Educational Counseling (MS)
Department Chair: Veronica Escoffery-Johnson
Program Chair: Esmeralda M. Rodriguez
The Master of Science in Educational Counseling is designed for aspiring school counselors who are passionate about working with students and their families within the PK-12 school system, higher education settings and/or community-based educational settings. This program helps candidates learn the skills to support students in achieving their personal and academic goals. Through a comprehensive curriculum, candidates learn the foundations of school counseling, counseling theory and process, counseling diverse populations, group dynamics, career and program development and evaluation. Coursework is supported by hands-on learning during their completion of practicum hours, and fieldwork experience.
In conjunction with the foundation and mastery courses, two concentrations are offered within the Master of Educational Counseling degree program; the Spanish Bilingual Bicultural Counseling (SBBC) Concentration and the Social Justice in Higher Education (SJHE) Concentration.
Program Dismissal
Candidates may be dismissed from the program under several circumstances, including but not limited to: academic dishonesty, academic disqualification, failure to maintain minimum academic standards, failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress, unethical or unprofessional conduct, failure of program activities measuring student competencies/or dispositions, circumstances interfering with training or well-being of others, and/or felony conviction. Candidates dismissed from the program may not apply for readmission.
Program Length & Course Sequence:
The program length will vary depending on the degree pathway chosen. Courses are offered in a traditional 16-week format and concentration courses are offered in an accelerated 8-week format. Candidates are directed to follow the course sequence as directed by the program. Additionally, candidates are advised to be mindful that each course may only be offered once per academic year/term. Changes to the program course sequence are rare. If a change to course sequence is necessary, candidates must meet with the program academic advisor to ensure it matches the availability of courses and meets all pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements.
Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential and Application Requirement
The Educational Counseling and School-Based Counseling Master’s Degree Pathway is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Candidates who select MS Educational Counseling and School-Based Counseling degree pathway will complete the educational requirements for the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) and the Child Welfare and Attendance Authorization (CWA) program. A benefit of the program is that candidates who successfully advance with the curriculum may apply for an internship credential, enhancing the potential to garner employment while finishing coursework.
The Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential pathway prepares candidates to work effectively in a school setting while supporting student success across academic, career and personal domains. While the MS Educational Counseling and School-Based Counseling degree pathway fulfills the educational requirements for Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential eligibility, the credential is awarded solely by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and not by the University of La Verne.
Upon completion of all required coursework, candidates must complete a separate application to the CTC through the Credential Analyst at the University of La Verne, which includes program verification, fingerprint clearance, and payment of applicable fees. The university will provide the CTC documentation confirming that the candidate has satisfied all educational requirements; however, issuance of the PPS Credential is determined exclusively by the CTC.
The Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) Authorization is an added authorization to the PPS Credential and is granted by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), not by the University of La Verne. Candidates apply for both the PPS Credential and the CWA Authorization simultaneously through a single CTC application, which includes an option to select CWA Authorization at the time of submission. The application process is completed through the Credential Analyst at the University of La Verne upon completion of the required coursework, and issuance of the authorization is determined by the CTC.
Additional Program Information
Foundation Courses
The Educational Counseling Program requires students to earn a minimum of a B (3.0) in all foundation coursework. Students must maintain an overall average of a B (3.0) or better throughout the program. Candidates must complete foundation coursework to be eligible to begin the fieldwork experience.
Residency Requirement
Candidates in the MS Educational Counseling and School-Based Counseling degree online pathway are required to attend and complete the in-person summer residency as part of the program. Successful completion of all residency activities is required to remain in good standing and is a condition of progression in the program.
*Approved June 15, 2026. The Educational Counseling (MS) program structure and degree pathway descriptions were updated to clarify program options, concentrations, unit requirements, and credential pathways. These updates do not change the academic content of the approved curriculum but provide greater clarity regarding degree requirements and program completion pathways. Please see the Catalog Addendum for additional information.
Admission Requirements and Procedures: In addition to the requirements and application materials listed in the Graduate Admission section of this catalog, the following are required:
Admission Requirements:
- Completed Admission Application and application fee.
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended. A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a preferred GPA of 2.75 or above in undergraduate work and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above in any graduate work.
- An undergraduate major in psychology, education or closely related field is recommended. Applicants without prior teaching, counseling, or experience in education are strongly encouraged to have at least one year of volunteer or paid experience working with children or adolescents.
- Write a statement of purpose addressing the following points:
- Your reasons for entering the counseling profession.
