Master of Science in Counseling (CSP)
Frequently Asked Questions: MS in Counseling (CSP)
The MS in Counseling (CSP) can be completed in two and a half years.
Yes! While the master’s in college counseling program is considered a full-time degree, our counseling degrees were designed with working educators and professionals in mind.
Students typically take just two courses per semester. For our in-person options, the courses are offered on weekday evenings.
For our online option, we offer a mix of self-paced work and weekly live virtual sessions with your instructor and classmates.
Visit our admissions page for more information about the course schedules.
The in-person MS in Counseling (CSP) degree has one start each fall. The online MS in Counseling (CSP) has one start each spring. Visit our curriculum page to see upcoming start dates and application deadlines.
The in-person MS in Counseling (CSP) option meets at our Thousand Oaks campus. In-person courses are offered Tuesday through Thursday at 4 or 7 p.m. Fieldwork courses are offered online on Monday evenings.
No, you must complete the entire degree program in your chosen modality. If you enroll in the in-person program, all your courses will be taken in person at the Thousand Oaks campus. Similarly, if you choose the online program, you’ll complete all coursework online.
Absolutely! Connection is just as intrinsic to our online program as it is to our in-person program.
Since this program uses a cohort structure, you’ll study with the same group of classmates throughout your degree, allowing you to build lasting relationships. Many students tell us that the relationships formed in the MS in Counseling program become valuable professional networks that continue long after graduation.
Each course in the program includes required weekly live sessions where you’ll interact with your instructor and peers. You'll attend both sessions — at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m (Pacific Time) — on the same weekday evening. These sessions feature discussions, group work and collaborative activities.
Your instructors are also accessible outside of live sessions through virtual office hours, email and the online learning platform. They’re committed to knowing you as an individual and supporting your academic and professional growth.
Students should expect to commit 10 to 12 hours to the program each week: 6 hours in class and an additional 4 to 6 hours on coursework.
The MS in Counseling (CSP) requires 300 field hours: 150 hours for Practicum and 150 hours for Field Studies in College Student Personnel.
The Master of Science in Counseling and College Student Personnel is geared towards learners who want to assist students in college and university settings. You should pursue the Master of Science in Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services if you’re interested in working with K-12 students.
There are a variety of university resources available to students in the college counselor degree program, including:
- Career Services
- Program advisement
- Library/research
- Graduate Writing Community
- Diversity and culture
- Veteran resources
- Fitness/intramural sports
- Health services
- Counseling and Psychological Services
- Graduate and Professional Student Council
Yes, Cal Lutheran offers a variety of funding options from internal and external sources. These include:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Veterans benefits
- Employer discounts
Cal Lutheran being designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) signifies that we meet specific criteria set by the U.S. Department of Education, primarily that at least 25% of our full-time undergraduate student population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. Being an HSI reflects Cal Lutheran’s broader commitment to diversity and community engagement. We offer a wide range of resources and opportunities, including scholarships, mentorship programs and courses that celebrate Hispanic cultures and heritage. We believe in creating a supportive space where students from all backgrounds can thrive and make lasting connections.
Cal Lutheran warmly welcomes individuals of all faiths and belief systems. Our inclusive community does not require affiliation with any church, religion or religious organization. We embrace diversity in all walks of life, so that every member of our community feels valued and respected.
We’re happy to help. You can talk to a graduate enrollment specialist at 805-493-3325. You can also email your questions to clugrad@callutheran.edu.
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 enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 805-493-3325 or for the online Master of Science in Counseling and College Student Personnel call 805-521-9856.
