MA in Counseling, with School Counseling Specializations

School counselors are social justice activists in action

Making an impact during students' most critical developmental years is one of the most effective ways to weave multiculturalism, social justice and holistic well-being into our society. Our MA in Counseling with School Counseling specialization supports your journey to becoming a community leader who inspires K-12 students and prepares you to work directly with those whose needs are culturally sensitive or specific to their diverse social identities.

Through personalized learning and real-world experience, students in the School Counseling program will learn how to help K–12 students overcome significant challenges during their most formative years.

1 of 3

California school counseling programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

900

Clinical hours of practicum and fieldwork experiences

2 pathways

2 years to complete with a 3-year option

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this program, graduates will be prepared to make a difference in the lives of the students they work with by:

Demonstrating their knowledge, skills and level of professional identity as a counselor

Applying research, theories and strategies to advocate for and support diverse clients in a multicultural society

Applying theories, models, research and strategies to understand human growth and development, including social, cultural, and societal influences across life stages

Relying on theories, models, research and strategies to support career development across all life stages

Employing theories, models, research and strategies to build helping relationships

Integrating knowledge about group dynamics, development and process theories, leadership styles and counseling methods to practice group leadership ethically and professionally

Incorporating ethical guidelines and research evidence when selecting, administering and interpreting developmentally and culturally appropriate assessments

Applying ethical and culturally relevant research to select strategies for interventions, treatments and program evaluations

Using effective principles and practices for diagnosis, treatment, referral and prevention when initiating, maintaining and terminating counseling services

Demonstrating readiness to lead and manage school counseling programs, considering students' developmental needs, available resources, and evidence-based practices for prevention, intervention, and crisis management

Who Is the

Masters in School Counseling for?

This program is a good fit for those who want to...

work with school aged youth and families

advocate for mental health and educational equity

work in an educational setting domestically and internationally

foster academic success and college and career readiness

Specializations

The program offers two specializations:

School Counseling with PPS Credential and Certificate in Restorative Practices

This path pairs the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential with the Restorative Justice Certificate, offering training in restorative practices, expert mentorship, and hands-on implementation support.

Eligible for California's Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential
Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice Facilitation and Leadership

School Counseling with PPS Credential and LPCC Licensure Eligibility

This path supports students pursuing both the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential and eligibility for the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) designation, enabling practice in both school and clinical environments.

Eligible for California's Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential
Meet California's course requirements to become eligible for an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC)
- Review the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) for a list of full requirements to become a LPCC.

Financing Your Education

At University of San Diego, all students have a right to an education, regardless of income. The majority of students receive some form of financial assistance through scholarships, grants, loans and employment. The tuition rate is for the 2026–2027 academic year — please note that tuition and fees are subject to change.

Units

$1,751

Tuition per unit

$105,060

Estimated total tuition

In addition to external funding resources, students at SOLES may be eligible for various forms of financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, fellowships, and discounts.

Explore Financial Aid and Scholarships

Student Success Stories

Matt Dahlman

'20, MA in Counseling, School Counseling

I'd been working with kids since high school, whether it was coaching or working as a camp counselor. I got my bachelor’s degree in psychology, and I was working in a psych hospital for kids. I loved doing that, but it made me realize that I wanted to have more of an impact on a larger number of kids and have a more consistent relationship in their lives.

Leanna Evans

Current Student, MA in Counseling, School Based Clinical Counseling

I am a prior military service member using my GI Bill, and I am grateful that the University of San Diego (USD) participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. This makes it possible for me to apply and attend USD. I find everyone's background fascinating, and I appreciate the diverse experiences that my classmates bring to the program. We are taught by instructors who have either been in the field or are currently working in it, providing us with a realistic learning experience. It's not just about reading from a textbook and wondering how I will apply these skills in real life.

Maia Barber

'19 (MA), School Counseling

Being in this program, you meet so many people who are in the field. I have classmates that I graduated with, and I can see how they have grown and I can get inspiration from them as school counselors. The experiences that I've learned from different people have shaped the way that I counsel, because I know that I can go to them if I need any assistance, or I have learned from things that they've done as counselors.

Get to know SOLES

Meet our faculty & student ambassadors

Committed to uplifting and providing a better quality of life for our community.

Meet our Faculty Meet our Students

FULL PROFESSOR; SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM CHAIR

Ian Martin, EdD

Dr. Ian Martin is a Professor of counseling and Program Chair at the University of San Diego, where he teaches courses in school counseling and career development. Before becoming a counselor educator, he was a school counselor in Portland, Oregon.

Meet Ian Martin

PROFESSOR OF PRACTICE

Wendell Callahan, PhD

Dr. Wendell Callahan holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in experimental psychopathology from the University of California, San Diego and San Diego State University. Prior to joining the faculty at USD, he was the senior director for integrated instructional support at the San Diego County Office of Education’s Juvenile Court and Community Schools.

Meet Wendell Callahan

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

Catherine Griffith, PhD

Dr. Catherine Griffith is an Associate Professor in the school counseling program at USD and a former Associate Director for the Ronald H. Fredrickson Center for School Counseling Outcome Research and Evaluation (CSCORE). Her primary research activities include the development and validation of strengths-based counseling interventions and assessments.

Meet Catherine Griffith

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

Nancy Chae, PhD

Dr. Nancy Chae is an Assistant Professor of Counseling at the University of San Diego, where she teaches courses in school counseling. Nancy has worked as a school counselor across the P–12 grade levels in Baltimore, Maryland, and also provided free family and group counseling services for children and parents in the Williamsburg & Hampton Roads area in Virginia.

Meet Nancy Chae

Careers in School Counseling

A MA Counseling with a specialization in School Counseling equips graduates for a rewarding career supporting the growth and well-being of K–12 students.

In the San Diego region, alumni often pursue roles with annual salaries typically ranging from $65,000 to $120,000.*

*Salary ranges and job opportunities may vary by location.

School Counselor
School Based Mental Health Counselor
College Counselor in high school settings
Educationally Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS)
MTSS Program Coordinator
Restorative Practices Director
District Head Counselor
Career Technical Education (CTE) Counselor

Our Alumni

Alumni of our program have built impactful careers at a wide range of educational institutions and school districts. Many alumni work with local districts, while others serve in national and international roles.

OUR ALUMNI WORK OR HAVE WORKED FOR:

Questions?

Connect with SOLES admissions

You can connect with the SOLES Admissions and Outreach team in a number of ways for more information about our degree programs and certificates

Schedule Advising Appointment Request Information Form