Master's in Counseling Program
Counseling, MA
Why the Master of Arts in Counseling?
Choose between a general Master of Arts in Counseling or an MA in Counseling with a specialization in one of three different areas. Students may complete more than one specialization by taking additional courses and fulfilling the appropriate field experience requirements.
Program Duration
- Options for 2, 2.5, 3, or 3.5 year tracks. This is a program designed to help you grow and succeed.
Learning Environment
- Fall and Spring semester courses meet in person Monday - Thursday in the late afternoon / evenings & alternate Saturdays
Easy Enrollment
- Apply for our Fall or Spring terms. Applications submitted after the deadline are evaluated on a space-available basis.
Curriculum
We always have our students’ best interests in mind. That’s why we have created a class schedule that complements your busy life as a working professional.
All classes are held at the Saint Mary’s College of California campus in Moraga, in the evenings and on Saturdays. Students can take classes part-time or full-time—whatever works best for you.
All incoming students are assigned an academic advisor to help guide you through the challenging, rewarding program.
Required core courses:
- COUN 600: Introduction to Counseling Research (1 unit)
- COUN 601: Counseling Skills I (3 units)
- COUN 602: Counseling Skills II (3 units)
- COUN 603: Personal and Professional Development of Counselors (3 units)
- COUN 604: Theories of Counseling (3 units)
- COUN 605: Issues in Intercultural Counseling and Social Justice (3 units)
- COUN 610: Career Counseling (3 units)
- COUN 611: Law, Ethics, and Values (3 units)
- COUN 612: Human Sexuality (1 unit)
- COUN 613: Alcohol & Substance Abuse (2 units)
- COUN 620: Psychological Testing and Assessment (3 units)
- COUN 621: Human Development and Family Relationships (3 units)
- COUN 622: Group Theory and Practice (3 units)
- EDUC 772: Research Seminar I (3 units)
- COUN 799: Counseling Master’s Project, Thesis, or Exam (3 units)
Total core units: 40
You will complete additional coursework depending on your specialization. Please visit our specialization pages to learn more.
Program Details
Learn about admissions, costs, the MA in Counseling curriculum, and more.
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.