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School of Education

M.A. in Counseling and Career Development

Blending Theory and Practice

With a master’s degree in Counseling and Career Development, you’ll be equipped to help people of all ages develop self-awareness, decision-making, and self-advocacy skills needed to live successful lives. Upon graduation, all students are licensure-eligible and eligible to become National Certified Counselors.

Many of our students come from backgrounds such as:

  • Public and private school teaching
  • Social work
  • Human development
  • Psychology
  • Postsecondary education
  • Business
  • Employment agencies

If your background is in a different field, don’t let that stop you from applying. More important is your desire to make a difference in others’ lives through a career as a trained, professional counselor.

You’ll complete a general course of study for this Master of Arts degree, including core curriculum, a clinical practicum, and an internship. Additionally, you will choose from three specializations and complete coursework specific to your area of focus.

Career Counseling Specialization

Gain knowledge and skills necessary to help people develop life-career plans, focusing on the interaction of work and other life roles.

Our career counseling specialization is uniquely designed to educate and train you to do more than traditional career education and guidance.

Students practice counseling and evaluation in clinic

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization

Become a highly-skilled professional with the ability to blend psychotherapy and practical tools in a holistic approach to helping clients grow and change.

This specialization aligns with the American Mental Health Counselors Association’s national standards for education, training, and clinical practice.

Students practice counseling with Dr. Jessica Gonzalez-Voller (right)

School Counseling Specialization

Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to help guide the academic, social-emotional, and career needs of K-12 students through individual, group, and classroom interactions.

Through advocacy, collaboration, and leadership, you’ll be equipped to serve as a systemic change agent working to ensure equitable educational access for all students.

counseling student works with elementary student

M.A. in Counseling and Career Development Curriculum

Plan B, Career Counseling Specialization

Plan B, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization

Plan B, School Counseling Specialization

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?

Current tuition and fees for graduate students at CSU may be found on the Student Financial Services website.

How long will it take me to finish?

This degree program requires a minimum of 60 credits of academic course work, including completion of both clinical practicum and internship hours.

With a full-time course load, this program takes two full years to complete (including summer sessions). To finish in two years, we recommend that you begin the program in the summer.

You may also choose a part-time course load; the time to completion will vary based on your course load.

Can I pursue two of the three specializations?

Yes! While Colorado State University will only recognize one specialization on your transcript, CACREP (our accrediting body) does recognize dual specializations.

Pursuing dual specializations requires:

  • Completing the specific curriculum in both specializations
  • Completing two 600-hour internships, one in each specialization setting

These requirements increase the timeframe for completing the degree.

Are there any extra requirements during practicum and internship?

Yes, students are required to have liability insurance when registered for practicum and internship.

Membership in the American Counseling Association allows you to purchase this insurance. Liability insurance is a student membership benefit of both the American Counseling Association and the American School Counseling Association.

Free Counseling - Open to the Public

Need a Place to Talk?

The Counseling and Career Development master’s degree trains future counselors. We are seeking client volunteers for the fall and spring semesters. Counseling is free of charge.

Student-counselor and peer sit across from each other in practice clinic

Professional Skills

In this program, you’ll experience an excellent education through relevant, interpersonal, and technology-rich learning experiences, preparing you to meet client needs in a variety of ways.

Presentation Icon Actively Advocate

You’ll be able to advocate on behalf of clients and the counseling profession in a way that embraces and advances diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Help Others Build Lives of Purpose

Learn how to apply your career and personal counseling skills to help others design meaningful lives.

Learn the Theory

Build a strong foundation that will help you to understand client issues and select appropriate counseling interventions.

Encourage Client Wellness

Learn to establish quality relationships with clients and apply appropriate counseling processes for your clients’ best wellness.

Impact Evidence-Based Practice

Identify, implement, and critically evaluate traditional and new counseling interventions that generate and inform evidence-based practice.

Asset 327 Understand Professional Ethics

Learn to examine, evaluate, and apply your core values to the practice of professional ethics. You’ll also develop an understanding of ethical principles and standards of practice, and learn to apply them in decision-making.

Develop Identity as a Counselor

At the end of the program, you will have cultivated an authentic counselor identity by blending self-awareness, counseling knowledge, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Engage in Self-Reflection

Throughout the program, you’ll engage in meaningful self-reflection that leads to better professional practice and stronger client outcomes.

Program Resources

Asset 95 How to Apply

Our graduate programs have slightly different application requirements. Get all the details for your application here.

Asset 106 How to Pay for Graduate School

There are a number of funding opportunities available for our graduate programs.

Asset 315 Career Opportunities

Learn how your graduate degree will lead to your next career.

Asset 11 Meet Counseling and Career Development Faculty

Learn about our dedicated faculty and their areas of interest.

CCD Program Handbook

Contains detailed information about how our program operates.

View our Accreditation Documentation

Making an Impact News from the Counseling and Career Development Program

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