LMU’s Counseling programs attract candidates who aspire to serve in public schools, in private and parochial schools, in community settings, and in higher education. Based on your professional goals, we offer two distinct counseling tracks: a 48-unit program that leads to a combined MA in Counseling and California Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential, and a 37-unit program that leads to an MA in Guidance and Counseling.
Combined MA in Counseling and PPS Credential
There has never been a greater need for qualified, caring, and professional school counselors. As program alum Alyssa Feely relates, "a good counselor understands the importance of being approachable on both academic and personal matters. We can provide an environment that makes the world seem much smaller, and where students feel safe.” Click here to read more about the daily life of a school counselor.
LMU's combined MA in Counseling and PPS credential program prepares aspiring school counselors to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field. Our nationally recognized program consists of 48 academic units as well as 600 hours of fieldwork, and is specifically designed for those who plan to serve in a California K-12 public school system. The curriculum consists of the following courses:
- EDUC 6101 Education of Culturally/Linguistically Diverse Students with Exceptional Needs
- EDUC 6104 Leadership for Instruction, Learning, and Achievement
- EDUC 6105 Assessment and Research Methodology
- EDUC 6106 Human Development and Learning
- EDUC 6362 Counseling Theories and Techniques
- EDUC 6366 Principles, Organization, and Administration of Pupil Personnel Services
- EDUC 6368 Educational and Career Planning
- EDUC 6372 Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation in Pupil Personnel Services
- EDUC 6376 Social Responsibility, Violence Prevention, and Crisis Intervention in Schools
- EDUC 6377 Multicultural Counseling
- EDUC 6378 Communication Process and Counseling in Groups
- EDUC 6379 Emotional and Behavioral Disorders: Appraisal and Response
- EDUC 6382 Professional Ethics, Legal Mandates, and Political Relationships
- EDUC 6386 Practicum in Culturally Responsive Counseling
- EDUC 6970 Fieldwork in School Counseling I (300 hours)
- EDUC 6980 Fieldwork in School Counseling II (300 hours)
- EDUC 6995 Comprehensive Examination
LMU also offers an Internship Credential program for candidates who have already been admitted to the MA/PPS program, have completed six courses and met several other benchmarks, and have been offered a fulltime position as a school counselor in a K-12 public school. Candidates interested in this option must first apply and be accepted to the traditional MA/PPS program. More details on this option can be obtained from your Academic Advisor once you have been admitted to the program.
MA in Guidance and Counseling
LMU's Guidance and Counseling program provides candidates with a rigorous curriculum that leads to an MA degree without the PPS credential. This program is structured to meet the professional needs of candidates who do not intend to work in a California K-12 public school setting; rather, graduates of this program are prepared to serve in community settings, in higher education (student services), in nonprofit organizations, or to pursue doctoral work. The program requires 37 units, consisting of the following:
- EDUC 6105 Assessment and Research Methodology
- EDUC 6106 Human Development and Learning
- EDUC 6362 Counseling Theories and Techniques
- EDUC 6366 Principles, Organization, and Administration of Pupil Personnel Services
- EDUC 6368 Educational and Career Planning
- EDUC 6372 Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation in Pupil Personnel Services
- EDUC 6376 Social Responsibility, Violence Prevention, and Crisis Intervention in Schools
- EDUC 6377 Multicultural Counseling
- EDUC 6378 Communication Process and Counseling in Groups
- EDUC 6379 Emotional and Behavioral Disorders: Appraisal and Response
- EDUC 6382 Professional Ethics, Legal Mandates, and Political Relationships
- EDUC 6386 Practicum in Culturally Responsive Counseling
- EDUC 6972 Individualized Site-Based Experience (1 unit)
- EDUC 6995 Comprehensive Examination
Application and Admissions
To learn more about this program, or to request an application, click here.
Program Administration
Program Director: Fr. Thomas Batsis, O.Carm.
Assistant Program Director: Professor Judy Pollick
Fieldwork Coordinator: Dr. Paul DeSena
Internship Program Fieldwork Coordinator: Professor Judy Pollick
Program Advisor: Gloria Davidson (gdavidso@lmu.edu)
Administrative Assistant: Kelli Smith (kksmith@lmu.edu)