CounselingCounselingProfessors—Chope, Cummings, Falik, Hittner, Lee, Nemon, Smith, Tanaka
Associate Professor—Leal-Idrogo
Assistant Professors—Alvarez, Consoli, Hurley
Minor in Counseling
M.S. in Counseling
M.S. in Counseling: Concentration in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling
M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
Certificate in Counseling Deaf Persons
Certificate in Counseling Deafened and Hard of Hearing Persons
Certificate in Independent Living Center Practices
Certificate in Rehabilitation Counseling
Certificate in Rehabilitation Engineering Technology
The primary purpose of the Department of Counseling is to train professional, competent, culturally sensitive counselors. Towards this end, the department emphasizes skill development, a strong conceptual base, an ethical orientation, a sensitivity to ethnic-cultural differences, as well as a focus upon personal awareness and growth. The program prepares counselors to function professionally in a number of specialized areas: school; career; rehabilitation; college; gerontology; and marriage, family, and child counseling.
While the immediate goal of the Department of Counseling is to prepare counselors to work in the varied communities that make-up the greater Bay Area, it is aware and responsive to the larger context of the society. The department is committed to recruiting and accepting a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, sexually diverse student body. In this manner, it hopes to provide service-oriented professionals who are familiar with and responsive to the needs of the larger community.
The Department of Counseling offers a graduate-level education and training program that prepares individuals to function as counselors in colleges, public and private schools, business and industry, rehabilitation and mental health settings, and as marriage and family counselors. Students who complete the department's programs will acquire competency in common core areas such as: theories of counseling, human development, socio-cultural factors, assessment and diagnosis, career development, abnormal behavior, basic interviewing skills, group counseling skills, and research. During their course of study, students encounter many points of view and are free to choose the professional approach with which they are most comfortable. In addition to the academic program, the department emphasizes students' professional development and personal growth
The Department of Counseling offers three master's degrees: the Master of Science in Counseling with four different emphases--career, college, gerontological, and school; the Master of Science in Counseling with a Concentration in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling; and the Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling. Upon completion of the above, students are eligible for the following:
Students can specialize in more than one area of counseling. For example, a student whose objective is an MFCC license will follow the curriculum for the M.S. in Counseling: Concentration in MFCC, but may also add a second specialization in school, career, college, gerontology, or rehabilitation counseling by taking all required courses in that specialization.
The Department of Counseling also offers a Minor in Counseling. The program is designed to meet the following needs: (1) students who want training as a paraprofessional or counselor aide; (2) students who want to supplement majors which have some involvement with the helping professions; or (3) students who are considering graduate study in counseling.
Accreditation. All of the programs offered by the Department of Counseling are fully accredited. The Department of Counseling programs in school, college, career, gerontology, and marriage and family counseling are accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counselor Education and Related Education Programs (CACREP). The Rehabilitation Counseling program has national accreditation from the Council on Rehabilitation Education.
Students graduating with a master's degree in counseling are eligible for a variety of career options. The profession of counseling is a process where counselors assist clients to learn about themselves and learn to help themselves within their respective environments. The role of the professional counselor calls for individuals who possess skills, attitudes, and knowledge needed to help people make personal life decisions.
Career Counselors work in settings such as schools, colleges, or employee assistance programs in business and industry. They may also open a private practice. Employment outlook —Excellent.
College Counselors may become student services professionals such as activities advisers, EOP counselors, financial aide and recruitment counselors, in two- and four-year institutions. They may also work for counseling and advising centers. Employment outlook —Very Good.
School Counselors, upon graduation, receive their State of California Pupil Personnel Services Credential with a specialization in School Counseling (K-12) and work in public and private school settings. They do personal and academic counseling and work in an integrated services team approach with other mental health and education professionals. Employment outlook —Very Good.
Gerontology Counselors work with older adults and their families performing case management and counseling in consultation with family members. Settings may include senior centers, residential homes, agencies, and hospices. Employment outlook —Good.
MFC Counselors, upon graduation, are eligible to sit for the State of California MFCC license examination after accumulating a total of 3,000 hours (1,700 must be post-master's). MFCCs work in school, college, agency, and business and industrial settings. Upon receiving the MFCC license, they may also open a private practice. Employment outlook —Very Good.
Rehabilitation Counselors may become Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRC) upon passing the national examination. They work in private and public rehabilitation settings with persons who have a variety of disabilities. Employment outlook —Excellent.
