School Counseling, M.A.

Program Director: Dave Weber, Psy D., Visalia
Program Advisor: Greg West, Bakersfield

Overview

A minimum of 60 semester units of coursework is required for a Master of Arts in School Counseling degree. Up to 15 units from an accredited graduate program may be transferred at the discretion of the program director. In addition to the 60 units, there are five prerequisites. A sequence of courses is determined by the program director. Students will also be required to obtain liability insurance before practicum or field experience can begin.

Admissions Requirements

• Three current reference forms
• Interview with program director*
• All other official transcripts from colleges/universities attended
• Copy of valid California credential or certificate of clearance (fingerprints)
• Verification of current negative TB test (last 12 months)
• Verification of passing the CBEST
• GRE or MAT results
• Letter of explanation if your GPA is under 2.75
• Prerequisite courses:
  • Child Development
  • Educational Statistics and Research Design
  • Intercultural Communication
  • Introduction to Counseling Theories
  • Introduction to Psychology

*Program applicants will be required to submit an impromptu writing sample of approximately one page at the time they are scheduled to meet with the program director for an interview. The sample of written expression will be part of the documentation required to determine candidate competence. In the event that program prospects are judged by the Graduate Admission Committee to have writing deficiencies (provided they have met the other requirements) they may be accepted under the condition that they take a professional writing class.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Counseling and Intervention
   1. Applying individual counseling methods and techniques.
   2. Applying small-group counseling methods and techniques.
   3. Applying conflict resolution techniques.
   4. Assisting students in personal growth and development.
   5. Advising students about academic concerns.
   6. Assisting students with appropriate educational and career planning.
2. Consultation and Collaboration
   1. Working effectively with a diversity of individual students, faculty, administrators and staff on behalf of students.
   2. Recognizing and using the expertise of others.
   3. Applying leadership in large-group (classroom) guidance.
   4. Understanding classroom instructional practices.
   5. Consulting with parents.
   6. Collaborating with school and outside professionals to meet student needs.
3. Assessment
   1. Explain assessments and interpret results to pupils, teachers, administrators, parents and others.
   2. Using assessment methods (e.g., career, college entrance, CAHSEE, CST, CELDT, etc.) and information appropriately for personal, educational and career decision making.
   3. Using a variety of assessment strategies (school district student information systems, GE accommodations, SST data reviews, reviewing transcripts, grades, CST, etc.) to identify students at risk.
4. Program Development
   1. Collecting and analyzing student data.
   2. Developing interventions and school programs based upon assessed student needs.
   3. Identifying areas of improvement of an existing school counseling program.
   4. Developing, implementing and evaluating components of a school counseling and guidance program.
5. Leadership.
   1. Using institution's policies and procedures.
   2. Adhering to ethical standards and practices.
   3. Being sensitive to the effect of one's own values and biases on the manner of providing services to the school community.
   4. Understanding and working effectively with individuals from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
   5. Exercising perseverance and follow through.

Locations Offered

North Fresno, Visalia and Bakersfield Campuses

Program Length/Semester Starts

The program is six semesters in length with cohorts starting each fall.