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  • All application fees currently waived!
    • Now accepting applications for Fall 2023 (apply by 6/30/23), Winter 2024 (apply by 10/27/23), and Spring 2024 (apply by 1/2/24).
  • Tuition waivers are available for those interested in adding a Play Therapy or Drug and Alcohol Counseling certificate to their program (see below for more information).
  • Incorporate the School Counseling Certificate (PPS) into your two-year Counseling master's degree with no added time (additional application required).
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Online Info Sessions

Questions about our programs? Join the Department of Counseling and Family Sciences for online info sessions on most Wednesdays from 6-7 PM (Pacific).
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At a Glance

  • 2-year (full-time) or 3-year (part-time), 90 quarter unit program with minimum of 280 clinical hours
  • Option to include School Counseling (Certificate) program leading to the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential
  • LPCC meets California BBS regulations for working as an independent clinician to treat individuals, couples, and families
  • One-on-one faculty advisement, mentoring, and support
  • Embedded curriculum for practice with active-duty military and veterans
  • Christian environment emphasizing integrated learning, respect for all persons, and compassionate whole person care
  • Embedded professional self-care

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Interim Program Director: Randall Walker, MS, LMFT

Admissions and Application

General Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Counseling MS program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in the last 45 quarter (30 semester) credits from a regionally-accredited institution and meet all other requirements outlined in the University Catalog. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of academic competence, professional comportment, and mature judgment. Individuals whose undergraduate degree is in still progress may be accepted pending satisfactory completion prior to beginning the master’s degree program. Applicants with an undergraduate degree offered in a language other than English must provide TOEFL scores in accordance with university policy.

Application Deadlines

Applicants may apply to begin the Counseling MS program full time or part time in autumn, winter, and spring quarters. Application deadlines vary according to the academic calendar and are posted. Applicants should plan on the process taking a minimum of two to three months.

Online Application Process

Applications for admission are completed, paid for, and submitted online. Applicants are asked to provide current and permanent contact information, academic history, names of three recommenders, and a description of their rationale choosing to enroll in the Counseling MS program at Loma Linda University.

Admissions FAQ

Letters of Recommendation

On the application form, individuals are asked to list the names, professional positions and e-mail addresses of three individuals who can recommend them for the Counseling MS program. At least two of the recommenders should be current or former professors who know the applicant's academic history, and one of the recommenders can be a current or former employer or supervisor. Recommendations from friends, relatives, or co-workers are not acceptable. When the application is submitted each of these individuals will receive e-mail with a link to access the recommendation form, which is to be completed and submitted online.

Official Transcripts

It is the applicant's responsibility to contact all colleges and universities attended since graduating high school and request that sealed, official transcripts be sent directly from the institution to the following address:

Admissions Processing
Loma Linda University
11139 Anderson St.
Loma Linda, CA  92350

Faculty-Applicant Interview

After three recommendations and all official transcripts are received, qualified applicants will be invited to an on-campus or phone conference interview with faculty. Following that interview, faculty make a recommendation to the dean regarding acceptance.

Notification of Admissions Decision

Applicants will be notified of the admissions decision within two to three weeks following the interview.

Kristen Hackett
Student Story
Loma Linda University is the standard for what effective education should be. They offer personalized classes with personable and educated faculty, healthcare that includes mental health resources for students, as well as fun and innovative events to satisfy students' social needs. LLU really does offer a unique experience "to make man whole."
Kristen Hackett
Counseling MS student

Degree and Certificate Options

The Master of Science in Counseling program is designed to give candidates a solid foundation in behavioral health counseling. Students have the option of including the School Counseling (Certificate) (leading to the Pupil Personnel Services credential) or the Drug and Alcohol Counseling (Certificate). Students who do not pursue one of the certificates complete elective units.

Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling (LPCC)

Successful completion of the Loma Linda University Counseling MS program prepares graduates to pursue licensure as Professional Clinical Counselors through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).

Supervised Counseling Practice

Counseling MS students complete supervised clinical practice during their master’s degree program. Placements reflect interests and specialization(s) chosen for the program. School of Behavioral Health students are routinely placed in the Loma Linda University Health Behavioral Medicine Center (BMC) and its programs. Students may also choose to be placed in community agencies, employee and student assistance programs (EAP/SAP), and other social service organizations.

Course Schedule Program Curriculum

Program Timeline

Most candidates enter the Counseling MS program in Fall Quarter and complete at the end of Spring Quarter in their second year. This requires seven consecutive quarters of full-time coursework and commitment to the practicum experience.

Play Therapy or Drug & Alcohol Counseling Certificate

Students entering an MS degree program within the Department of Counseling and Family Sciences in academic year 2023-2024 who are interested in obtaining certification in Play Therapy or Drug & Alcohol Counseling will receive a tuition waiver for the certificate program of their choice. Students interested in this benefit are required to enroll in elective courses specified by their academic advisor. Given available spaces, students enrolling in the Systems, Families, and Couples PhD program may also take advantage of this benefit. Tuition waivers do not apply to any units used to support the student's primary degree program.

Accreditation

The academic programs at Loma Linda University are regionally accredited by the WSCUC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges [WASC] Senior College and University Commission). The Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) program is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).

Why Choose the Loma Linda University Counseling MS Program?

Loma Linda University:

  • A Christian institution dedicated to the values of Compassion, Excellence, Humility, Integrity, Justice, Teamwork, and Wholeness.
  • Committed to whole person care.
  • A diverse academic community.
  • A low faculty-student ratio.
  • Access to high quality field experience placements on and off campus.
  • Flexible entrance schedules and options for part-time study.

Contact Information

To contact the Counseling MS interim program director, email Randall Walker at rrwalker@llu.edu or call 909-558-4547, extension 47012.

*Applications received by the priority deadline are reviewed first and receive admission responses earlier. Applications received after the priority deadline and before the standard deadline are reviewed as they are completed until the program has reached capacity. If you have any questions about when your application might be reviewed, please contact the program director.

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