The ideal program for a Master’s degree to advance in a current position, work in a non-licensed counseling setting, or prepare for future doctoral studies.
Graduates can work in career counseling, college student services, human resources, organizational consulting, community services, health services, and other settings that do not require a license to practice.
Master of Arts in Counseling
Our Counseling degree prepares students who want more experience in the mental health field or are planning to pursue their doctoral degree but who do not need a therapy license.
- Classes held at SCU
- 2 year full-time program (part-time available)
- Start in Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer
- 52.5 Quarter units
- Total tuition is $33,075. Tuition assistance and scholarships are available.
Emphases
We offer four areas of emphasis for specialized interest areas. An emphasis functions like a minor. Students who don't choose an emphasis may choose from a variety of electives.
Latino Counseling
A focus on culturally and linguistically appropriate counseling experiences centered on a deep understanding of Latino culture, ethnicity, acculturation, and immigration.
Health Psychology
Apply psychology to issues of well-being, stress and stress management, the modification of health behaviors, health promotion, wellness, and disease prevention.
LGBTQ Counseling
Offering training in the application of counseling to issues of gender, diversity in sexual identity and expression, oppression, discrimination, and acculturation, among other topics.
Correctional Psychology
Graduates work in community and law enforcement agencies, private practice, schools, correctional institutions, mental health and rehabilitation facilities, and group homes.
"After having just graduated from UC Berkeley, I was seeking a program that would provide me both a community and a solid academic foundation. And today I am so grateful to say that SCU’s Counseling and Psychology program gave me exactly that. It’s because of the relationships, the knowledge, and the practice I received from this program did I then have the opportunity to become the type of therapist I had sought out to be."
Cost and Financial Aid
Tuition
| Application Fee | $50 |
| 2020 - 2021 Tuition, per quarter unit (during remote learning) | $654 |
| Graduate Student Associate Fee (per quarter) | $40 |
| Late registration Fee | $100 |
| Course Drop/Swap Fee (per course) | $50 |
| Late Payment Fee | $100 |
| Annual Student Health Insurance 2020-2021 (Health Insurance Waiver is available) | $2,911 |
Scholarships and Financial Aid
In addition to Federal Student Aid, we also offer a number of scholarships and aid opportunities depending on your program and potential career path.
If you have questions about the application process, please feel free to contact the Graduate Admissions Office or call us at 408-551-3422.
Following is specific information and admission requirements for the Counseling program.
Master of Arts in Counseling
Our Counseling degree prepares students who want more experience in the mental health field or are planning to pursue their doctoral degree but who do not seek a therapy license.
Units: 52.5 quarter units (3 quarters equals 2 semester units)
Program Length:2 years (full-time and part-time available)
Emphasis Options: Correctional Psychology, Health Psychology, Latino Counseling, and LGBTQ Counseling
Start Dates: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Instructional Method: On campus
The M.A. in Counseling is an ideal program for those who are already in a position in a field that rewards advanced training and those who are using the MA as a stepping-stone for doctoral studies. Students may opt to include any of our four emphasis areas in Correctional Psychology, Health Psychology, Latino Counseling, and LGBTQ Counseling to their degree. An emphasis functions like a minor. Students not electing an emphasis may choose from a variety of electives to expand their knowledge in various areas.
For the latter group, the 52.5 unit program can serve as a post-baccalaureate, pre-doctoral training program. This is especially useful for students who were not undergraduate psychology majors, completed a baccalaureate degree many years ago, or want additional background and training in the field. Usually, these students combine their classwork with research opportunities during the Master's program. In recent years, a vast majority of these students have been successfully placed in doctoral programs.
The Master of Arts degree in Counseling does not meet the requirements to sit for a license in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in any state.
In accordance with California State regulations, students who complete and receive the 52.5 unit master’s degree cannot, post-graduation, transfer or apply those credits toward the completion of an MFT license program.
The former group of students opt for this degree to work in educational settings, career centers, community agencies, hospitals, religious settings, and in industry.
CPSY Tracking Sheet 52.5 Program
Course Descriptions and Syllabi