Counseling and Career Development (M.A.)

Overview

With a degree in counseling and career development, you’ll be equipped for a career as a professional counselor to people of all ages. Develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to become an ethical and culturally responsive counselor who can enhance and advocate for the mental health, wellbeing, and life quality of all people.

You’ll complete a 60-credit course of study that includes core counseling curriculum (48 credit), a clinical practicum (100 hours), an internship (600 hours), and specialization-specific courses and electives.

This degree and all three specializations are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Upon graduation, you’ll be professional counseling licensure-eligible in the state of Colorado and eligible to become a National Certified Counselor.

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counseling and Career Development

Areas of Study

Career Counseling (60 Semester Credit Hours) – You’ll be uniquely educated and trained to not only engage in traditional career interventions of career education and career guidance, but you will also be able to utilize your knowledge and skills to engage in counseling to address individuals’ unique cultures, contexts, needs, desires, values, concerns, and barriers that may arise. You’ll partner with individuals to live a life of meaning and mattering as defined by the individual.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling (60 Semester Credit Hours) – With this specialization, you’ll become a highly skilled professional ready to help clients grow and change through a blend of psychotherapy and practical problem-solving approaches. Clinical mental health counselors work from a holistic approach and typically provide counseling services in different health settings such as inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, residential facilities, hospice care centers, or private practice.

School Counseling (60 Semester Credit Hours) – Serve as a professional school counselor in K-12 educational settings with this specialization. You’ll work to meet the academic, social-emotional, and career needs of all students through individual, group, and classroom interactions. You will be prepared to serve as a change agent who strives to ensure equitable educational access by engaging in data-informed practice, reducing multi-level barriers, and promoting culturally sensitive decision-making.

Next Steps

Western Regional Graduate Program

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counseling and Career Development is part of the WICHE – Western Regional Graduate Program exchange. Visit our WRGP webpage to learn about eligibility and the application process.

Requirements

Coursework, credit requirements, and more information is available in the Colorado State University general catalog. Please contact your department representative with program-related questions.

Student Employment

Graduate students interested in employment positions (GTA, GRA, GSA appointments and hourly positions) should contact their advisor and their departmental graduate coordinator for the process to apply.

Financial Aid