explore quantitative and qualitative methods of designing and conducting research in the context of educational settings.
This course will introduce candidates to theories of college student development and the processes by which they occur. Factors that impact student development will be discussed and application of theory to practice to maximize student learning in college settings will be fostered.
This course provides candidates with an overview of college student services with a specific focus on the various functional areas in the field. Additionally, this course outlines key information about organization and administration of student affairs and services, including assessment, strategic planning, program development and implementation and resource acquisition and allocation.
Theoretical approaches, resources and techniques utilized in assisting individuals to make their educational and career choices.
Fundamentals of counseling: theoretical approaches, the counseling process and cross-cultural perspectives.
Group counseling: foundation process, techniques and application; lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisite: Counseling Theory and Practice.
An emphasis on counseling knowledge and skills. Includes in-class monitored practice.
Prerequisite: Counseling Theory and Practice. (Graded P/NC only).
Supervised field placement in a postsecondary setting with 150 (CSP) field hours required. Candidates must be supervised by an experienced professional with an appropriate credential. Each student will be involved in on-site experiences which include the application of theory to practice. Approved fieldwork application required.
Prerequisites: Counseling Theory and Practice, Group Process and Leadership, Microskills in Counseling, Introduction to Student Affairs Practice and Educational and Career Counseling in Higher Education.
This course will be taken at or near the end of the program.
Supervised field experience in student services departments and programs in a postsecondary setting under the supervision of an experienced college student personnel professional. Required number of hours: 150. Prerequisite: Practicum. Approved fieldwork application required. (Graded P/NC only).
This course will be taken at or near the end of the program.
The course is designed to develop an understanding of management and leadership theories, concepts, group processes, decision making and planning. A variety of leadership styles and practices which influence student and employee performance will be reviewed in these topical areas: power and influence, delegating, trust-building, vision and mission development, setting and fulfilling professional and/or personal objectives, situational, visionary and transformational leadership, impediments to leader effectiveness, organizational culture and principles of shared leadership
This course provides an examination of the major legal and ethical issues confronting student affairs professionals and other administrators in higher education settings. Federal regulations and mandates, constitutional issues, tort liability and contractual relationships will be covered. Ways of making practical decisions that are legally and ethically sound are examined.
Seminar on professional development opportunities and attendance at a professional conference.
This course addresses: the history of college student retention and success in the United States; retention and success theories; and the retention trends and issues of four-year and two-year institutions. Specifically, this course emphasizes the retention and success of diverse student groups. Moreover, this course examines how retention and success is tracked and measured and practices and programs that contribute to the retention and success of all students.
This course will provide candidates with content knowledge on a special topic in college counseling. In particular, this course will focus on contemporary and relevant information pertaining to trends and necessary information revolving around higher education and student affairs.
Request Information
To learn more about the Graduate Degree Programs offered by the Cal Lutheran Graduate School of Education and download a brochure, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an admission counselor directly by calling us at 805-493-3325.