Are you passionate about guiding individuals towards fulfilling career paths? Do you aspire to become a catalyst in someone’s professional journey? A Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Career Counseling could be your launching pad into a rewarding profession. These comprehensive Career Counseling Programs are meticulously designed to equip you with the knowledge, theories, and practical skills essential for success in diverse career development roles.
These advanced career counseling programs are structured to prepare professional counselors for impactful careers across various sectors. Graduates find fulfilling roles in public and private agencies, higher education institutions, K-12 schools, and private practice. Furthermore, the curriculum is carefully crafted to meet the rigorous educational requirements for becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and/or a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California, opening doors to a wide spectrum of career opportunities. For those specifically drawn to educational settings, the Pupil Personnel Services, School Counseling Credential, often integrated within these career counseling programs, prepares professionals to make a significant difference in the K-12 education system.
Clinically Rich Curriculum in Career Counseling
A hallmark of these career counseling programs is their clinically oriented approach. The curriculum seamlessly blends didactic instruction with experiential learning. Students benefit from engaging courses, a 100-hour clinical practicum that provides hands-on experience, and an extensive 600 hours of field experience, solidifying their practical skills and professional acumen. Designed as a full-time, three-year program, students typically undertake 9-12 units each fall and spring semester to ensure a comprehensive and manageable learning pace.
The cohort model, a cornerstone of these career counseling programs, fosters a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Students progress through the program together, building lasting connections and a strong peer support network. This collaborative atmosphere is invaluable for professional development and personal growth.
These career counseling programs actively encourage students to broaden their advocacy and professional horizons. Opportunities abound for participation in professional organizations, engaging in cutting-edge research, and presenting at state, regional, and national conferences. Students are also encouraged to get involved with initiatives like the CSUS Multicultural Conference and the Counselor Education Student Counseling Society, enriching their experience and professional network. Faculty mentorship is readily available to support both leadership and research endeavors, guiding students towards impactful contributions to the field.
The learning experience within these career counseling programs is thoughtfully structured around foundational core courses. Students gain intensive practical experience through an on-campus practicum training clinic, participate in interpersonal growth activities, delve into advanced theory and practice courses, and culminate their studies with a significant field study placement. This holistic approach ensures graduates are well-rounded and thoroughly prepared for the complexities of career counseling.
Special Focus: Career Counseling Concentration
The Career Counseling Concentration within these career counseling programs is specifically designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge, relevant theories, and essential skills to excel as effective counselors and career development specialists. Graduates are prepared to serve as consultants in diverse settings, including community-based agencies, schools (K-12), colleges and universities, private practices, businesses, industries, and government organizations.
These career counseling programs emphasize a holistic approach to career development. Students learn to facilitate career decision-making and planning processes for both individuals and groups, integrating personal, social, and career needs. The curriculum addresses contemporary challenges of the 21st century, equipping students to guide clients in navigating career self-reliance, work/family/life balance, multiculturalism, diversity, and the importance of lifelong learning in today’s dynamic job market.
Accreditation Excellence
The Career Counseling, Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, and School Counseling concentrations within these esteemed career counseling programs are nationally accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This accreditation signifies a commitment to the highest standards in counselor education, ensuring program quality and enhancing the credibility of graduates.
Exceptional Features Enhancing Career Counseling Education
Several special features enrich the learning experience within these career counseling programs:
- On-Campus Counseling Center: A dedicated Center for Counseling and Diagnostic Services on campus provides a valuable platform for students to counsel clients from the wider community. This center offers opportunities for real-world practice and the benefit of video and audio feedback to refine counseling techniques.
- Off-Campus Counseling Opportunities: Trainees gain practical, hands-on experience by providing counseling services in local agencies, school districts, hospitals, and non-profit organizations, bridging classroom learning with community needs.
- Migrant Education Advisor Program (MEAP) Collaboration: The program collaborates with the Migrant Education Advisor Program (MEAP) through a partnership involving participating school districts and the Office of Migrant Education, providing unique exposure to diverse community needs.
- Emphasis on Diversity and Multicultural Counseling: Faculty are deeply committed to fostering diversity and integrate multicultural counseling skills throughout the curriculum, preparing graduates to effectively serve diverse populations.
- Flexible Class Scheduling: Recognizing the needs of working professionals, classes are offered at various times, including daytime, late afternoon, and evening sessions, increasing accessibility for a wider range of students.
Admission to Career Counseling Programs
Prospective students seeking admission to these leading career counseling programs should meet the following criteria:
- Possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
- Maintain good academic standing at the last college or university attended.
- Achieve a grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 semester (or 90 quarter units) of coursework.
- Complete and submit all University application materials as required.
- Fulfill and submit all Departmental application materials, which typically include:
- A comprehensive application form.
- Written statements, including a Personal Statement and Writing Sample, as detailed in the application guidelines.
- Official copies of transcripts from all universities and colleges attended.
- Professional letters of recommendation (usually two are required).
- A Resume/CV highlighting relevant work experience.