The minor offers four areas of study for all students:
The Field of Counseling. Students are introduced to the counseling profession through an overview of role and functions in career, college, marriage, family and child, mental health, and rehabilitation settings; historical perspective; professional identification; ethical considerations; and self-awareness.
Psychological Understandings. Students receive a general introduction to the field of psychology.
Decision Making. Students examine how individuals make choices and how decisions are made through self-assessment and evaluation by others. The study includes ethnic and cultural differences in the decision-making process.
Skill Training. The development of basic skills which include attending, responding, interpretation, and decision making. The training includes practicum experience in interviewing skills.
Online course descriptions are available.
| Curriculum | Units | |
| PSY 200 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 431 | Developmental Psychology or | 3 |
| SW 410 | Human Development and the Social Services | |
| COUN 605 | Interviewing Skills Practicum | 3 |
| COUN 606 | Interviewing Skills | 3 |
| COUN 690 | Field of Counseling | 3 |
| Electives chosen in consultation with the department's undergraduate coordinator | 9-13 | |
| Total for minor | 24-28 | |
The Department of Counseling requires at least 60 units of approved graduate work for the Master of Science degrees. All students go through a basic core sequence of academic courses including four semesters of supervised counseling practice and internship. Students select electives according to their area of specialization. Two different academic year field placements are required. The department works collaboratively with over 150 community agencies that provide service and training opportunities for our students. These agencies are carefully screened to meet our standards. Fieldwork placements are viewed as an integral part of the training of prospective counselors.
Prior to admission, an applicant may petition the Department of Counseling Selections Committee for up to 12 hours of appropriate post-baccalaureate degree work taken in other institutions within seven years of the date of their application. Courses taken for another degree or credential may not be counted for the Master of Science in Counseling.
It may be possible to complete the M.S. program either as a full-time student or as a part-time student taking daytime, late afternoon, and evening classes. Students must, however, expect that their personal and work schedules will need to be sufficiently flexible to accommodate fieldwork requirements and department class schedules.
Prior to enrolling for classes, an applicant needs to successfully complete three prerequisites with a grade of C or better: theories of personality/counseling, development through the lifespan, and a psychopathology course. Paid or volunteer experience working with people is an important factor for admission.
Applicants are admitted as graduate students in the Fall semester only. There is only one admission per academic year.
Selection of students is based on academic as well as personal background and may require interviews with a faculty representative scheduled after the written application has been received.
Admission to the department in the Fall involves the following procedures:
Step 1. Group Orientation sessions are held in the Fall and Winter. Due to the large number of inquiries regarding the program, these sessions are the only formal opportunity for applicants to secure an application and obtain information. The orientation sessions describe the program, specializations, and the admission/selection procedures. Applicants who reside outside a 100-mile radius of San Francisco may request an exception to this policy. Contact the Department of Counseling at 338-2005 for further information.
Step 2. All applicants must obtain application materials no later than the January orientation session. Applications must be completed, postmarked, and submitted to the department no later than February 1, for consideration for admission into the program for the following Fall.
Step 3. Applicants will be notified by the department in late Spring as to their acceptance/rejection into the program. Applicants who are accepted will also be notified, at that time, of the date and time of an orientation meeting for incoming students.
Step 4. Apply to the university as directed.
Prerequisites. COUN 690 is a prerequisite. This course should be taken prior to admission into the program or can be taken concurrent with the first semester in attendance. Students who earn less than a grade of B may repeat the course one time. Students who do not earn a grade of B or better in the repeated course will not be considered for classified standing. Exception: M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling only does not require COUN 690. In addition, note the three prerequisites described above.
Prior to Admission to the Program. Applicants may take, on a space available basis, any of the following courses from Open University: COUN 690, COUN 700, COUN 702, COUN 703, COUN 715, and COUN 833. Completion of these courses does not guarantee admission into the program. Students must still apply to the department and be accepted by the Selections Committee to continue their studies.
Level One: all students must successfully demonstrate writing proficiency by passing the Graduate Essay Test (GET). This must be done prior to taking classes. Students who are accepted into the graduate program will be notified in writing as to the time and date of the examination. Level Two: satisfied by demonstration of English competency on the final paper for COUN 891.
The M.S. in Counseling incorporates four emphases: career, college, school, and gerontology. The scope of this degree allows students the flexibility to focus their attention on specific areas of interest. The student combines the core sequence of classes the department offers with their specialization. Counselors will be able to function in a wide variety of community agencies and work with individuals of all ages.
