Education M.A./M.S.

Education: Counseling

All students who are pursuing a Master’s Degree in Education: Counseling must complete core courses with some additional work needed based on program requirements. This program satisfies University and College of Education requirements and is part of the requirements needed prior to taking the NCE examination of the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) or the CRC examination of the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). This program is also approved by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists and the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission of Oregon. Students should work with their advisers in the process of understanding the licensure requirements of both of these credentialing groups.

The primary purpose of the program is to educate competent counselors for public and private schools, community behavioral health agencies and rehabilitation settings. The program is designed to strengthen competencies in the behavioral sciences and to broaden the students’ background in human growth and development, counseling theories and interventions, interpersonal relations, individual and group processes, career counseling, assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning, research and program evaluation, and multicultural aspects of counseling.

Students may pursue one of four areas of specialization: Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling; School Counseling; Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling. This is primarily an evening program. The program takes three years to complete.

Students across all four specializations will complete a professional portfolio in their final year to demonstrate their achievement of CACREP and/or program-specific competencies.

Note: Students in all four specializations must complete Coun 441/Coun 541: Introduction to Counseling and one course in psychopathology (Coun 430/Coun 530: Introduction to Psychiatric Diagnosis or Psy 434/Psy 534: Introduction to Psychopathology) prior to admission or within the first year of the program.

 

* Coun 541: Introduction to Counseling must be completed by the end of the fall term of the first year.
* The psychopathology course must be completed by the end of the winter term of the first year.

 

Additional prerequisites apply to students in the School Counseling specialization (see “Licensure”). Courses numbered 808 are not permitted.

Core courses (61 credits)

Coun 504	Internship	12
Coun 506	Comprehensive Professional Portfolio (1 credit course taken 3 times)	3
Coun 509	Practicum: Group Experience	1
Coun 509	Practicum: Counseling	6
Coun 509	Practicum: Peer Mentorship	2
Coun 531	Foundations of Addictions Counseling	3
Coun 543	Clinical Counseling Skills	3
Coun 551	Theories and Interventions I	3
Coun 567	Using Tests in Counseling	3
Coun 568	Career and Lifestyle Planning	3
Coun 569	Developmental Foundations of Counseling	3
Coun 570	Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling	3
Coun 571	Group Counseling	3
Coun 575	Foundations of Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling	3
Coun 580	Supervision	1
Coun 581	Multicultural Perspectives in Counseling	3
Coun 582	Research and Program Evaluation in Counseling	3
Coun 585	Diagnosis and Treatment Planning I	3

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization prepares individuals to work as counselors in a range of private and public clinical mental health settings, including outpatient and inpatient treatment agencies, community mental health, counseling centers at colleges and universities, and in private practice. This program intentionally integrates a multicultural and social justice-oriented lens throughout our coursework and clinical experiences. The program consists of 90 graduate credits designed to meet CACREP national accreditation standards for professional counselors and the academic degree requirements to become licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Oregon and other states. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program meets the requirements for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Oregon. The program is CACREP-accredited.

Courses

	Core coursework	61
Coun 546	Grief and Loss	2
Coun 552	Theories and Interventions II	3
Coun 553	Advanced Therapeutic Strategies	3
Coun 555	Counseling Children and Youth	3
Coun 572	Systemic Perspectives on Human Sexuality	3
Coun 577	Family Therapy	3
	or
Coun 578	Couples Therapy	3
Coun 584	Crisis Assessment and Intervention	1
Coun 586	Psychopharmacology and Mental Illness	3
Coun 587	Foundations of Mental Health Services	3
	Electives	5
Total Credit Hours:		90

Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Specialization

Clinical Rehabilitation Counselors provide services to individuals with disabilities who are psychologically and vocationally adjusting to the disability experience. The Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (CRC) program prepares graduates to work in a wide variety of clinical mental health and rehabilitation settings, including public mental health agencies, public and private community counseling agencies, employee assistance programs, day treatment and inpatient hospital settings, private practice, group practice, community colleges, university settings, and public and private vocational rehabilitation agencies. Our CRC master’s degree is organized around core foundation courses, an intensive on-campus practicum training clinic experience, interpersonal growth experiences, advanced theory and practice courses, and a culminating half-time field internship placement. Our program consists of 90 graduate credits designed to meet CACREP national accreditation standards for professional counselors and the academic degree requirements to become licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Oregon and other states.

