Welcome to the Masters of Science in Counseling Program!
We are delighted that you are considering pursuing your graduate studies in counseling at California State University, San Bernardino. The program emphasizes professional practice, cultural responsiveness, and evidence-based counseling over a three-year sequence. In addition to the master’s degree, we offer a Minor in Counseling and Social Change for undergraduate students interested in developing foundational helping skills, exploring pathways into the counseling profession, and preparing for graduate study.
The Master of Science in Counseling program offers three distinct concentrations: School Counseling, Professional Counseling or Dual Concentration. The School Counseling concentration prepares students for the California Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPS-SC), issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). The Professional Counseling concentration prepares students to become Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC), regulated by the California Board of Behavioral Science (BBS). Students may choose to complete one concentration or combine both (Dual Concentration) to meet the qualifications for the PPS credential and LPCC licensure, expanding their career pathways across educational and clinical settings.
In addition to the master’s degree, we offer a Minor in Counseling and Social Change for undergraduate students interested in developing foundational helping skills, exploring pathways into the counseling profession, and preparing for graduate study. Upon completing the graduate program, many of our alums serve as school counselors in PK–12 settings, college counselors in community colleges and universities, and clinical counselors in community agencies, hospitals, and private practice. Graduates also serve in leadership and advocacy roles in educational, clinical, and social service organizations. Many continue their professional journey by pursuing licensure as LPCCs or doctoral studies in counseling or related fields. We encourage all prospective students to attend an information session to learn more about program concentrations, admission requirements, application steps, tuition and financial aid, and opportunities for fieldwork and professional growth. For questions about admissions or upcoming sessions, please get in touch with Olga Valdivia, Program Admissions Advisor, at coeinfo@csusb.edu. We look forward to welcoming you to a community of counselors dedicated to promoting wellness, equity, and social change.
Sincerely,
MS in Counseling Program Faculty
Learn more about the MS in Counseling Program
Program Partnerships
The CSUSB MS in Counseling Program maintains partnerships with PK–12 school districts, community mental health agencies, counseling organizations, faculty practitioners, and student leadership to support program design, field training, and continuous improvement. These partnerships help ensure candidates are prepared to serve diverse schools and communities.
For partnership inquiries, please contact: mscounseling@csusb.edu
Admissions & Deadline for applications:
Learn more about applying for the MS in Counseling Program
The Fall 2026 application deadline date is January 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. CSU Apply opens applications October 1st, 2025. If you have any questions regarding admissions, please contact Olga Valdivia, Program Admissions Advisor, at coeinfo@csusb.edu if you have any questions regarding admissions.
To apply to the program, prospective students are encouraged to attend information sessions. Sessions will be held as follows:
Accreditation & Professional Pathways
The CSUSB Master of Science in Counseling Program prepares graduates for professional practice in both school and clinical counseling settings and aligns with standards established by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).
Pupil Personnel Services – School Counseling (PPS-SC)
The School Counseling pathway prepares candidates to earn the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) School Counseling Credential issued by the CTC. This credential authorizes graduates to serve as professional school counselors in PK–12 public schools, supporting students’ academic, college/career, and social-emotional development.
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC)
The Professional Counseling pathway prepares graduates to apply for Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) registration through the BBS. After graduation, candidates may complete supervised clinical hours required for licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California.
For questions about program pathways or partnerships, please contact: mscounseling@csusb.edu