​Welcome to M.S. in Counseling, Option in School-Based Family Counseling 

The Master of Science Degree in Counseling is designed to train family systems oriented counselors who are eligible to apply for licensure in California as Marriage, Family and Child Therapists (MFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC), both of which also require 3000 hours of supervised experience, at least 1500 of which must be completed after earning the Masters degree. It also includes the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in School Counseling and the Advanced Authorization in Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) as part of the Masters degree. A minimum of 105 units are required depending upon prior coursework and culminating experience.  A major component of the SBFC program is direct clinical training in working with families with multicultural clients. 

Another unique characteristic of our program is the implementation of the cohort model.  Each fall, we admit one cohort of students into our program. These students progress through the program together, taking a carefully constructed sequence of classes. The purpose of this is to ensure that each student will be able to finish their program within the 2 ½ - 3 year timeline, but also as a means for building collegiality and support among the student body. 

The program does not offer an option to earn the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) or Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) only, as a supplement to an already existing Masters degree from another institution at this time. 

Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Only Option:

While most students complete the School-Based Family Counseling (SBFC) integrated program option, if a student is not interested in the school counseling credentials, there is the option to complete the MFT only program.

Graduates from the SBFC program are eligible to:  

• work as School Counselors in public and private K-12 level schools.
• work as Child Welfare and Attendance specialists in K-12 level schools.
• work with agenies that provide school-based counseling and send therapists into schools.
• work in mental health agencies.
• work in a private practice setting, once licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). 

Program/Student Outcomes:

The program operates on a cohort model. Over the last 4 years, cohort size has increased due to the number of students interested and applying for the program. For the 2016-17, we welcome our largest cohort of 36 new students to the program! Due to our intensive training program in the first year, excellent fieldwork training partners and placements, and rigorous coursework, our students are prepared for the job market and gain employment in clinical, community based, and K-12 settings quickly.

Program Application:

The SBFC program accepts one new cohort of students every year to begin in the Fall. Typically, we receive betwen 200-350 program applications every year for 36 positions. No specific undergraduate major is required, nor is a standardized test (e.g. GRE) required. The applicant must be accepted by the SBFC program through the Division of Special Education and Counseling application process. The applicant must also complete and submit the university application. Applications are screened by the SBFC Admission Committee and in person interviews are scheduled for selected applicants. Every selected applicant is required to participate in a 20 minute in person interview with the SBFC Admissions Committee. 

For further information, contact the Program Co-Coordinators, Dr. Michael Carter or Dr. Emily Hernandez. 

CCOE Counseling Program Core Values:

The core values represent the professional characteristics and skills we believe every counselor, school psychologist, and administrator should have upon successful completion of our programs.  These core values are as follows:

Core Value 1 - Diversity: Recognizing and valuing diversity

Core Value 2 - Effective Communication: Using effective communication skills

Core Value 3 - Equity: Fostering equity and eliminating barriers to achievement caused by social injustice

Core Value 4 -Advocacy: Displaying a passion for advocating for the needs of students and clients

Core Value 5 - Lifelong Learning: Promoting lifelong and self-directed learning for self and others

Core Value 6 - Professional Development: Keeping abreast of professional developments and research literature

SBFC Program Objectives:

Program Faculty:

As a part of the School-Based Family Counseling program, instruction is received from core faculty members with extensive experience in school counseling and Pupil Personnel Services (PPS), Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA), Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), and Clinical Psychology. 

Dr. Michael J. Carter
mcarter@calstatela.edu