Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling
Located in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California State University Northridge (CSUN) boasts being one of the nation's largest solitary campus universities. This highly accredited university offers several options for master's degrees and certification programs. After completing a master's degree, graduates will be equipped for employment in marriage and family therapy, private clinical practice, public schools, colleges and universities, career development, public mental health, community agencies, or business and industry organizations.
The programs at the Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling provide studies based on the major concepts and skills from counseling, early childhood education, educational psychology, and psychological foundations of education. Graduates will be able to establish themselves as compassionate and respectful professionals with the capabilities to work intricately with a variety of people in community, educational and mental health environments. Acting as leaders to companies and agencies providing services for families, schools, organizations, and communities, graduates will uphold social justice, educational equality and access based on a multicultural and global perspective.
Master of Science in Counseling, Specialization in Career Counseling
The specialization of the Career Counseling program offers graduate-level training in career counseling theory, resources and program development, organizational behavior and administration, individual and group vocational assessment, and the career development of special populations. Career Counselors have options for employment in diverse settings, including, but not limited to, educational institutions, business, industry and government institutions, or community-based agencies and organizations.
Certificate in Career Education and Counseling
Students who have completed a master's degree or Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential or who are enrolled in a master's degree or credential program are able to receive certification from the Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling. This certification program develops the professional skills needed for career counseling applications, program development, organizational theory, career and educational information, individual and group vocational assessment, and career counseling for particular populations. After completing the program, students will be qualified for employment as career counselors in educational settings, including primary, secondary and high schools, community colleges and universities, business, industry and government institutions, and community-based agencies and organizations.
Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling/Therapy
The Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) specialization within the Master of Science Degree in Counseling is an approved program by the State Board of Behavioral Science (BBS), which allows graduates the ability to receive a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Students are able to take the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and the National Board of Certified Counselors exams (NBCC) upon completion of their master's degree. The faculty pursues a supportive and engaging learning environment that enables the students to build a strong foundation in developing successful working relationships with varied clients and proficiency in contemporary therapy theories. As a learning outcome, students will have a sharp and unbiased perspective in supporting well being and healthy relationships among individuals and groups. They will be capable of applying ethical and legal practice during their education while sustaining the awareness throughout their professional lives.
School Counseling
The specialization in School Counseling is implemented to equip students with effective skills to lead a professional life as a school counselor for primary, secondary, and high schools. Included in this program is the California Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in School Counseling. While the master's degree program permits students to conduct research in selected professional fields, attaining the Master of Science Degree in Counseling is not a prerequisite for the PPS Credential.
Specialization in College Counseling and Student Services
The Master's of Science in Counseling with a specialization in College Counseling and Student Services qualifies graduates for career opportunities in higher education institutions with a focus on university and community college students. Significant consideration is given to the ability to engage contrasting student groups including returning students, minorities and disabled students. This program is arranged for individuals preparing for entry-level positions in student affairs or for experienced professionals intending to further their theoretical background and range of experience. Field work is a significant component in the College Counseling and Student Services program.
Graduates should have a Master's Degree in Counseling before applying to the Specialist Certificate in College Counseling and Student Services.
ACCREDITATIONS
- Commission for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- National Association of School Psychology (NASP)
- National Council on the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- Counsel on Postsecondary Accreditation (COPA)
CONTACT INFORMATION
California State University Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge CA, 91330-8265
818-677-2599