Counseling MS

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

Quarter	Application Open	Priority Deadline	Final Deadline
Autumn of 2023	Aug 26, 2022	Feb 3, 2023	Jun 30, 2023

Admissions Requirements

Candidates may be admitted to the MS in Counseling during any of the four quarters beginning in June, September, January, and March. 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

Academic Year 2023-2024

Year of Program:	Year 1	Year 2
Tuition	$42,192	$35,160
Fees	$2,925	$4,600
Books & Supplies	$3,000	$3,000
Instruments	—	—
Misc (e.g., Boards, Licensing exam, Uniforms)	$216	$216
Total	$48,333	$42,976

Notes

Expected costs for the 2022-2023 academic year are based on full time attendance. From year to year, increases are anticipated consistent with inflation in the professional education sector. 
Many students receive financial aid in this program.