Degree Program Specializations
- M.A. in Counseling with the School Specialization
- M.A. in Counseling with the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization
University of San Diego – M.A. in Counseling Degree Program
The Master’s degree in Counseling first trains students to become professional counselors. Professional counseling is the application of mental heath, psychological and human development principles. Professional counselors prevent, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional or behavioral disorders and provide services when clients experience life stresses that interfere with mental health. Some goals of counseling interventions are:
- To promote optimal development throughout the lifespan
- To apply preventative interventions that decrease the potential for future problems by providing clients with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to work constructively with life challenges
- To provide services that promote wellness, personal growth, career development, lifelong learning and planning for life transitions as well as services that address mental health problems or concerns.
Professional counselors serve at all levels of schools and universities, in hospitals, mental health agencies, rehabilitation facilities, business and industry, correctional institutions, religious organizations, community centers and private practice. They work with people of all ages, races, cultural backgrounds, and circumstances to help them maximize their potential, make positive changes in their lives, and achieve their goals. See www.counseling.org American Counseling Association.
What are the Advantages of Completing a Counseling Graduate Program at USD?
Programs are designed to meet national standards of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP) and the National Board for Certified Counselors. Our School Counseling program is approved by the California Commission for Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) for the Pupil Personnel Services Credential with Specialization in School Counseling.
We help our students develop an identity as professional counselors through coursework, reflective practice, networking with practicing professionals through local, state and national conference, membership in professional associations like ACA, ASCA and AMHCA and field experiences/internships in a variety of settings to meet the professional goals of our students.
Our faculty also identity with the Counseling Profession through memberships in professional organizations, published research and conference presentations, service as officers, board and committee members in state and national counseling organization and advocacy.
We have a diverse faculty and graduate student population in the program. We promote developing the knowledge, skills and dispositions for multicultural competence. We are unique in promoting internationalization of students and faculty through participation in Study Abroad courses, international conferences and bi-national and multinational research and projects.
We train our students to deliver individual and group counseling services, training presentations, consultation, team facilitation and to develop action research projects and technological skills.
Our classes are in the afternoons and evenings so working students can complete our program.
Merit scholarships and other financial aid available to our applicants.