- Any personal or professional experiences and/or qualifications related to your intended field of study.
- Your perspectives on the relevance and role of cultural competence in counseling.
- Your statement should be approximately 1,500-words in length and typewritten.
4. Two letters of recommendation on letterhead from individuals qualified to objectively evaluate the candidate’s ability to succeed in graduate school and the potential to be a competent educator. Letters must be from individuals who can knowledgeably comment upon the candidate’s academic skills, employment/volunteer experience, leadership potential, and/or professional abilities.
5. Resume
Candidates who meet minimum requirements are invited to interview.
Optional, if available at the time of admission:
- Basic Skills Requirement (CBEST or equivalent), Negative/Clear TB Verification, and Certificate of Clearance.
Following receipt and review of all application materials, an interview is required for candidates being considered for admission.
Program Requirement: If not completed at the time of admission:
M.S. Educational Counseling
- Proof of Negative/Clear TB Verification and Certificate of Clearance must be submitted prior to registering for PPS 516: Individual Counseling Skills and PPS 518: Counseling Theories.
M.S. Educational Counseling and School-Based Counseling
- Proof of Negative/Clear TB Verification and Certificate of Clearance must be submitted prior to registering for PPS 516: Individual Counseling Skills and PPS 518: Counseling Theories.
- Basic Skills Requirement (A Passing CBEST Verification score or equivalent) must be submitted prior to registering for Fieldwork courses for candidates completing the M.S. with Pupil Personnel Services Credential and Child and Welfare and Attendance Credential.
*This page was updated through a June 2026 catalog amendment. See Addendum.
M.S. Educational Counseling (degree only)
Program Length Full-Time: 2 Years
Total Program: 45 Semester Hours
Fieldwork Hours: 400 Hours
Foundation Courses
18 semester hours
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PPS 500 | Comprehensive Counseling Programs | 3 |
| PPS 501 | Law and Ethics in Counseling | 3 |
| PPS 516 | Individual Counseling Skills | 3 |
| PPS 517 | Counseling Diverse Populations | 3 |
| PPS 518 | Counseling Theories | 3 |
| PPS 541 Group Counseling Skills | 3 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 18 | |
Mastery Courses
25 semester hours
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ASCD 550 | Human Development | 3 |
| EDUC 501 | Educational Assessment | 3 |
| PPS 526 | Collaborative Strategies and Referral Systems | 2 |
| PPS 527 | Class Inst/Pedagogical Practce | 2 |
| PPS 540 Educational Counseling Supervision | 3 | |
| PPS 542 Data Informed Counseling, Research, and Evaluation | 3 | |
| PPS 548 Social Emotional Learning and Intervention | 3 | |
| PPS 593 Career Development and Postsecondary Paths | 3 | |
| PPS 594 Crisis Intervention & Trauma-Informed Practices | 3 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 25 | |
Culminating Activity
2 semester hours
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PPS 595 Counseling Graduate Seminar | 2 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 2 | |
*This page was updated through a June 2026 catalog amendment. See Addendum.
M.S. Educational Counseling (degree only) with Concentration
Total Program: 54 Semester Hours
Fieldwork Hours: 400 Hours
Foundation Courses
18 semester hours
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PPS 500 | Comprehensive Counseling Programs | 3 |
| PPS 501 | Law and Ethics in Counseling | 3 |
| PPS 516 | Individual Counseling Skills | 3 |
| PPS 517 | Counseling Diverse Populations | 3 |
| PPS 518 | Counseling Theories | 3 |
| PPS 541 Group Counseling Skills | 3 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 18 | |
Mastery Courses
25 semester hours
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ASCD 550 | Human Development | 3 |
| EDUC 501 | Educational Assessment | 3 |
| PPS 526 | Collaborative Strategies and Referral Systems | 2 |
| PPS 527 | Class Inst/Pedagogical Practce | 2 |
| PPS 540 Educational Counseling Supervision | 3 | |
| PPS 542 Data Informed Counseling, Research, and Evaluation | 3 | |
| PPS 548 Social Emotional Learning and Intervention | 3 | |
| PPS 593 Career Development and Postsecondary Paths | 3 | |
| PPS 594 Crisis Intervention & Trauma-Informed Practices | 3 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 25 | |
Culminating Activity
2 semester hours
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PPS 595 Counseling Graduate Seminar | 2 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 2 | |
Concentration
Option 1: Concentration in Spanish Bilingual Bicultural Counseling (SBBC)
SBCC Director: Adonay Montes
The Spanish Bilingual Bicultural Counseling Concentration uniquely prepares qualified candidates to work with Latina/o students in schools and learn how to approach counseling situations with cultural sensitivity as well as acquire the skills to address challenges faced by Spanish speaking students and their families in the school system. Coursework is supported by hands-on learning during fieldwork placements at schools in the community.
