Are you ready to launch an impactful career supporting students and families in both school and mental health settings?
The School-Based Family Counseling Program at Cal State LA is a full-time, graduate-level program in the Department of Special Education and Counseling, part of the College of Education. This in-person, highly structured program prepares students to become skilled professionals in both educational and therapeutic environments.
With a strong foundation in clinical practice and community engagement, students are equipped to pursue multiple professional credentials—including the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential, Advanced Authorization in Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) license, and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) license. Graduates are prepared to serve in a variety of school and mental health settings where they can make a lasting impact.
Build a Strong Foundation for a Lifelong Impact
The School-Based Family Counseling Program equips you with the skills and insight necessary to make a meaningful, lifelong impact on the lives of students and families. This includes:
- The clinical skills of an independent marriage/ family therapist and a wide range of competencies of an effective school counselor.
- The ability to work with adults, families, and children from a variety of systems-oriented perspectives and environments.
- The strategies to develop a collaborative effort between the family and school to maximize the academic and social success of the child.
- The challenges of increasing parental involvement in their child’s educational process to assist the child to become successful in school and in the community.
Qualify for Credentials
The School-Based Family Counseling Program offers comprehensive training in multicultural conjoint family therapy with a strong emphasis on social justice. Our program equips students with the knowledge and skills to meet California's licensure requirements for the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential, Advanced Authorization in Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) credential, and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credential. Graduates are well-prepared for employment in both mental health agencies and school settings.
Upon completing the master's degree in this program, students not only gain a deep understanding of School-Based Family Counseling Program but also qualify for valuable credentials, including:
Admissions
The School-Based Family Counseling Program welcomes applicants from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds who are committed to making a positive impact in schools and communities. No specific undergraduate major is required, and no standardized tests (e.g., GRE) are needed to apply.
If you’re passionate about helping others and ready to begin a transformative journey in counseling, we encourage you to apply!
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the University's general requirements for admission to graduate programs, prospective students must fulfill the following criteria:
A baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally-accredited college or university.
A 2.75 grade point average in the last 60 semester units attempted.
Two letters of recommendations.
Participate in an interview with the Department screening committee.
Additional Admission Requirements Prerequisite Course:
COUN 4500 ( 3 units)- Counseling Theories is offered at Cal State LA in the 10-week Summer semester before the program begins, in case you haven't taken a similar course previously. A satisfactory course for the prerequisite must include coverage of major counseling or psychology theories (e.g., psychoanalytic, behavioral, gestalt, Rogerian, cognitive, etc.). An introductory psychology course may not provide sufficient coverage. If you believe you've taken a suitable course, please email Dr. Carter a syllabus for evaluation. A grade of "C" or better in the course is required, and no other courses can be taken before starting the program. This course must be completed before starting the program in the Fall.
Application and Selection Process
The School-Based Family Counseling (SBFC) program at Cal State LA admits two cohorts of 12 students annually for the Fall semester. Given the high competition, with over 300 applicants vying for 24 positions, it's essential to bolster your chances of acceptance by gaining experience in the mental health field and understanding the roles of Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) and School Counselors in their work settings.
Historically, applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are typically selected for interviews, although this may vary from year to year based on the applicant pool. Those chosen for interviews undergo a 20-minute individual interview with at least two faculty members. This interview assesses the applicant's knowledge and experience in the MFT and School Counseling professions, as well as their interpersonal skills and self-awareness.
Successful candidates admitted to the program are assigned to cohort groups and are required to follow a specified sequence of cohort classes.
Start Your Journey Today
Are you ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career in counseling? Don’t wait—start your application today and be part of a program that transforms lives!
After Admittance
After admittance, students are assigned a faculty advisor and placed in a cohort group.
Candidates are required to obtain Certificates of Clearance with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), provide proof of a negative TB test, and successfully meet the Basic Skills Requirement (CBEST) to advance from conditional to full admission into the program.
The School-Based Family Counseing Program is a 3-year, full-time course of study consisting of 73 - 77 units. Part time study options are not available. Students should expect most classes to be completed in the evening hours and to be on campus 2-4 days/week.
Program Courses and Logistics
The SBFC program is an in-person, late afternoon, full-time graduate program that is highly structured and typically takes between 2 ½ to 3 years to complete, depending on the life circumstances of each student. In the first year, students typically take 5 classes that meet once per week each semester, with 2 classes on Monday nights, from 4:30 pm until 10 pm, one course on Wednesday night from 4:30-7:15pm and 2 additional courses taken either on Tuesday or Thursday from 4:30-10 pm, depending on which Clinic courses they are assigned.
These Clinic courses provide the opportunity for students to work in the Cal State LA’s School-Based Family Counseling Clinic with families from the community who are referred for family and school-related problems. Students work in co-therapy teams under the direct supervision of licensed faculty members. In the second year, students are eligible to begin their fieldwork courses in Marriage and Family Therapy and School Counseling while taking 4 courses each semester over 2-3 days in the same time slots as above.
Upon completion of their coursework, students must pass comprehensive exams or complete a thesis or project.
Financial Information
The total cost of the degree depends on when you are able to complete your fieldwork. Students are allowed to begin fieldwork during the second year and most finish it in the 3rd year. This would result in 4 semesters at the full-time rate (currently = $4200 per semester) = $16,800; PLUS 1 summer semester at the end of the first year with 2 classes through Open University (currently $990 per class) = $1980; Plus 2 semesters of 3-6 units of fieldwork in the third year (part time rate currently at $2800 per semester) = $5600 for a Total = $24,380. It is not known if there will be an increase in tuition over the next 3 years.
For Financial Aid information, contact Cal State LA's Financial Aid Office.
Accreditation
The M.S. in Counseling, option in School-Based Family Counseling approved by the Board of Behavioral Sciences and accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Contact Information
Department of Special Education and Counseling
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
King Hall C1064
Phone: (323) 343-4400
Website: Department of Special Education and Counseling
Program Faculty
Michael J. Carter
Ph.D.- SBFC Faculty
Office Location: KH C-1067J
Phone: x34438
Email:
[email protected]
Emily J. Hernandez
Ed.D.- SBFC Faculty
Office Location: KH A2049
Phone: 323-343-4424
Email:
[email protected]