Educational Counseling Programs

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.

The Educational Counseling curriculum is offered through three separate programs:

• Educational Counseling, M.S. - 45 semester hours
• Educational Counseling with Social Justice in Higher Education, M.S. - 54 semester hours
• Educational Counseling with Spanish Bilingual Bicultural Counseling, M.S. - 54 semester hours

All three programs share the 45-unit Educational Counseling curriculum. The Social Justice in Higher Education and Bilingual Bicultural Counseling programs each include nine additional semester hours of specialized coursework. Candidates in any of the three programs may also select the optional School Counseling Credential Concentration, which adds PPS 592, three semester hours, and 400 additional fieldwork hours.

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 program chosen. The shared 45-unit Educational Counseling curriculum is offered in a traditional 16-week format. The nine units of specialized coursework within the SJHE and SBBC programs are offered in an accelerated eight-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.

Optional School Counseling Credential Concentration and Application Requirement

The optional School Counseling Credential Concentration is available to candidates enrolled in any of the three Educational Counseling M.S. programs. Candidates who select the concentration complete PPS 592, CWA: Supervised Fieldwork and Coursework, for three additional semester hours and 400 additional fieldwork hours.

The School Counseling Credential Concentration is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Candidates who select the School Counseling Credential Concentration will complete the educational requirements for the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) and the Child Welfare and Attendance Authorization (CWA) program. A benefit of the concentration 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 School Counseling Credential Concentration 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

All three Educational Counseling M.S. programs are offered online. Candidates enrolled in the online modality of any of the three programs are required to attend and complete the in-person summer residency. Successful completion of all residency activities is required to remain in good standing and is a condition of progression in the program.

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:

1. Completed Admission Application and application fee.
2. 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.
   1. 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.
3. Write a statement of purpose addressing the following points:
   1. Your reasons for entering the counseling profession.
   2. Any personal or professional experiences and/or qualifications related to your intended field of study.
   3. Your perspectives on the relevance and role of cultural competence in counseling.
   4. 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:

1. Basic Skills Requirement (CBEST or equivalent: Official Regional Accredited BA/BS degree or greater),
2. Negative/Clear TB Verification,
3. 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:

All M.S. Educational Counseling Programs

1. 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.

Optional School Counseling Credential Concentration

Candidates completing the optional School Counseling Credential Concentration, the educational requirements for Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) and Child Welfare and Attendance Authorization (CWA), must also satisfy the Basic Skills Requirement through a passing CBEST score or an approved equivalent before registering for the applicable fieldwork courses. The Basic Skills Requirement applies to candidates pursuing the School Counseling Credential Concentration and is not required for completion of the master's degree alone. Therefore, candidates who have chosen the School Counseling Credential Concentration, must fulfill the following requirements:  

1. 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.
2. 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 Welfare and Attendance Credential.

*This page was updated through catalog amendments published in June and October 2026. See Addendum for details.