Mar 28, 2024  
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2019-2020 
    
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Counseling, M.A.


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Contact Information


Program Director: Sheri A. Atwater

Associate Director: Catherine M. Foote

Introduction/Overview


The Master of Arts in Counseling program prepares candidates to succeed as a counselor in diverse educational, community, private, and non-profit settings. This is a 60-semester-hour program designed for those who intend to pursue Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) certification. Graduates of the M.A. in Counseling program are eligible to apply to the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) for Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APPC) status. As an APCC, graduates then complete 3,000 hours of work and pass 2 national exams to receive LPCC status. There are 2 specialization options for LPCC eligibility: (1) Clinical Mental Health and (2) School Counseling with Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential.

Program Outcomes


As a result of this training, students will:

  • Apply effective counseling strategies to meet the diverse academic, social, emotional, and career needs of clients
  • Counsel clients individually using appropriate theoretical approaches to address academic readiness, language proficiency, cultural background, and individual development
  • Counsel clients in group settings using group facilitation skills derived from appropriate theoretical approaches to address academic readiness, language proficiency, cultural background, and individual development
  • Evaluate clients using suitable/pertinent assessment measures based on the purpose of measuring instrument and identified counseling need
  • Implement prevention and intervention strategies for diverse clients based on scientific research and program evaluations 
  • Consult effectively with clients, their families, and support systems; with peers and colleagues; and with appropriate clinical staff in order to improve client functioning
  • Exemplify the main dimensions of personal growth and dispositions central to successful counseling, including self-awareness, self-care, and self-reflection
  • Exhibit and defend the ethical codes related to the specific field of counseling within which one works (e.g., ACA Code of Ethics, LPCC ethical codes)
  • Demonstrate advanced intervention techniques in the areas of addictions, trauma, community psychology, and human sexuality to address the diverse needs of clinical populations

Program Admissions Requirements


  • Graduate Application
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation
  • 2 sealed, Official Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
    • Bachelor’s degree conferral must be verified on transcript
  • Technology Form
  • CCTC Certificate of Clearance (COC)
  • California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) official score report
    • For those seeking the School Counseling with Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential specialization option
  • Statement of Intent addressing:
    • The characteristics the applicant possesses that he or she thinks will make him or her an effective counselor;
    • In what specific ways does the LMU Counseling Program help the applicant achieve his or her professional goals;
    • The applicant’s commitment towards preparing himself or herself to be an effective counselor, including devoting the required time and financial planning to a culminating internship in the field, a time when it is difficult and ill-advised to work full-time, and becoming active in related professional organizations (e.g., CALPCC, CASC, ASCA);
    • The applicant’s related work or volunteer experiences with individuals from diverse backgrounds (e.g., culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, social class, and/or children/adults with disabilities);
    • The applicant’s perspective on multiculturalism and social justice, as outlined in the School of Education’s REAL conceptual framework;
    • A bulleted list (to be included at the end of Statement of Intent) indicating a) positions held, b) length of time/duration, c) supervisor name/contact information, and d) volunteer or paid positions.
  • A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0, or a 3.05 in the last 60 undergraduate units, or a 3.0 in at least 9 graduate units is required.
  • For applicants who completed an undergraduate/graduate degree outside of the U.S.A.:
    • Transcript evaluations
    • TOEFL (100 minimum score) or IELTS (7 minimum score)

Clinical Mental Health Specialization:


School Counseling Specialization:


Total: 60 semester hours


Additional Requirements


  • 100 completed hours of practical experience prior to enrollment in Fieldwork courses
  • Candidate Disposition evaluations
    • (1) BY END OF FIRST SEMESTER: One Self-Assessment Disposition Form AND One Faculty-Assessment Disposition Form must be completed and turned in to the Counseling Program Advisor and EDSP Associate Director no later than the end of the candidate’s first semester in the Program.
    • (2) BY END OF EDSP 6386: Culturally Responsive Counseling with Individuals: One Self-Assessment Disposition Form AND One Faculty-Assessment* Disposition Form must be completed and turned in to the Counseling Program Advisor and EDSP Associate Director upon your completion of EDSP 6386: Culturally Responsive Counseling with Individuals. *This Faculty Assessment MUST be completed by the candidate’s EDSP 6386 Instructor.
  • Fieldwork I Application form
  • Pre-Counseling Documentation Log
  • Counseling Organization Membership
  • Proof of Liability Insurance with Counseling Organization
  • Fieldwork Planning Document
  • Approval of Fieldwork Site
    • Candidates seeking the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential must complete their fieldwork at an approved school site.
  • Completion of all courses prior to enrollment in Comprehensive Exam with the exception of:
  • All coursework must be completed within 5 years.

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