Master of Science in Educational Counseling Community College Counseling Emphasis

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Program Overview

Degree:

Master of Science in Educational Counseling Community College Counseling Emphasis Degree

Application:

$0 application fee. No essays/exams.

The Master of Science in Educational Counseling Community College Emphasis degree provides the academic pathways for students who are committed to the professional practice of counseling in community colleges and other educational organizations. The program is designed to prepare educational counselors to be reflective social justice leaders who advocate for positive institutional transformation that promotes anti-racist, just, and equitable outcomes for all students. Students will be prepared to deliver culturally responsive services to a pluralistic society and will develop comprehensive counseling skills informed by theory, research, and practice. 

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Degree Requirements

To receive a Master of Science in Educational Counseling Community College Emphasis, students must complete at least 72 quarter units of graduate work. A total of 13.5 quarter units of graduate credit may be granted for equivalent graduate work completed at another accredited institution, as it applies to this degree, if the units were not used in earning another advanced degree.

National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters. 

Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.

Core Requirements

13 Courses

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: 5 year CA Certificate of Clearance (CL-900) is needed before enrolling in the course.

This course examines the history of educational counseling and provides context for the current state of the profession, within a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) lens. Core counseling theories will be presented and explored within the context of schools and colleges. American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and American Counseling Association (ACA) models will be introduced and examined.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: EDC 600

The educational counselor’s role as a leader, advocate, and systems change agent is explored. Theories and principles of equity within educational contexts is critiqued. The content identifies and addresses prejudice, power, personal biases, attitudes, oppression, and privilege that affect self and school communities, with the purpose of creating more safe, secure and nurturing learning environments.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: EDC 601

Provides an introduction to the ethical and legal obligations to students, parents, administrators, and teachers. Provides knowledge of federal and state laws, county ordinances, and district policies related to the rights of historically marginalized populations. Professional and ethical boundaries in school counseling relationships are examined per guidelines created by American School American School Counselor Association, American Counseling Association.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: EDC 602

Understanding of historical and contemporary theories across the lifespan. Utilizing a systemic perspective, the course examines academic, physical, cognitive, language, and moral development. Cultural assets and family configuration patterns, emphasizing social emotional learning as it relates to racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation and socio-economic status.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: EDC 603

Analysis and reflection of personal knowledge, bias, attitudes and beliefs about counseling diverse populations. This course highlights race, culture, gender and intersectionality and theoretical cultural responsive concepts are examined. Students will build and enhance culturally conscious competence and will gain an understanding of the impact poverty, social class, community, culture, and family have upon diverse groups of students. Students practice culture-centered counseling perspectives. Cultural wealth is recognized along with the attributes that facilitate a culturally responsive PK-16 school climate welcoming and appreciating the assets, strengths, and gifts that diverse students have.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: EDC 604

Course reviews and evaluates the core counseling theories that work most effectively in schools, such as but not limited to: Adlerian Theory, Choice Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Counseling, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Counseling (SFBC).

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: EDC 605A

Introduce and further develop the core counseling theories that work most effectively in schools, such as but not limited to: Adlerian Theory, Choice Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Counseling, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Counseling (SFBC).

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: EDC 605B

Learn to provide treatment strategies to school populations who have experienced trauma-related issues. Through defining and understanding trauma-informed care, SC’s will help students cope with a variety of high stress situations.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: EDC 606

Theories and principles of equity are examined for the purpose of creating more safe, secure and nurturing learning environments. Exploration of the current role of the school counselor in PreK-14 academic tiered systems of support, developing strategies to intervene academically through appraisal, advisement, individual student planning and goal-setting. The course builds upon students’ strengths and assets to support all students, especially historically underserved students. Current social issues are identified, such as cyber bullying, social media literacy, alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, suicide, truancy, LGBTQ+ awareness and empowerment, prevention and intervention strategies within school communities.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: EDC 607

Articulate the role of the school counselor in PreK-14 college/career tiered systems of support utilizing knowledge and understanding of state and local graduation requirements, and provisions for marginalized populations. Apply educational transitional strategies, including career development and exploration, throughout the lifespan including using multiple career assessments and planning tools applying knowledge and understanding of local and national career and job market trends.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: EDC 608

