An Online Degree With On-Campus Impact
The California Lutheran Online Master’s in Counseling & College Student Personnel
Request Brochure
To download a program brochure and learn more about the Online Master’s in Counseling & College Student Personnel program offered by Cal Lutheran, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with a graduate enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 805-521-9856.
Quick Facts
Total units:
45 units
Average completion time:
Finish in 1.5 years
Format:
Online format
Start date:
Start in the spring
Program Benefits
Get first-hand experience through two internships at educational institutions
A cohort approach that builds relationships and collaboration with fellow students
Convenient online learning that fits your schedule, plus engaging live sessions
A unique cultural proficiency model embedded throughout the program
Learn to advocate for equity, access and inclusion for all students
Guide with compassion and expertise with an online MS in Counseling and College Student Personnel (CSP) from California Lutheran University.
Our program uniquely combines innovative scholarship with practical experiences that prepare you to create supportive environments where college students thrive.
Why Choose Cal Lutheran’s Online MS in College Counseling?
Convenient learning that fits your schedule
All online master’s in college counseling coursework is delivered through our digital learning platform, with most content available on-demand so you can study when it fits your schedule. As a full-time student, you can complete your degree in as little as 1.5 years.
While you will take all classes online, the program includes required weekly live engagement sessions where you’ll build relationships with faculty and peers, practice skills and strengthen your knowledge. Live sessions occur once a week back-to-back at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. (PT), and you’ll attend these sessions on the same day of the week throughout the program.
Expand your counseling community
This is virtual education that never feels distant. Our faculty are committed to the idea that supporting your professional growth requires knowing you personally and understanding your goals. The cohort structure means you’ll progress through the program with the same group of colleagues, building relationships that can last throughout your career.
Learn by doing with practicums and internships
Through a supervised practicum and field studies, you’ll add hundreds of hours of experience at colleges or universities to your resume. We pair you with a program fieldwork coordinator who will help you find the right placements based on your interests and goals.
“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.”
Online MS in Counseling and College Student Personnel
This master’s in college counseling degree program is designed for professionals who support 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 gives you practical, research and interpersonal skills to use in your everyday work with students. We focus on helping you become a lifelong learner, so that you can apply different viewpoints and approaches with each student.
When you graduate, you’ll be ready to adapt to different situations and truly understand the wide range of needs your students bring to campus.
Practicum and Field Study Experiences: MS in Counseling (CSP) students complete two supervised internships in the field for 150 hours each at two different higher ed campuses. These placements have included work in student affairs, financial aid, admissions, advising, student success and disability support.
In-person degree option available: MS in Counseling (CSP) students can choose a fully online degree experience or take their courses in person at our Thousand Oaks campus. Download our brochure to learn more about these options.
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.