- Participate in an In-Person Admission Evaluation, which may involve interviews, experiential activities, and writing samples to assess suitability for the program.
Admission into these career counseling programs is selective. Applicants are initially screened based on their completed application materials, and selected candidates are invited for an In-Person Admission Evaluation. Final admission decisions are based on a holistic assessment of all application components and performance during the evaluation.
Application Process for Career Counseling Programs
The application cycle for these career counseling programs opens each fall for admission in the following year, with no spring admissions offered. Applicants must submit both a university application and a program-specific supplemental application by the specified deadline for the intended term of enrollment.
For detailed admissions information and up-to-date application deadlines, please refer to the Office of Graduate Studies website at https://www.csus.edu/graduate-studies/.
Prospective applicants, including Sacramento State graduates, are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (excluding Sacramento State) to the Office of Graduate Studies. Transcripts can be sent electronically to [email protected], or physical transcripts can be mailed to:
Office of Graduate Studies
California State University, Sacramento
Riverfront Center, Room 215, MS 6112
6000 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95819
Given the competitive nature of admissions and the limited number of places available each year in these career counseling programs, it is crucial to prepare a strong application. Following the application and screening period, the program will submit recommendations to the Office of Graduate Studies for final review. Admission decisions are communicated to applicants via email. Upon admission, students are assigned a faculty advisor to provide academic guidance and support throughout their program journey.
Degree Requirements and Program Structure
The Master of Science in Counseling and associated Pupil Personnel Services credentials adhere to general University requirements. Detailed information on these requirements can be found in the “Graduate Degree Requirements” and the “Counselor Education” sections of the university catalog. Students should be aware that failure to meet program standards may result in disqualification (refer to the Counselor Education Student Handbook for comprehensive details).
Key Degree Requirements:
- Total Units for MS: 60
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 3.0
Advancement to Candidacy:
To formally progress in the Master’s degree, students must submit an Application for Advancement to Candidacy. This application certifies to the Office of Graduate Studies that the student has either completed or is on track to complete all necessary requirements for the Master’s degree, maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA. Typically, students in these career counseling programs file this application after completing 30 units, often in their final year.
Crucially, students must satisfy the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) before advancing to candidacy. The EDC 250 course within the program fulfills the Graduate Writing Intensive (GWI) requirement for candidacy.
The Advancement to Candidacy form is conveniently submitted online. Students should complete the form in consultation with their assigned academic advisor. Once endorsed by both the student and advisor, the form is verified by the Department’s Graduate Coordinator and then forwarded to the Office of Graduate Studies for final approval. It is mandatory to have an approved Advancement to Candidacy on file before submitting a Petition to Graduate to the Office of Graduate Studies.
For further information on Counselor Education within these career counseling programs, please visit the College of Education: Master’s Programs Website, specifically the Counselor Education webpage. Under the “Current Students” link, you will find the Forms and Handbooks page, where the Student Handbook is available for download. Students are strongly encouraged to thoroughly review the Student Handbook for detailed program guidelines and requirements.
Curriculum Overview: Career Counseling Programs
The career counseling programs curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive and rigorous education.
Required Courses for All Concentrations (44 Units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDC 210 | Advocacy, Social Justice, and Cultural Foundations in Counseling | 3 |
| EDC 214 | Dynamics of Human Development | 3 |
| EDC 216 | Counseling Theory | 3 |
| EDC 218 | Assessment In Counseling | 3 |
| EDC 219 | Group Processes in Counseling | 3 |
| EDC 231 | Diagnosis and Treatment Planning | 3 |
| EDC 233 | Substance Use and Addiction Counseling | 3 |
| EDC 244 | Trauma and Crisis Counseling | 3 |
| EDC 250 | Education Research | 3 |
| EDC 252 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Professional Counseling | 3 |
| EDC 260 | Career Development | 3 |
| EDC 280 | Counseling Skills Lab | 2 |
| EDC 475 | Counseling Practicum | 3 |
| EDC 480 | Field Study In Counseling Taken twice, 3 units each, over two separate semesters, in order to meet accreditation requirements. | 6 |
| Total Units | 44 |
Concentration Requirements: Career Counseling (15 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDC 254 | Counseling and Psychotropic Medicine | 3 |
| EDC 262 | Career Counseling Process | 3 |
| EDC 264 | Seminar in Counseling: Career Systems Development | 3 |
| EDC 266 | Seminar in Counseling: Career Program Development | 3 |
| EDC 268 | Career and Job Search | 3 |
| Total Units | 15 |
Culminating Requirement (1 Unit)
All students in the M.S. in Counseling program must enroll in EDC 500 during their final semester and successfully complete the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE). This multiple-choice examination assesses competency across key counseling areas, including:
- Human Growth and Development
- Social and Cultural Foundations
- Helping Relationships
- Group Work
- Career and Lifestyle Development
- Appraisal
- Research and Program Evaluation
- Professional Orientation and Ethics
Embark on a fulfilling career path with these exceptional career counseling programs. Equip yourself with the skills and knowledge to make a real difference in people’s lives and shape the future of career development.