The course provides the foundation of educational inquiry and data analysis processes that help develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive educational counseling programs. The course provides candidates with the skills and knowledge related to the evaluation and assessment of data that ensures access and equitable educational outcomes and the examination of comprehensive educational counseling programs that drive policy and create systematic change, including academic, college/career and social emotional development for PK-14 educational systems will be articulated.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: EDC 609

The course provides an introduction to the basic principles of research design in schools and program evaluation as applied to educational counseling. Fundamental concepts and practices in educational research, methods, design, analysis, and conclusions, will be covered with the utilization of the current American Psychological Association (APA) research writing style . The course is designed to prepare candidates for the research project that will be completed during the capstone course, EDC 611 Research in Schools.

9.00 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: EDC 610

The course provides an overview of the basic principles of research design in schools and program evaluation as applied to school counseling. The course addresses fundamental concepts and practices of educational inquiry, research, methods, design, and analysis. The course is designed as the capstone course in which candidates will select a topic of interest and demonstrate research and evaluation competencies by completing an educational research project.

Community College Counseling Emphasis Requirements

2 Course

For the Community College Counseling Emphasis, the completion of the following two courses is required after completion of the core courses.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: EDC 600; EDC 601; EDC 602; EDC 603; EDC 604; EDC 605A; EDC 605B; EDC 606; EDC 607; EDC 608; EDC 609; EDC 610; EDC 611

The course provides an overview of community colleges in the United States including history, multiple missions, structure of community colleges, policies, operation, and the varying roles/divisions, and functions of each. A brief examination of the functions of community college counseling divisions, visions, missions provide the candidate a foundation of understanding of the role of the community college counselor.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: EDC 614A

The course provides an in depth understanding of community college counseling divisions in the United States. Candidates further explore the history, missions, structure of community colleges, and the policies and functions that impact student success. An inquiry into the functions of community college counseling divisions, visions, missions provides the candidate with an understanding of the role of the community college counselor and counseling structures through a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive lens.

Career Outlook

The Master of Science in Educational Counseling Community College Counseling Emphasis degree will prepare you for careers such as:

  • Top Jobs in this field
  • Median Salary (USA)
  • JOB Openings (USA)
  • Educational, Guidance, and Vocational Counselors
  • $61,638 avg. salary (USA)
  • 32,741 job openings (past yr.) past year
Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.
Median Salary:
$61,638 annual +28% above US average
Job Openings:
32,741 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $39,834
  • Medium
    $61,638
  • High
    $101,657

Most desired skills

  1. Student Services
  2. School Counseling
  3. Academic Advising
  4. Social Work
  5. Psychology
  6. Marketing
  7. Case Management

Top companies hiring for this role

  • Unclassified
  • Goodwill
  • City Year
  • University of California
  • California State University
  • The University of Texas System
  • McLaren Health Care

Program Learning Outcomes

Learn the key skills to help you excel in your field of study.

  • Advocate for all PK-14 students by employing anti-racist practice within educational foundations, growth and development, learning theory, and academic achievement.
  • Implement the basic foundations of school counseling professional standards.
  • Perform as equitable driven leaders and promote social justice efforts to enhance inclusivity and access for all.
  • Distinguish among major developmental theories of practice (personality, social, physical, emotional, and cognitive development) and chronological stages of human development that impact student academic development and life- long learning.
  • Examine, assess, and construct academic, social, and emotional comprehensive development programs with research-based practices.
  • Evaluate legal and ethical practices of professional school counseling.
  • Evaluate and assess program development for equitable outcomes.
  • Demonstrate competence in the application of research methods.
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Admissions

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More about transferring to NU.

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To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.

Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.

To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.

Accreditations

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The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.

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Why National University?

We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.

Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.

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“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”

Francisco R.,

Class of 2016

What makes a degree
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Individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, and customized career support.

Transfer Students Welcome

NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.

Accelerate Your Career With NU

At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.

Our network of 240,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.

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Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.

All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.

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