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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