Courses that chart your path to making a difference
Explore an extensive variety of coursework ranging from Human Development to Law and Ethics to Multicultural Counseling to Advanced Human Sexuality Counseling. The program is offered in an in-person format, allowing students to engage directly with faculty, peers, and community partners throughout their training.
*Program plan subject to revision
- Curriculum
Specialization Requirements
Program Specialization Courses
Students in all counseling program areas complete courses designed to meet program requirements recommended by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). All students complete core and specialization courses specific to their areas of professional practice. The program requires the student to complete three terms of practicum or fieldwork in an approved setting related to the student’s career goal.
CMHC Program Plan - Year 1
Fall I | ||
COUN 502 | Professional Orientation, Law and Ethics in Counseling | 3 |
COUN 520 | Counseling Theories and Practice | 3 |
COUN 530 | Assessment Techniques in Counseling | 3 |
COUN 564 | Counseling Skills | 3 |
Intersession I | ||
COUN 505 | Human Development | 3 |
Spring I | ||
COUN 526 | Group Counseling | 3 |
COUN 541 | Advanced Counseling: Diagnosis And Treatment Planning | 3 |
COUN 547 | Risk Assessment and Trauma Intervention in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
COUN 555 | Evidence-Based Counseling Theory and Techniques | 3 |
Summer I | ||
COUN 510 | Career Development Across the Lifespan | 3 |
COUN 515 | Multicultural Counseling | 3 |
COUN 587P | Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum | 3 |
CMHC Program Plan - Year 2
Fall II | ||
COUN 508 | Research Methods in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
COUN 542 | Addictions Counseling | 3 |
COUN 544 | Intro Family Counseling | 3 |
COUN 598P | Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship | 3 |
Intersession II | ||
COUN 562 | Positive Psychology: Theory and Applications | 3 |
or COUN 575 | Advanced Counseling Skills: Motivational Interviewing | |
Spring II | ||
COUN 549 | Psychopharmacology | 3 |
COUN 550 | Couples and Sexuality | 3 |
COUN 598P | Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship | 3 |
Total Units | 60 | |
Clinical Contact Hours
Students must successfully complete a minimum of 700 clock hours of supervised practicum over three semesters. At least 240 clock hours of direct service during the three semesters of practicum, during the first semester, a minimum of 100 hours/40 direct service hours with a minimum of 120 direct hours per practicum II/III, including experience in leading groups.
Clinical Instruction Benchmark Assessment (CIBA)
A Clinical Instruction Benchmark Assessment (CIBA) is utilized to assess readiness for practicum training and to provide candidates with personal and professional development feedback.
Capstone Research Project Defense
The Counseling Program utilizes a capstone research project defense as part of the assessment of student readiness to complete the program. The Research project defense requires that students complete a research project in consultation with their advisor. The defense is a public presentation of the student’s research project and its findings. In addition to the presentation, each student is required to turn in a formal written ‘Research Brief’ project report. The Research defense is generally taken during the final semester of courses.
Comprehensive Examination
Successful completion of a comprehensive examination is required for graduation. The exam is administered during the final semester and includes multiple-choice questions and case vignette components.
International Requirement
At SOLES, all master's and doctoral students participate in an international experience designed to support the growth of cultural competency. Our goal is to inform best practices in working with culturally diverse populations locally, nationally, and globally. International experiences are approved by each student's faculty advisor and can be credit-based or non-credit-based activities.
*Note: Samples of course syllabi are available to prospective students upon request. To request a sample syllabus, please contact cmft@sandiego.edu. Please note, sample syllabi are for the review of a prospective student only and are not to be shared, published, or otherwise distributed.
Questions?
Connect with the Office of Admissions and Outreach team to learn more information about SOLES master's and doctoral programs. Additional information for international applicants is also available.