Additional Coursework: 9 Semester Hours
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PPS 532 | The World of Immigrant Students | 3 |
| PPS 533 | Counseling Latino Immigrant Youth and Families | 3 |
| PPS 534 | Bilingual Educational Theories | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 9 | |
Option 2: Concentration in Social Justice in Higher Education (SJHE)
SJHE Director: J. Anthony Elizondo
The Social Justice in Higher Education (SJHE) concentration prepares candidates to meet the needs of increasingly diverse student populations and serve as culturally-competent educational counselors who advocate for institutional change in higher education settings. Candidates will acquire skills and examine a wide range of theories and practice through intersectional and culturally responsive lenses.
Additional Coursework: 9 Semester Hours
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SJHE 552 | Social Justice and Higher Education | 3 |
| SJHE 553 | Student Learning and Development Theories | 3 |
| SJHE 558 | Law, Policy, Safety, and Restorative Justice | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 9 | |
*This page was updated through a June 2026 catalog amendment. See Addendum.
MS Educational Counseling and School-Based Counseling with Concentration
Total Program: 57 Semester Hours
Fieldwork Hours: 800 Hours
Candidates who select MS Educational Counseling and School-Based Counseling degree will complete the educational requirements provided by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) and Child Welfare and Attendance Authorization (CWA). A benefit of the program is that candidates who successfully advance with the curriculum may apply for an internship credential, enhancing the potential to garner employment while finishing coursework.
Foundation Courses
18 semester hours
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PPS 500 | Comprehensive Counseling Programs | 3 |
| PPS 501 | Law and Ethics in Counseling | 3 |
| PPS 516 | Individual Counseling Skills | 3 |
| PPS 517 | Counseling Diverse Populations | 3 |
| PPS 518 | Counseling Theories | 3 |
| PPS 541 Group Counseling Skills | 3 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 18 | |
Mastery Courses
28 semester hours
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ASCD 550 | Human Development | 3 |
| EDUC 501 | Educational Assessment | 3 |
| PPS 526 | Collaborative Strategies and Referral Systems | 2 |
| PPS 527 | Class Inst/Pedagogical Practce | 2 |
| PPS 540 Educational Counseling Supervision | 3 | |
| PPS 542 Data Informed Counseling, Research, and Evaluation | 3 | |
| PPS 548 Social Emotional Learning and Intervention | 3 | |
| PPS 592 | CWA: Supervised FW & Coursework | 3 |
| PPS 593 Career Development and Postsecondary Paths | 3 | |
| PPS 594 Crisis Intervention & Trauma-Informed Practices | 3 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 28 | |
Culminating Activity
2 semester hours
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PPS 595 Counseling Graduate Seminar | 2 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 2 | |
Concentration
Option 1: Concentration in Spanish Bilingual Bicultural Counseling (SBBC)
SBCC Director: Adonay Montes
The Spanish Bilingual Bicultural Counseling Concentration uniquely prepares qualified candidates to work with Latina/o students in schools and learn how to approach counseling situations with cultural sensitivity as well as acquire the skills to address challenges faced by Spanish speaking students and their families in the school system. Coursework is supported by hands-on learning during fieldwork placements at schools in the community.
Additional Coursework: 9 Semester Hours
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PPS 532 | The World of Immigrant Students | 3 |
| PPS 533 | Counseling Latino Immigrant Youth and Families | 3 |
| PPS 534 | Bilingual Educational Theories | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 9 | |
Option 2: Concentration in Social Justice in Higher Education (SJHE)
SJHE Director: J. Anthony Elizondo
The Social Justice in Higher Education (SJHE) concentration prepares candidates to meet the needs of increasingly diverse student populations and serve as culturally-competent educational counselors who advocate for institutional change in higher education settings. Candidates will acquire skills and examine a wide range of theories and practice through intersectional and culturally responsive lenses.
Additional Coursework: 9 Semester Hours
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SJHE 552 | Social Justice and Higher Education | 3 |
| SJHE 553 | Student Learning and Development Theories | 3 |
| SJHE 558 | Law, Policy, Safety, and Restorative Justice | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 9 | |
*This page was updated through a June 2026 catalog amendment. See Addendum.