Online course descriptions are available.
| Curriculum | Units | |
| COUN 700 | Theories of Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 702 | Developmental Foundations for Counselors | 3 |
| COUN 703 | Psychological Foundations for Counselors | 3 |
| COUN 705 | Practicum and Internship | 2 |
| COUN 706 | Counseling Process | 3 |
| COUN 715 | Assessment in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 735 | Advanced Practicum and Internship | 2 |
| COUN 736 | Advanced Counseling Process | 3 |
| COUN 738 | Substance Abuse | 2 |
| COUN 794 | Seminar in Health and Human Services Research | 3 |
| COUN 811 | Group Counseling Process | 3 |
| COUN 833 | Social and Cultural Foundations in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 857 | Law and Ethics for Counselors | 3 |
| COUN 858 | Couple and Family Counseling I | 3 |
| COUN 859 | Counseling Aspects of Sexuality | 2 |
| COUN 890 | Supervision and Consultation in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 891 | Case Studies and Internship Seminar | 3 |
| COUN 892 | Internship | 4 |
| Area of Specialization (see below) | 9 | |
| Minimum total | 60 | |
| Areas of Specialization | ||
| Career Counseling | ||
| COUN 720 | Career Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 721 | Computer Applications in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 727 | Job Development and Placement | 3 |
| College Counseling | ||
| COUN 720 | Career Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 721 | Computer Applications in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 792 | Seminar for Counselors in Student Personnel Services | 3 |
| School Counseling | ||
| COUN 716 | Professional Seminar I--Structural Elements in School Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 717 | Professional Seminar II--Functional Elements in School Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 718 | Professional Seminar III--Professional Issues in School Counseling | 3 |
| Gerontological Counseling | ||
| GRN 705 | Gerontology: An Interdisciplinary Synthesis | 3 |
| GRN 710 | Aging Process | 3 |
| COUN 820 | Counseling the Older Adult | 2 |
| COUN 821 | Mental Health Assessment with the Older Adult | 1 |
The M.S. in Counseling: Concentration in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling provides the student with a degree that can lead to licensed private practice. The MFC counselor meets with individuals, groups, and families that are in need of assistance in working through personal issues. MFC counselors work in a large variety of public and private community agencies, schools, hospitals, and other settings.
| Curriculum | Units | |
| COUN 700 | Theories of Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 702 | Developmental Foundations for Counselors | 3 |
| COUN 703 | Psychological Foundations for Counselors | 3 |
| COUN 705 | Practicum and Internship | 2 |
| COUN 706 | Counseling Process | 3 |
| COUN 715 | Assessment in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 720 | Career Counseling | 1 |
| COUN 735 | Advanced Practicum and Internship | 2 |
| COUN 736 | Advanced Counseling Process | 3 |
| COUN 738 | Substance Abuse | 2 |
| COUN 794 | Seminar in Health and Human Services Research | 3 |
| COUN 811 | Group Counseling Process | 3 |
| COUN 833 | Social and Cultural Foundations in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 857 | Law and Ethics for Counselors | 3 |
| COUN 858 | Couple and Family Counseling I | 3 |
| COUN 859 | Counseling Aspects of Sexuality | 2 |
| COUN 860 | Couple and Family Counseling II | 3 |
| COUN 861 | Seminar on Child Treatment | 3 |
| COUN 890 | Integrative Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 891 | Case Studies and Internship Seminar | 3 |
| COUN 892 | Internship | 4 |
| Elective | 1 | |
| Minimum total | 60 | |
Rehabilitation counseling is a profession which addresses the vocational, psycho-social, and independent living needs of adults with physical disabilities, sensory impairments, emotional disabilities, chemical dependencies, learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, and neurological disorders. Rehabilitation counselors assist persons with disabilities in vocational, educational, and social adjustment, working collaboratively with the client to understand existing problems, barriers, and potentials in order to facilitate the client's use of personal and environmental resources for career, personal, social, and community adjustment following disability. Trained counselors are in demand in public and private rehabilitation programs, worker's compensation agencies, independent living centers, business and industry, substance abuse facilities, colleges and universities, job training centers, private and non-profit community-based organizations, correctional facilities, employee assistance programs, mental health centers, and supported employment programs. Graduates are eligible to take a national examination to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).
Specializations in rehabilitation engineering technology; job development/job placement; and deaf, deafened, and hard of hearing rehabilitation are available depending upon federal funding. Students in these subspecializations may be eligible for federal stipends and tuition.
