Begin Your Journey in Counseling
At Saint Mary’s, we cultivate a supportive and engaging program where students grow personally, culturally, and professionally. Whether you’re changing careers or recently graduating from college, we welcome you to learn more about our Counseling programs. Through rigorous coursework and thoughtfully selected field placements, you’ll gain real-world experience guided by dedicated faculty, community supervisors, and an engaged alumni network. By graduation, you’ll be prepared to lead, serve, and make a meaningful impact in the communities you support.
Master's in Counseling Degree Tracks
Marriage & Family Therapy
The Marriage and Family Therapy / Professional Clinical Counseling (MFT/PCC) degree provides the educational requirements for MFT and PCC licensure. Graduates can work in community mental health settings, private practice, or other clinical and counseling environments.
General Counseling
Build essential counseling skills and gain hands-on field experience while preparing for a career in the counseling professions or for future doctoral study.
School Counseling
Graduates gain the skills and credentials to work with K–12 students, supporting their academic, social-emotional, and career development in school settings, while earning the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential.
Earn a Master's in Counseling with Dual Specialization in School Counseling and MFT/PCC
In this dual specialization program, graduates are prepared to earn a PPS Credential for K–12 school counseling and meet requirements for MFT/PCC licensure, allowing them to work in schools, community mental health, or private practice settings.
Additional Degree Programs
Education Specialist in School Psychology (Ed.S.)
Our Education Specialist in School Psychology program prepares graduates with the knowledge and skills to become effective school psychologists and social justice advocates in K–12 schools.
Forensic Psychology
Gain the knowledge and practical skills to support individuals within the criminal justice and behavioral health systems.
Double Master's in Counseling and Forensic Psychology
Earn two Master's degrees - MA in Counseling (MFT/PCC) and MA in Forensic Psychology - while preparing for careers at the intersection of counseling, forensic psychology, and social justice.
The Saint Mary's Advantage
Mentorship-Focused
The faculty in the Counseling Department are more than professors. With diverse clinical backgrounds and a passion for student development, they serve as mentors and advocates for your growth.
Strong Community Connections
Our program connects you with schools, clinics, and community organizations across the wider Bay Area, helping you secure field placements that match your goals and prepare you for professional success.
Evening Classes
Afternoon and evening courses are offered on our beautiful Moraga campus and make it possible for busy professionals to advance their counseling careers. Semester long courses meet in-person Monday - Thursday and some Saturdays.
Trauma-Informed Intervention Certificate
Open to both non-degree and degree-seeking students, this fully-online certificate explores how trauma impacts human development, behavior, and brain-functioning. This certificate program is appropriate for counselors, therapists, case managers, and more.
Program Details
Learn about admissions, costs, the MA in Counseling curriculum, and more.
Recent News
School and Department Information
We believe that education can transform lives and make a positive impact on our future and in our communities, particularly those that are underserved. Our curriculum prepares leaders who understand the causes of inequities within society and how these affect our communities, including students, parents and teachers.