Counseling, MS

Special Notification

Please see the bottom of this page for information about the cost of attendance.

Program Description

The MS in Counseling degree employs quality academic and clinical standards to thoroughly prepare graduates for careers in mental/behavioral health. The program consists of 90 quarter units of academic work and 280 hours of clinical experience. Students may include the School Counseling certificate (leading to the Pupil Personnel Services credential), the Drug and Alcohol Counseling certificate, or the Play Therapy certificate. Students who do not pursue one of the certificates complete eight elective units.

LPCC Clinical Counselor License
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).

Program Website  |  Catalog

Program Length

2 years

Possible Careers

Graduates from the counseling degree program upon completion of 3,000 hours of supervised experience and examination may work as Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC) in environments such as community mental health agencies, career centers, recovery programs, legal systems, educational institutions, churches, medical facilities, or in independent private practice.

Qualified graduates of the School of Behavioral Health are given priority interviewing for behavioral health positions with Loma Linda University Health.

Application Deadlines

Admissions Requirements

Candidates may be admitted to the MS in Counseling during the Fall quarter beginning in September. Applicants must complete a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. No prerequisite examinations or courses are required for admission. The following admission criteria apply:

• Minimum 3.0 undergrad GPA and receipt of official transcripts required prior to consideration for admission. Three letters of recommendation from those familiar with an applicant’s academic ability are required. Applicants write a personal statement with their application
• Applicants are interviewed by department faculty
• Applicants for whom English is not first language must provide scores for TOEFL as published in the current edition of the Loma Linda University Catalog
• Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must provide a current, valid student visa
• Once admitted, candidates must complete a LLU health clearance, which includes TB testing and current vaccinations

Prerequisites

Please reference the Admissions Requirements.

State Accrediting Agency

Loma Linda University is regionally accredited by the WSCUC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges [WASC] Senior College and University Commission).

Integrating faith and health

Loma Linda University educates and encourages a balanced life by living our values of humility, compassion, justice, integrity, excellence, freedom and self- control. You will be surrounded by faculty who are committed to healthcare innovation and research while engaging your spirituality.

Expected Cost of Attendance

The following estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on a number of factors. Students may use these estimates when applying for financial aid.

Required Program Costs

Academic Year 2025-2026

Other Educational Costs

Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.

Notes

• No application fee required.
• Please see the bottom of this page for information about the cost of attendance.
• Tuition waivers are available for those interested in adding a Play Therapy or Drug and Alcohol Counseling certificate to their program. Click here for more information.

• Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only. Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
• Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
• To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.