Master of Science in Counseling
Program Overview
The M.S. in Counseling program at San Francisco State University offers flexibility with four specializations: career, college, school, and gerontological counseling. With a core curriculum and area of specialization, students can tailor their studies to work in various community agencies with individuals of all ages. The program meets most requirements for the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor license and includes supervised practicum and internship experiences.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The M.S. in Counseling program at San Francisco State University offers four specializations or emphases: career, college, school, and gerontological counseling. The program is designed to provide students with the flexibility to focus their studies on specific areas of interest while acquiring the skills and knowledge to function in various community agencies and work with individuals of all ages. The program requires a minimum of 60 units of approved graduate coursework, including four semesters of supervised counseling practicum and internship. Students must also complete two different academic year field placements.
Outline:
The program's structure is based on a core curriculum of 48 units and an area of specialization of 12 units.
Core Curriculum (48 units):
- COUN 700: Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3 units)
- COUN 702: Developmental Foundations for Counselors (3 units)
- COUN 703: Psychological Foundations for Counselors (3 units)
- COUN 705: Counseling Practicum (3 units)
- COUN 706: Counseling Skills and Process (3 units)
- COUN 715: Assessment in Counseling (3 units)
- COUN 720: Career Counseling (3 units)
- COUN 736: Advanced Counseling Process (3 units)
- COUN 741: Crisis Counseling for Counselors (3 units)
- COUN 794: Seminar in Research (3 units)
- COUN 811: Group Counseling Process (3 units)
- COUN 833: Social and Cultural Foundations in Counseling (3 units)
- COUN 857: Law and Ethics for Counselors (3 units)
- COUN 890: Integrative Counseling and Internship (3 units)
- COUN 891: Case Studies and Internship Seminar (3 units)
- COUN 892: Culminating Experience for Counselors (3 units)
Area of Specialization (12 units):
Career Counseling:
- COUN 721: Applied Career Counseling (3 units)
- COUN 727: Advanced Career Counseling (3 units)
- COUN 738: Addictions (3 units)
- Select one of the following:
- COUN 704: Biopsychosocial Aspects of Health, Behavioral Health, Aging, & Disability (3 units)
- COUN 716: Professional Seminar I - Structural Elements in School Counseling (3 units)
- COUN 792: Seminar for Counselors in Student Personnel Services (3 units)
- COUN 858: Couple and Family Counseling I (3 units)
College Counseling:
- COUN 738: Addictions (3 units)
- COUN 792: Seminar for Counselors in Student Personnel Services (3 units)
- COUN 793: Organization and Administration of Student Services in Higher Education (3 units)
- Select one of the following:
- COUN 704: Biopsychosocial Aspects of Health, Behavioral Health, Aging, & Disability (3 units)
- COUN 716: Professional Seminar I - Structural Elements in School Counseling (3 units)
- COUN 721: Applied Career Counseling (3 units)
- COUN 858: Couple and Family Counseling I (3 units)
Gerontological Counseling:
- COUN 704: Biopsychosocial Aspects of Health, Behavioral Health, Aging, & Disability (3 units)
- COUN 738: Addictions (3 units)
- COUN 820: 3 Graduate GRN Courses (3 units)
School Counseling:
- COUN 716: Professional Seminar I - Structural Elements in School Counseling (3 units)
- COUN 717: Professional Seminar II - Functional Elements in School Counseling (3 units)
- COUN 718: Professional Seminar III - Professional Issues in School Counseling (3 units)
Careers:
Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to work as counselors in a variety of settings, including:
- Community agencies
- Schools
- Colleges and universities
Other:
- The program is an in-person program.
- Admission to the program is only in the fall semester.
- Applicants must demonstrate writing proficiency through a writing sample.
- Students must earn a grade of B or better in specific courses (COUN 705, COUN 706, COUN 736, COUN 890, COUN 891).
- The department works collaboratively with over 150 community agencies, schools, colleges and universities to provide service and training opportunities for students.
- Fieldwork placements are an integral part of the program and are carefully screened to meet the department's standards.
- Students can potentially complete the M.S. program either as a full-time or part-time student, but they must be flexible with their work and personal schedules to accommodate fieldwork requirements and class schedules.
- Students may petition the department to receive credit for up to 12 units of appropriate post-baccalaureate degree work taken at other institutions within seven years of their intended graduation date.
- Courses taken for another degree or credential cannot be counted towards the master's degree.
- Courses taken at other institutions after admission to the graduate program may not be counted toward the master's degree.
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San Francisco State University
Overview:
San Francisco State University (SF State) is a public university located in San Francisco, California. It is part of the California State University (CSU) system, the largest system of higher education in the country. SF State is known for its diverse and inclusive community, offering a wide range of academic programs and a strong commitment to social justice.
Services Offered:
The university provides a variety of services to support student success, including:
Academic advising:
Students receive guidance on course selection, degree planning, and career exploration.Student support services:
SF State offers resources for students facing academic challenges, personal difficulties, or financial hardship.Career services:
The university provides assistance with resume writing, job searching, and career development.Health and wellness services:
Students have access to counseling, health care, and other wellness resources.Student Life and Campus Experience:
SF State offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can:
Engage in student organizations:
There are numerous clubs, organizations, and activities to join, catering to diverse interests.Participate in cultural events:
The university hosts a variety of events, performances, and exhibitions throughout the year.Explore the Bay Area:
SF State's location in the heart of the Bay Area provides easy access to cultural attractions, museums, and entertainment venues.Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse and inclusive community:
SF State prides itself on its welcoming and diverse student body, fostering a sense of belonging for all.Strong academic programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on social justice and real-world application.Location in the Bay Area:
SF State's location provides access to a vibrant and dynamic city, offering opportunities for internships, networking, and career development.Commitment to social justice:
SF State is dedicated to promoting social justice and equity, providing students with the tools and knowledge to make a positive impact on the world.Academic Programs:
SF State offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Humanities:
Visual and performing arts, literature, history, philosophy, and more.Social Sciences:
Psychology, sociology, political science, economics, and more.Business:
Accounting, finance, marketing, management, and more.Science and Technology:
Biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and more.Education:
Teacher preparation, educational leadership, and more.Other:
SF State has a strong athletic program, competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The university also has a strong commitment to international education and exchange, offering opportunities for students to study abroad and participate in global learning experiences.
Entry Requirements:
- Minimum Undergraduate GPA: A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 units is required by Graduate Studies.
- Recommended Preparation: Prior to enrolling for classes, it is recommended that an applicant complete the following undergraduate courses:
- Theories of personality/counseling
- Development through the lifespan
- Psychopathology course
- Holistic Admissions Process: The Department uses a holistic admissions process that considers past academic success, work and volunteer experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and other factors.
- Paid or Volunteer Experience: Paid or volunteer experience working with people of diverse backgrounds is an important factor for admission.
- Selection Criteria: Selection of students is based on academic as well as personal experience.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Level One: All applicants must successfully demonstrate writing proficiency through a writing sample that is evaluated by the department after being admitted to the program but before enrolling. Those who do not meet the minimum writing expectation upon admission will be required to take a writing course, usually at an additional cost.
- Level Two: Satisfied by demonstration of English competency on the culminating experience paper for COUN 892.