Online course descriptions are available.
| Curriculum | Units | |
| COUN 700 | Theories of Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 702 | Developmental Foundations for Counselors | 3 |
| COUN 703 | Psychological Foundations for Counselors | 3 |
| COUN 704 | Psychological Aspects of Disability | 3 |
| COUN 705 | Practicum and Internship | 3 |
| COUN 706 | Counseling Process | 3 |
| COUN 735 | Advanced Practicum and Internship | 2 |
| COUN 736 | Advanced Counseling Process | 3 |
| COUN 738 | Substance Abuse | 2 |
| COUN 748 | Rehabilitation Engineering Technology | 1-3 |
| COUN 762 | Seminar on Field of Rehabilitation Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 766 | Medical/Social Aspects of Rehabilitation Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 778 | Occupational Information, Dynamics, and Placement in Rehabilitation Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 794 | Seminar in Health and Human Services Research | 3 |
| COUN 811 | Group Counseling Process | 3 |
| COUN 833 | Social and Cultural Foundations in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 890 | Integrative Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 891 | Case Studies and Internship Seminar | 3 |
| COUN 892 | Internship | 4 |
| Elective on advisement | 1 | |
| Minimum total | 60 | |
The following certificates and accompanying grants are available depending upon federal funding. For further information on each of these certificates, please contact Dr. Alice Nemon, BH 529, (415) 338-2282.
This certificate is for students already enrolled in the graduate program in counseling or individuals who have a master's degree in counseling from a CACREP approved program.
This certificate is for SFSU graduate students and graduates of CORE accredited rehabilitation counseling programs, CACREP accredited counseling programs, and appropriately accredited psychology and social work programs.
This certificate is for SFSU graduate students and graduates of CORE accredited rehabilitation counseling programs, CACREP accredited counseling programs, and appropriately accredited psychology and social work programs.
This certificate is intended for individuals who are involved with independent living centers and who desire additional training.
Program Directors—Alice Nemon, BH 242; Peter Pfaelzer, SCI 124
This graduate certificate is designed for rehabilitation counselors, technologists, and engineers working or planning to work in the field of rehabilitation/assistive technology or wishing to utilize this knowledge to further their professional goals. The program will consider other individuals for admission whose academic qualifications and professional experience are judged to uniquely qualify them for this field of study. Utilizing rehabilitation technology, people with disabilities previously deemed unemployable and unable to live independently, can lead productive and independent lives. Students receive a broad introduction to the various disciplines in this field, utilizing a combination of lecture-based training and hands-on activities. Working in interdisciplinary teams, they learn to assess consumers' needs using a problem-solving approach. They identify possible solutions, locate commercially available products, make necessary modifications to existing devices, or design new ones. Students also learn to evaluate and modify worksites for accessibility.
As a result of federal legislation, there has been a marked expansion in the utilization of technology as part of the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. Employment opportunities for certificate holders include positions with hospitals, rehabilitation agencies and centers, independent living centers, schools, assistive technology specialist, and companies producing and selling adaptive devices.
Courses taken in this certificate program may be included, on advisement, in the rehabilitation counseling master's program, the Master of Science in Engineering program, or as part of a M.A. or M.S. Special Major.
Prospective students must submit an application for admission. The certificate is intended to prepare professionals for work in the field of adaptive technology. Preparation for the profession differs in the fields of engineering and rehabilitation counseling. For those students without a B.S. in Engineering or who are not completing a M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling, a master's degree in a related approved program or related professional experience is a corequisite for awarding the certificate.
The written English proficiency requirement is satisfied by successfully completing the Graduate Essay Test (GET) which is administered by the Testing Center.
Online course descriptions are available.
| Required Courses (All students must complete the common nine-unit core) | Units | |
| COUN 748 | Rehabilitation Engineering Technology I | 3 |
| COUN 749 | Rehabilitation Engineering Technology II | 3 |
| COUN 766 | Medical/Social Aspects of Rehabilitation Counseling | 3 |
| Required Courses for Engineers | ||
| ENGR 860 | Advanced Engineering Design: The Human Interface | 3 |
| COUN 886 | Assistive Technology Internship | 4 |
| Required Courses for Rehabilitation Counselors | ||
| Electives on advisement | 3 | |
| COUN 886 | Assistive Technology Internship | 4 |
| Minimum total | 16 | |