SFSU Masters in Counseling Program Overview

The Master’s in Counseling program at San Francisco State University (SFSU) is a comprehensive and rigorous graduate program designed to prepare students for a career in counseling. The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and is based on a holistic approach that integrates theoretical foundations, practical skills, and personal growth.

Program Mission and Goals

The mission of the SFSU Master’s in Counseling program is to train students to become competent, culturally sensitive, and socially responsible counselors who can work effectively with diverse populations in a variety of settings. The program aims to achieve this mission by providing students with a solid foundation in counseling theories, research, and practices, as well as opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The program’s goals include:

• Preparing students to become licensed professional counselors (LPCCs) in the state of California
• Fostering a deep understanding of human development, multiculturalism, and social justice
• Developing students’ skills in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning
• Encouraging students to adopt a strengths-based and collaborative approach to counseling
• Providing opportunities for students to engage in supervised practice and fieldwork

Program Curriculum

The SFSU Master’s in Counseling program consists of 60 semester units of coursework, which can be completed in two to three years. The curriculum is divided into several components, including:

• Foundational Courses: These courses provide an introduction to the field of counseling, including counseling theories, human development, and research methods.
• Core Courses: These courses cover the core competencies of counseling, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning, as well as multicultural counseling and social justice.
• Specialized Courses: These courses allow students to specialize in a particular area of counseling, such as school counseling, mental health counseling, or career counseling.
• Fieldwork and Practicum: These courses provide students with hands-on experience in counseling settings, under the supervision of licensed professionals.
• Electives: These courses allow students to explore special topics in counseling, such as trauma-informed care, mindfulness-based interventions, or group counseling.

Some of the specific courses offered in the program include:

• Counseling Theories and Techniques
• Human Development and Diversity
• Research Methods in Counseling
• Assessment and Diagnosis
• Treatment Planning and Intervention
• Multicultural Counseling and Social Justice
• School Counseling
• Mental Health Counseling
• Career Counseling

Faculty and Research

The faculty in the SFSU Master’s in Counseling program are experienced professionals in the field of counseling, with expertise in areas such as multicultural counseling, social justice, and trauma-informed care. Many of the faculty members are actively engaged in research and have published numerous articles and book chapters in their areas of specialty.

Some of the current research initiatives in the program include:

• Examining the effects of mindfulness-based interventions on mental health outcomes
• Developing culturally sensitive assessment tools for diverse populations
• Investigating the impact of social justice-oriented counseling on client outcomes
• Exploring the role of technology in counseling, including online counseling and teletherapy

Admissions and Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the SFSU Master’s in Counseling program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Submit official transcripts and test scores (GRE or MAT)
• Provide letters of recommendation from academic or professional supervisors
• Write a personal statement outlining their interests and goals in pursuing a career in counseling

Licensure and Certification

The SFSU Master’s in Counseling program is designed to prepare students for licensure as a professional counselor (LPCC) in the state of California. The program meets the educational requirements for licensure, and graduates are eligible to take the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) and the California Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (CCMHC).

In addition to licensure, the program also prepares students for certification as a national certified counselor (NCC) or a certified clinical mental health counselor (CCMHC).

Overall, the SFSU Master’s in Counseling program is a comprehensive and rigorous graduate program that prepares students for a career in counseling. With its strong curriculum, experienced faculty, and emphasis on multiculturalism and social justice, the program is an excellent choice for students who want to make a difference in the lives of others.