Frequently Asked Questions

The timeline depends on which option you choose.

• The in-person MS in Counseling (CSP) takes 2.5 years to complete
• The online MS in Counseling (CSP) takes 1.5 years.

In both options, students take two courses per term and complete the same 45 credits. The online program completion time is shorter because its courses run in 8-week terms, while in-person courses run on standard 15-week terms.

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 term
• On-campus courses are offered on weekday evenings
• Online courses 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.

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.

Field experience is built into the CSP program and completed alongside coursework. Students complete 300 hours working with students at a college or university, all under the supervision of an experienced counselor or student affairs professional. The hours are split across two placements, with 150 hours in the first and 150 hours in the second.

The field experience also counts as credits towards the 45-credit degree. Students begin with a practicum course during their first supervised placement, then move into a field studies course for their second.

Both courses include group supervision meetings alongside the field hours, so you're processing what you're seeing in the field with faculty and classmates as you go.

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.

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.

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.

The biggest difference is the age group you'll serve.

• College and university students are the focus of the MS in Counseling and College Student Personnel (CSP). Graduates work in academic advising, admissions, student affairs and career counseling.
• K-12 students are the focus of the MS in Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services (PPS). Completing the degree also prepares you for California's PPS Credential in School Counseling, required to work as a school counselor in California public schools.

The MS in Counseling (CSP) is your choice if you want to work exclusively in higher education, in roles that support college and university students through academic, personal and career decisions.

The College Counseling Specialization within the MS in Counseling (PPS) is built for students who primarily want to work in K-12 school counseling, but want knowledge of the college experience and higher education landscape to better address the needs of high school students. An example of this are professionals who want to work at the high school-to-college transition. The specialization adds 12 credits to the standard PPS program, so it takes a bit longer to complete the degree but adds useful knowledge.

If you're already certain you want to work with college students, the MS in Counseling (CSP) is the more direct path. If you're drawn to both K-12 and college work, the MS in Counseling (PPS) with the College Counseling Specialization is worth a closer look.

Yes, international applicants are eligible to apply to the in-person MS in Counseling (CSP), which takes place at our Thousand Oaks campus. It’s important to note that the online option is not open to international applicants.

In addition to the standard application requirements, international applicants must submit:

• Course-by-course evaluated transcripts from a NACES member company
• Financial Responsibility Statement or Official Bank Statement
• Copy of the passport information page
• Results from an English language proficiency test

We have the full requirements, including minimum test scores, on our admissions page.

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

We believe that anyone seeking graduate education should have that opportunity, and we're here to help you make your goals a reality. In addition to support from faculty, advisors and peers, students in our master's in college counseling have access to financial solutions and valuable academic resources.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Cal Lutheran provides a diverse range of financial support opportunities, including internal and external funding sources and funding for current and future educators.

Explore financial aid options

Veteran Resources

To honor those who serve and have served our country, we offer an accessible, high-quality education to veterans, military members and their families.

Cal Lutheran proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. In addition to small class sizes and personalized support, we help veterans achieve their goals through assistance with paperwork, academics and the college transition.

Learn more about veteran resources

DREAMers

We stand with undocumented students by assisting them with the admission and financial aid process. With a team of trained allies and cross-campus resources, we continue to support our DREAMers as they transition into the college lifestyle and become graduates of Cal Lutheran.

Learn about resources available to DREAMers

First-Generation Students

Graduate students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education can access dedicated resources via the STRIVE Scholars program.

Learn more about STRIVE Scholars

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.