Program Overview
The Counseling and Guidance MA program at San José State University prepares individuals to apply evidence-based counseling principles and practices to support individuals' academic, educational, vocational/career, and personal and social development. The program covers sociological and psychological counseling foundations, legal and professional mandates, and transformative and equity-minded social justice practices. Graduates may pursue careers in various settings, including schools, colleges, community agencies, and private practice.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Counseling and Guidance MA program at San José State University prepares individuals to apply evidence-based counseling principles and practices to support individuals' academic, educational, vocational/career, and personal and social development. It also provides preparation for those focused on K-12 school counseling to provide comprehensive school counseling services within elementary, middle, and secondary educational institutions. The program covers sociological and psychological counseling foundations, legal and professional mandates, and transformative and equity-minded social justice practices that lead to the development of justice-oriented multiculturally-skilled counselors. It also presents opportunities for students to engage in short Faculty-Led Program (FLP) experiences abroad (e.g., Costa Rica) to expand their global perspectives and cross-cultural experiences.
Outline:
The Counseling and Guidance MA program comprises the following components:
Foundational Core Courses (12 units)
- Introduction to Counseling and Guidance (3 units)
- Counseling Process & Techniques (3 units)
- Law & Ethics in Counseling (3 units)
- Cultural Perspectives in Counseling (3 units) or Multicultural Counseling (3 units)
Additional Foundational Courses (12 units)
- Education and Career Planning (3 units)
- Assessment for Counselors (3 units)
- Advanced Group Process Theory and Practice (3 units)
- Trauma Counseling & Crisis Intervention (3 units)
Research (3 units)
- Research in Counselor Education (3 units)
Advanced Professional Development Courses - Required (9 units)
- Practicum in Lifespan and Career Development (1-3 units)
- Seminar in Counseling Theory and Practice (3 units)
- Seminar in Professional Counseling (3 units)
Advanced Professional Development Courses - Electives (3 units)
- Lifespan Development (3 units)
- Advanced Educational Assessment (3 units)
- Seminar in Professional Counseling (3 units)
Practicum and Fieldwork (6 units)
- Supervised Experience in Counseling (3 units required)
- Practicum in Lifespan and Career Development (1-3 units)
- Practicum in Child and Substance Abuse (3 units)
- Practicum in Self-Development (3 units)
Culminating Experience (3 units)
- Plan A (Thesis): Master's Thesis (3 units)
Careers:
Graduates of the Counseling and Guidance MA program may pursue careers in various settings, including:
- Schools (K-12) as school counselors
- Colleges and universities as academic advisors or counselors
- Community agencies providing mental health or social services
- Private practice as licensed professional counselors
