Minor
About Counseling and Social Change (Minor Only) at CSUSB
The Counseling and Social Change minor at Cal State San Bernardino prepares students to understand the dynamics of human behavior, social systems, and community wellness.
Grounded in counseling principles and social justice frameworks, the program introduces students to helping-skills development, the lived experiences of diverse populations, and the societal structures that shape access, equity, and opportunity.
Students explore topics such as disability studies, social advocacy, inclusive practices, multicultural counseling perspectives, and the roles of individuals and institutions in advancing positive social change.
This minor is an excellent complement to majors in psychology, sociology, social work, human services, education, criminal justice, public health, and related fields. The curriculum equips students with foundational communication, empathy, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills applicable across many professions.
Careers in Counseling and Social Change (Minor Only)
The Counseling and Social Change minor supports students pursuing careers that focus on human development, community engagement, advocacy, and service. The minor provides a valuable foundation for graduate programs in counseling, social work, education, rehabilitation, public health, and related fields.
Career pathways include:
- Counseling and mental health support roles (with additional graduate preparation)
- Social work and case management
- School-based counseling and student support services
- Community outreach and public service positions
- Nonprofit and human services roles, including youth programs, disability support, and community development
- Rehabilitation services and disability advocacy
- Public health and wellness programming
- Criminal justice and restorative practices in justice-involved settings
- Advocacy roles in equity, inclusion, policy, or social justice organizations
Students gain transferable skills—active listening, cultural responsiveness, interpersonal communication, and ethical decision-making—that enhance employability across helping professions.
Sample Courses
Introduction to the Counseling & Helping Professions
Students are exposed to themes that cut across counseling and helping professions, including listening skills, the experience and value of compassion and compassionate action, the ethics of caring, and the effects of power relations in the helping profession.
Counseling & Social Change
The emphasis is on promoting social change within the counseling context among client groups that have historically been marginalized or oppressed in some fashion.
Introduction To Counseling Skills & Practices
This is an introductory course to counseling and compassionate listening skills with a particular focus on understanding how stories are constructed and shape identities utilizing an active and participatory learning experience.
Meet Professor Manijeh Badiee, Ph.D.
Opportunities for Students
Students in the Counseling and Social Change minor benefit from applied learning, reflective coursework, and opportunities to engage with real-world community challenges:
- Coursework in counseling foundations, communication skills, social justice, and disability studies
- Experiential learning and case-based activities that develop empathy and professional helping skills
- Faculty mentorship from experts in counseling, rehabilitation, and inclusive education
- Opportunities to participate in community-focused projects supporting underserved or marginalized groups
- Connections to CSUSB programs that advocate for equity, accessibility, and student success
- Preparation for counseling-related graduate programs through exposure to foundational theories and practices
- Collaboration with peers across education, psychology, sociology, and human services fields
These experiences prepare students to support diverse communities, engage in advocacy, and pursue careers grounded in service and social well-being.
Similar to Counseling and Social Change (Minor Only)
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