Counseling Master of Arts
The Master of Arts in Counseling degree program allows students to select from seven concentrations: Counseling, Forensic Mental Health Counseling, Behavioral Analysis, School Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counseling, and Neuroscience & Education. Some individuals may require more than the minimum of 45 units because of the requirements for a certification, credential, or licensure.
Program Concentrations Available
Behavior Analysis
Specialization
Quick Facts
Level
Graduate
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
Description:
The Behavior Analysis Specialization focuses on the study and application of behavioral principles to understand and modify human behavior. Students learn techniques for assessing behavior, developing intervention strategies, and implementing evidence-based practices in various settings, such as education, healthcare, and social services. This specialization prepares students for careers in fields like therapy, counseling, and organizational behavior management.
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Counseling
Specialization
Quick Facts
Level
Graduate
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
Description:
The Counseling Specialization prepares students to support individuals in overcoming personal, social, and emotional challenges. Through a combination of theory and practical training, students develop skills in assessment, therapy, and intervention. This specialization covers a range of counseling techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, crisis management, and group counseling, and is designed to equip students for careers in mental health, school counseling, and clinical settings.
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Forensic Mental Health Counseling
Specialization
Quick Facts
Level
Graduate
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
Description:
The Forensic Mental Health Counseling Specialization focuses on the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system. Students learn to assess and treat individuals involved in legal and correctional settings, such as offenders, victims, and those at risk of criminal behavior. The specialization covers topics like forensic assessment, ethical considerations, crisis intervention, and the legal aspects of mental health counseling. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of settings, including courts, prisons, probation offices, and rehabilitation programs.
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Marriage & Family Therapy
Specialization
Quick Facts
Level
Graduate
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
Description:
The Marriage & Family Therapy Specialization trains students to work with individuals, couples, and families to address relational and emotional challenges. Students gain expertise in therapeutic techniques designed to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen family dynamics. The program emphasizes a systems approach, where the focus is on the relationships between individuals and their environments. Graduates are prepared to provide counseling in various settings, including private practice, mental health centers, and community agencies, with the goal of fostering healthier relationships and improving overall well-being.
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Neuroscience & Education
Concentration
Quick Facts
Level
Graduate
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
Description:
The Neuroscience & Education Concentration explores the connection between brain science and educational practices. Students examine how neurological processes impact learning, memory, and behavior, and apply this knowledge to develop effective teaching strategies. The concentration focuses on understanding cognitive development, learning disabilities, and how environmental factors influence brain function. Graduates are equipped to create evidence-based educational interventions and support diverse learning needs in both academic and clinical settings.
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Professional Clinical Counseling
Specialization
Quick Facts
Level
Graduate
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
Description:
The Professional Clinical Counseling Specialization prepares students to become licensed professional counselors capable of diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health issues. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical training in counseling techniques, including individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and ethical practices. Students gain expertise in areas such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and mental health assessment. Graduates are ready to work in diverse settings like private practice, hospitals, community mental health centers, and schools, providing compassionate care to individuals struggling with emotional and psychological challenges.
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School Counseling
Specialization
Quick Facts
Level
Graduate
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
Description:
The School Counseling Specialization equips students with the skills and knowledge to support the academic, emotional, and social development of students in K-12 settings. The program focuses on counseling techniques for individual and group support, as well as strategies for promoting positive school environments. Students learn to address a variety of issues, such as academic stress, bullying, career guidance, and mental health concerns, while collaborating with teachers, parents, and administrators. Graduates are prepared to work as school counselors, helping students navigate challenges and achieve personal and academic success.
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Sports Counseling & Coaching
Quick Facts
Level
Graduate
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
Description:
The Sports Counseling & Coaching specialization combines psychological principles with coaching techniques to support athletes' mental and emotional well-being. Students learn to address issues such as performance anxiety, motivation, stress management, and team dynamics. The program also covers topics like leadership, goal-setting, and resilience, helping athletes enhance both their mental toughness and athletic performance. Graduates are prepared to work in sports organizations, schools, and private practice, providing counseling and coaching services to athletes at all levels.
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Student Learning Objectives
The three essential points of the University Mission statement that apply to the Master of Arts degree are to seek, to know, and to serve. The goals and learning outcomes for this degree are based on the mission of the university and the mission of the department. The student/program learning outcomes are listed below:
Assessment. Organize and effectively apply assessment processes to practical situations effectively as it relates to the discipline under study.
Critical Reasoning. Identify critical theories unique to the discipline of focus and understand how to conceptualize, dissect, contrast, and organize these theories in evidence-based ways.
Intervention. Organize and effectively apply prevention/intervention processes to practical situations effectively as it relates to the discipline under study
Professional Ethics and Legal Mandates. Understand and perform various ethical and legal duties responsibly. Understand the steps involved in ethical decision-making processes.
Systems and Consultation. Understand complex issues that require critical and analytical thinking as it relates to working and communicating effectively with individuals, families, groups, other professionals, and society in general. Understand the steps recognized in the consultation process in various organizational and classroom settings.
Multicultural Sensitivity. Be sensitive to diversity- related issues and respect responsibilities as it relates to diversity in all domains. Demonstrate not only self-awareness, but also a general respect for differing worldviews.
Writing Skill. Exhibit scholarly competence in the writing domain (i.e., in terms of organization, continuity, flow, and intellectual cohesion).
- Professional Growth. Show high levels of general academic, research, and technological capacity, personality traits consistent with practicing psychology, personal and professional maturity, ethical decision-making and behavior, and professional demeanor. Not only possess the ability to identify areas of personal weakness or strength related to one’s career field, but also demonstrate an ability to make changes when needed in any domain identified as a personal deficit (cognitive, emotional, psychological, and social).
Related Programs
Our programs meet the requirements to pursue one board certification (behavioral analysis), two PPS credentials (school counseling and school psychology), and two licensures (professional clinical counseling & marraige and family therapy).
Within the context of the La Sierra University mission statement, the mission of the School of Education is to promote and model exemplary teaching, morally responsible leadership, scholarly research, and supportive psychological educational…
