A Degree With a Purpose: The Cal Lutheran Master’s in School Counseling
Master of Science in Counseling
Request Brochure
To download a program brochure and learn more about the Master of Science in Counseling programs offered by Cal Lutheran, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with a graduate admission counselor directly by calling us at 805-493-3325.
Quick Facts
Total units:
48 (Pupil Personnel Services) or 45 (College Student Personnel)
Average completion time:
3 years (Pupil Personnel Services) or 2.5 years (College Student Personnel)
Format:
In person
Campus locations:
One start in fall semester
Prerequisites:
None
Program Benefits
Get first-hand experience through multiple internships in educational institutions
Experience a program designed for working professionals
Attend in-person evening classes once per week
Understand and apply the cultural proficiency model
Advocate for equity, access and inclusion for all students
Guide with compassion and expertise with a Master of Science in Counseling from Cal Lutheran’s Graduate School of Education. The Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) and College Student Personnel (CSP) programs uniquely combine innovative scholarship with practical experiences that prepare you to support students at every stage of their education — from preschool to post-college — and beyond.
The coursework in our master’s degrees in educational counseling enhances your ability to serve diverse student populations. We’ve built our program on the cultural proficiency model, an inside-out approach that explores how your identity and background informs your approach to counseling. Through engaging classroom work and multiple on-site experiences, you will graduate as a deeply skilled counselor who is ready to make students feel valued and empowered to succeed.
Choose From Two Master’s in Educational Counseling Degree Options
- Master of Science in Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services (PPS)
- Master of Science in Counseling and College Student Personnel (CSP)
Expand Your Counseling Community
The in-person classes follow a cohort format so that you can move through the full degree program with a supportive network of classmates. You will be part of an encouraging community where you can connect with fellow educators and share stories, advice and insights.
Experience Theory in Practice Through On-Site Practicums and Internships
Through a supervised practicum and multiple internships, you’ll add hundreds of hours of experience in educational settings. We pair you with a program field coordinator who will help you find the right placements based on your interests and goals.
Complete Your Degree in as Little as Three Years (PPS) or Two and a Half Years (CSP)
Our master’s degree programs are designed for working educators and professionals who want to move into the education counseling field. We provide convenient evening classes that meet just once a week. MS in Counseling (PPS) students can attend classes at our Thousand Oaks or Oxnard campuses, and MS in Counseling (CSP) students can attend classes in Thousand Oaks.
“This program has such an emphasis on cultural diversity. Much of the coursework brought awareness to inequalities that exist within the academic system and how we, as counselors, can help bring equity to the students we work with daily.”
Master of Science in Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services
This master’s degree in school counseling equips educators, counselors and administrators with the expertise they need to support elementary, middle and high school students.
You’ll learn to select and apply the most appropriate counseling methods for each student, taking their needs as well as their socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds into consideration. The program also teaches you the methodologies and theories needed to create practical and effective counseling programs that make efficient use of your school’s resources.
The MS in Counseling (PPS) also includes an optional Child Welfare and Attendance Specialization, which provides a practical focus on how to assess, understand and respond to the factors that contribute to chronic absences.
Practicum and Internships: MS in Counseling (PPS) students complete a supervised field placement and three internships in schools or community agencies for a minimum of 800 hours (950 hours for students who add the Child Welfare and Attendance specialization). These sites have included Los Angeles, Ventura, Conejo Valley, Oxnard, Fillmore, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Santa Paula and Santa Barbara school districts.
Download the program overview brochure to learn more.
“Throughout the program, I was challenged to look within and understand myself before attempting to help students. The program also tremendously improved my writing and critical thinking skills because it connects research to practice.”
Master of Science in Counseling and College Student Personnel
This master’s in college counseling degree program is designed for professionals who provide support to students in college and university settings. This includes those who work in student affairs, academic advising, student support, diversity and inclusion, disability services and residence life.
Our program equips you with the skills to seek, understand and integrate contemporary research into practice. It particularly emphasizes the importance of continuous and active learning that integrates diverse perspectives. Upon graduation from the program, you’ll be an adaptable, empathetic counselor who is ready to respond to the diverse needs of your students.
Practicum and Internships: MS in Counseling (CSP) students complete a supervised field placement and two internships on different higher education campuses for a minimum of 300 hours. These placements have included work in student affairs, financial aid, admissions, advising, student success and disability support.
About the Graduate School of Education at Cal Lutheran
About the Graduate School of Education
At the Cal Lutheran Graduate School of Education, you will turn theory into practice, learn one-on-one with experienced faculty and collaborate with public, private and charter schools — from kindergarten through higher education — as well as community-minded organizations.
You will pursue your purpose and grow as an educator through experiential instruction in an environment dedicated to introspection and exploration, preparing you as an innovative, transformative leader.
The quality of your education is ensured by our accreditation approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
About Cal Lutheran
Founded in 1959 and formally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution in 2016, Cal Lutheran is home to a wide range of undergraduate and graduate students. They’ve come to Cal Lutheran from dozens of countries and represent a wide spectrum of faith and spirituality.
Our dedicated, accomplished faculty work with small classes of students who are open-minded — about ideas, about people and about faith — and are seeking to grow as individuals.
Both in and out of the classroom, everyone at Cal Lutheran is committed to helping each student pursue their passions and transform their community and the wider world.