Mar 29, 2024  
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2012-2013 
    
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2012-2013 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Counseling, M.A.


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Learning Outcomes


Aligned with the School of Education’s Conceptual Framework, Mission Statement, and Goals, and the Department of Educational Support Services candidate goals, the Counseling Program’s goals are to prepare candidates that:

  • Respond positively to issues of diversity:
  • Educate to help insure the success of all;
  • Advocate for all pupils to have access to counseling services; and,
  • Lead and work collaboratively to help transform programs, practices, and institutions.

Master of Arts in Counseling


This program leads to a Master of Arts in Counseling (60 semester hours), awarded without a credential, for those candidates who do not plan to implement their training in the school setting. Intended for those entering community services of related services, it offers more elective coursework. All courses will apply to the PPS Services Credential should the candidate wish to pursue it.

College and University Counseling: For students who desire to work in a community college, four-year college, or university settings. Students will gain experiences offering mental health counseling to clients in a higher education setting presenting with a variety of clinical issues. Additional experiences will include group counseling, assessment, and outreach to the college community.

Community Mental Health Counseling: For students who desire to work in a community mental health settings or outpatient hospital settings. Students will gain experiences offering mental health counseling to clients from a variety of age groups and presenting with a variety of clinical issues. Additional experiences may include group counseling, assessment, and family counseling.

Doctoral Preparatory Counseling: For students who are interested in obtaining a master’s degree that will prepare them for a doctoral program. Students will gain experiences (e.g., doctoral application strategies, applied counseling and psychotherapy  research, etc.) aimed to facilitate their acceptance to a doctoral program in professional psychology.

Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling: For students who are interested in gaining experiences in counseling settings that offer traditional (e.g., individual mental health counseling) and nontraditional counseling services (e.g., homeless shelter, domestic violence shelter, group home). In addition, students in this specialization track are more likely to aspire to work for a nonprofit agency.

School Counseling: For students who desire to work in a K-12 school setting. Students will gain experiences that include individual counseling, group and educational counseling, career and college counseling, teacher consultation, and prevention programming. The completion of this specialization will also result in eligibility to receive a Pupil Personnel Services Credential for the State of California. This program is approved by the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Admission Requirements

  1. Completion of the Graduate Division application form, submitted directly to the Graduate Admissions Office.
  2. Two official copies of transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, sent directly to the Graduate Admissions Office.
  3. Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.8; or a 2.85 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate course work taken or a 3.0 GPA in at least 9 semester hours of graduate level coursework is required. An appeal may be made to the Exceptions Committee.
  4. A letter of application (intent) to the Academic Program Director in which the following issues are addressed:
    a. Why the applicant wants to be a counselor;
    b. characteristics the applicant possesses that he or she thinks will make him/her an effective counselor;
    c. the applicant’s commitment towards preparing himself/herself to be an effective counselor (e.g., devote the required time to an internship; become active in related professional organizations); and
    d. a summary of experience with culturally  diverse individuals.
  5. Two letters of recommendation. Forms may be attained in the School of Education and online.
  6. Interview and approval by Academic Program Director.
  7. After steps 1-6 above have been completed, the candidate’s file will be reviewed for provisional or controlled admission. Under these designations, candidates are able to enroll in their first semester of coursework.
  8. Completion of the CBEST no later than the end of the first semester of enrollment and before fieldwork assignment. The CBEST is not required for those students pursuing the Master degree without the PPS credential. Intern candidates must pass CBEST prior to beginning the internship program.
  9. Fingerprint Clearance: Completion of fingerprint clearance must occur no later than the end of the first semester of enrollment and before fieldwork assignment. Fingerprint applications are available on the School of Education website.
  10. Signed Candidate Disposition Forms from two faculty members in the School of Education with whom the candidate has had courses are required before a candidate is granted Formal Admission.
  11. All entering candidates should first enroll in EDSS 6391 Foundations of Counseling . Candidates will be reviewed for formal acceptance upon completion of this course and steps 1-10 above.
  12. Basic Computer Skills: All applicants must verify that they have basic computer skills that are necessary for success in the School of Education. Applicants may either verify their skills by signing a self-verification form provided by the School of Education or take EDUX 846, Basic Computer Skills of Educators, during their first year.
  13. Prior to beginning fieldwork, candidates must verify 100 clock hours in a “practica” experience (e.g., shadowing a counselor, observing classroom instruction, attending school-based meetings, peer counseling, personal or group counseling experiences). Eighty of these hours are accumulated in the required course work.

Course Requirements


EDSS 69XX Fieldwork in Specialization I:


EDSS 69XX Fieldwork in Specialization II:


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