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. Learn the skills you need to help people develop the self-awareness, exploration, decision-making, and self-advocacy skills needed to live successfully within a pluralistic society.

You’ll complete a general course of study that includes core counseling curriculum (48 credit hours), a clinical practicum (100 hours), and an internship (600 hours). Additionally, you’ll complete 60 credit hours of focused coursework in the specialization you select. If you decide to pursue two specializations, you’ll complete specific curriculum for each specialization and a 600-hour internship for each specialization.

This degree and all three specializations are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible for licensure 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 do more than traditional career education and career guidance with this specialization. You’ll engage with people as a partner, helping them 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 tools. Clinical Mental Health Counselors typically provide counseling services in different health settings such as inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, residential facilities, hospice care centers, or private practice. This specialization meets the American Mental Health Counselors Association’s national education, training, and clinical practice standards.

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.

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