About the Program
Mission Statement
The Department of School Counseling and School Psychology offers adult learners academic and practical preparation for careers in school counseling and school psychology. The department provides coursework and supervises fieldwork leading to the Master of Arts in Education: Educational Counseling; the Master of Arts in Education: Educational Psychology; and the Master of Arts in Education: Educational and Clinical Counseling. In addition, the department offers a credential-only program for those who hold a master’s degree and want to seek certification in school counseling or school psychology.
Program Details
APU’s Master of Arts in Education: Educational and Clinical Counseling combines the master’s degree and embedded Pupil Personnel Services Credential with 12 additional semester units required for the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) Respecialization Certificate in Clinical Counseling. Graduates of this innovative, blended program hold a highly marketable degree with applications in both K–12 educational settings and the clinical, mental health field.
This program immerses the candidate in the world of school counseling, emphasizing practical techniques to help students stay in school. At the same time, the program offers flexibility through an added clinical emphasis and the ability for students to specialize in their desired concentration within the mental health field.
As candidates explore problem-solving skills, discipline procedures, crisis and routine intervention, they are prepared to meet California state licensure requirements for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors. Candidates receive this designation only upon passing the required state examinations for licensure. Visit the California Association for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors to learn more about licensure requirements.
Concurrent Learning
Azusa Pacific University recognizes the need to provide quality academic programs for graduate students with divergent professional goals and differing educational needs. The degree and credential programs are designed for a limited number of individuals eager to pursue a Master of Arts and a credential program concurrently. These embedded degree/credential programs are conditional and faculty advisement is required prior to enrollment in the program.
Career Path
Candidates with this degree and its embedded dual credentials are well equipped to serve as school counselors in a K–12 public or non-public school setting.
With preparation to meet the educational requirements for California state licensure as a LPCC, graduates are also positioned for success in the clinical, mental health field, including areas such as social services and private mental health practices.
