Graduate School of Education

M.S. in Counseling and Guidance

College Student Personnel

Program Overview




In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, never has there been a greater need for knowledgeable, reflective, principled school and college counselors and support professionals.

CLU's Master of Science in Counseling and Guidance offers you a relevant and engaging academic program renowned for developing exceptional counselors throughout California and beyond.

The program is an ideal fit for talented, motivated professionals aspiring to make meaningful contributions in counseling and educational support services.

Program Highlights

Candidates in the Counseling and Guidance program benefit from a rich academic setting characterized by outstanding faculty, three convenient locations, small, collaborative classes and an abundance of meaningful fieldwork opportunities.

A consistent focus is placed on ethical principles with regular self-reflection activities that support your professional growth and development. The program offers two distinct specializations — Pupil Personnel Services and College Student Personnel.

College Student Personnel

The College Student Personnel specialization is an ideal track for individuals interested in careers as student affairs and student services professionals in community college, college, and university settings.

Graduates of the College Student Personnel program who are interested in pursuing a doctorate are encouraged to apply to the Graduate School of Educations Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership program.

Requirements

The following courses are required to successfully complete this 38-credit curriculum:

  • EDCG 510A. Action Research for Practitioners (3)
  • EDCG 512. Lifespan Human Development (3)
  • EDCG 521. Counseling Theory and Practice (3)
  • EDCG 522. Tools for Research, Practice, and Professional Development (2)
  • EDCG 523. Group Process and Leadership (3)
  • EDCG 526. Microskills in Counseling (3)
  • EDCG 527. Educational and Career Planning (3)
  • EDCG 528. Practicum (3)
  • EDCG 530. Organization and Administration of College Student Personnel (3)
  • EDCG 531. Programs and Functions in College Student Personnel (3)
  • EDCG 535. Field Study in College Student Personnel (2)
  • EDCG 566. Educational Leadership (3)
  • EDCG 582. Law and Ethics in Higher Education (3)
  • EDCG 583. Professional Development in Practice (1)

Successful completion of a comprehensive exam or a thesis (EDGN 599A).

Graduates of the College Student Personnel program who are interested in pursuing a doctorate are encouraged to apply to the Graduate School of Education's newly developed Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership program.


* Requirements are subject to change by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Courses

EDCG 510A Action Research for Practitioners (3 units)

A systematic study and analysis of current research and methods of conducting research in educational settings. The objectives in this course focus on (A) knowledge base (B) techniques; and (C) applications of action research

EDCG 512 Life Span Human Development (3 units)

A comprehensive review and advanced study of the maturation of both normal and exceptional persons, from birth to senescence in physical, social/emotional, cognitive and language areas. Observation required.

EDCG 521 Counseling Theory and Practice

Fundamentals of counseling: theoretical approaches, the counseling process, and cross-cultural perspectives. This course should be taken during the first semester offered.

EDCG 522 Tools for Research, Practice and Professional Development (2 units)

APA writing style, on-line research methods and sources, technology for enhancing direct services and software applications for educational settings. To be taken the first semester offered.

EDCG 523 Group Process and Leadership (3 units)

Group counseling: foundation process, techniques and application; lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: EDCG 521.

EDCG 526 Microskills in Counseling (3 units)

An emphasis on counseling knowledge and skills. Includes in-class monitored practice. Prerequisite: EDCG 521. (Graded P/NC only).

EDCG 527 Educational and Career Planning (3 units)

Theoretical approaches, resources and techniques utilized in assisting individuals to make their educational and career choices.

EDCG 528 Practicum (3 units)

Supervised field placement in a school, postsecondary setting or community agency, with 100 (PPS) or 150 (CSP) field hours required. Candidates must be supervised by an experienced professional with an appropriate credential. Each student will be involved in on-site experiences which include the application of theory to practice. Permission of adviser and application required. Application must be submitted by the last month of the previous semester. Prerequisites: PPS Students - Proof of passage of CBEST and Certificate of Clearance. EDCG 504, 521, 523, 524, 526, 527, and 529 (EDCG 529 may be a co-requisite) and completion of 24 units. College Student Personnel Students - EDCG 521, 523, 526, 527, 530, and 531.

EDCG 530 Organization and Administration of College Student Personnel (3 units)

Organization and administration of student affairs and services in higher education. Includes legal foundations, governance models, planning and goal setting, resource acquisition and allocation, personnel and financial management, training and evaluation. To be taken first semester offered.

EDCG 531 Programs and Functions in College Student Personnel (3 units)

Overview and analysis of college student services, including historical and philosophical foundations, program components and standards, and evaluation. To be taken first semester offered.

EDCG 535 Field Study in College Student Personnel (2 units)*

Supervised field experience in student services departments and programs in a post secondary setting under the supervision of an experienced college student personnel professional. Required number of hours: 150. Prerequisite: EDCG 528. Advisor approval and application are required. (Graded P/NC only).

EDCG 566 Educational Leadership (3 units)

The course is designed to develop an understanding of management and leadership theories, concepts, group processes, decision making, and planning. A variety of leadership styles and practices which influence student and employee performance will be reviewed in these topical areas: power and influence, delegating, trust-building, vision and mission development, setting and fulfilling professional and/or personal objectives, situational, visionary and transformational leadership, impediments to leader effectiveness, organizational culture and principles of shared leadership.

EDCG 582 Legal and Ethical Issues in Higher Education (3 units)

This course provides an examination of the major legal and ethical issues confronting student affairs professionals and other administrators in higher education settings. Federal regulations and mandates, constitutional issues, tort liability, and contractual relationships will be covered. Ways of making practical decisions that are legally and ethically sound are examined (this course also satisfies the Ed. D. law proficiency requirement).

EDCG 583 Professional Development in Practice (1 unit)

Seminar on professional development opportunities and attendance at professional conference.

* These courses, which require field hours, are to be taken at or near the end of the program.

Currently Accepting Applications for Fall 2013

Admission Requirements

  1. Checklist
  2. Completed Application Form
  3. $50 Application Fee (please make checks payable to CLU)
  4. Official transcripts verifying bachelor's degree and any graduate work
  5. Personal Statement
  6. Recommendation Form
  7. Petition to Waive the GRE or GRE Scores

Application Process

Apply Online

Interested individuals are encouraged to make an appointment to meet with a graduate admission counselor to review specific program information, admission requirements, start terms, deadline dates, and review financial aid options.

Please call (805) 493-3335 to schedule an appointment to meet with a graduate admission counselor or to request information.

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