Main Content Region

Counseling

Master's

About Counseling at CSUSB

At Cal State San Bernardino, the master of science in counseling program offers three distinct pathways, each designed to match your personal and professional goals:

  • School Counseling Concentration – Prepares you for the California Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential, issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
  • Professional Counseling Concentration – Meets the requirements to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), regulated by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
  • School and Professional Counseling Dual Concentration – Qualifies you for both LPCC licensure and the PPS credential, enabling you to work in diverse educational and clinical settings.

Whichever path you choose, you’ll gain the counseling, leadership and communication skills to support individuals, families and communities across a range of contexts.

Careers in Counseling

Jump to Career Prospects
Counselor

Graduates of the Master of Science in Counseling program pursue impactful careers across educational, clinical, and community-based settings. Depending on concentration, alumni work as School Counselors in PK–12 schools, College Counselors in community colleges and universities, and Clinical Counselors in community agencies, hospitals, and private practice.

Many graduates also advance into leadership, coordination, and advocacy roles within educational systems, healthcare organizations, and social service agencies. The program prepares students to pursue professional licensure as Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs), earn the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential, or continue into doctoral study in counseling or related fields — expanding both career flexibility and long-term professional impact.

Sample Courses

Law & Ethics in Counseling

Discussion of ethical and legal constraints and considerations in the delivery of counseling services.

Conflict Resolution

Understanding and responding to conflict in relationships, schools, and communities. Includes conflict coaching, mediation, and conferencing practices.

Group Counseling

Theory and practice of group counseling in schools or community and mental health settings.

Opportunities for Students

The Counseling Graduate Student Association (CGSA) is a student-led organization that enhances the academic, social and professional experience of counseling graduate students. CGSA builds community, promotes collaboration, and advocates for student needs within the program — creating a supportive and inclusive environment that helps students succeed both in and beyond the classroom.

Similar to Counseling

With more than 50 undergraduate degress at CSUSB, we offer a variety of programs that reflect the Coyotes' passion for learning. Check out where your curiosity will take you at CSUSB.

Master of Science in Counseling Program
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Saturday - Sunday: Closed

For inquiries regarding current or former students, program plans, graduate checks, community engagement, or general program advising, please contact us at mscounseling@csusb.edu. 

The Fall 2026 application deadline date is January 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. CSU Apply opens applications October 1st, 2025. Please contact Olga Valdivia, Program Admissions Advisor, at coeinfo@csusb.edu if you have any questions regarding admissions.

Upcoming Information Sessions

Apply to the MS in Counseling Program