Courses

	Core coursework	61
Coun 546	Grief and Loss	2
Coun 552	Theories and Interventions II	3
Coun 584	Crisis Assessment and Intervention	1
Coun 586	Psychopharmacology and Mental Illness	3
Coun 590	Foundation of Rehabilitation Counseling	3
Coun 591	Medical Aspects of Disability	3
Coun 592	Psychosocial Aspects of Disability	3
Coun 593	Case Management	3
Coun 594	Occupational Analysis/Vocational Evaluation	3
Coun 595	Contemporary Issues and Applications in Rehabilitation Counseling	3
	Elective	2
Total Credit Hours:		90

Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Specialization

The Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Program (MCFC) prepares individuals for specialized practice with relationships and families. The program emphasizes developmental systemic thinking and relationship-focused counseling skills, with special attention paid to sociocultural factors, diversity, equity, and social justice in relationship and family practice. Graduates are trained to work as professional counselors or marriage and family therapists in mental health or medical centers, community agencies, group practice, private practice, and additional settings. Our MCFC master’s degree is organized around core foundation courses, an intensive on-campus practicum training clinic experience, interpersonal growth experiences, advanced theory and practice courses, and a culminating year-long field internship placement. The program consists of 90 graduate credits designed to meet CACREP national accreditation standards for professional counselors and the academic degree requirements for both  Licensured Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Oregon and other states. This program is CACREP-accredited.

Courses

	Core coursework	61
Coun 546	Grief and Loss	2
Coun 552	Theories and Interventions II	3
Coun 555	Counseling Children and Youth	3
Coun 572	Systemic Perspectives on Human Sexuality	3
Coun 573	Contemporary Couples, Marriage, and Family Systems	3
Coun 577	Family Therapy	3
Coun 578	Couples Therapy	3
Coun 579	Advanced Systemic Interventions: Couples and Families	3
Coun 584	Crisis Assessment and Intervention	1
	Elective	5
Total Credit Hours:		90

School Counseling Specialization

The School Counseling Program prepares individuals to serve as professional school counselors in K–12 public and private schools. The program emphasizes developing knowledgeable, competent counselors who advocate for all students, support academic and social-emotional growth, and collaborate with families, educators, and communities to promote equitable learning opportunities. Our program is grounded in the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, Oregon’s Comprehensive School Counseling Framework, and Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) competencies. Students are trained to design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive school counseling programs that integrate academic, career, and social-emotional development, with a strong focus on leadership, advocacy, collaboration, and data-informed practice. Graduates are prepared to serve as reflective practitioners who foster inclusive school environments, address barriers to student success, and support student well-being across diverse school contexts. The program leads to eligibility for TSPC licensure as a school counselor and also meets academic requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure in Oregon and other states. The program is CACREP-accredited.

Courses

	Core coursework	61
Coun 526	Effective teaching in school counseling	3
Coun 527	Counseling Individuals with Disabilities	3
Coun 545	Ecosystems of Youth in Schools	3
Coun 546	Grief and Loss	2
Coun 547	Legal & Ethical Issues in School Counseling	1
Coun 556	Counseling Children in schools	3
Coun 557	Counseling youth in schools	2
Coun 576	Parents, Families, and Communities in Schools	3
Coun 584	Crisis Assessment and Intervention	1
Coun 589	Action Research in Counseling	3
Coun 596	Foundations of School Counseling	3
	Elective	2
Total Credit Hours:		90

Education: Curriculum and Instruction

The College of Education's  Master's Degree Program in Education: Curriculum and Instruction offers an innovative learning environment that engages and empowers individuals to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to improve their professional practice and to become leaders for change and social justice in their learning communities. The Program is designed for professionals who want to pursue advanced studies in teacher leadership, educational theories and research, curriculum design, and instructional practices. Courses are intended to enhance equitable pedagogy and learning outcomes while providing opportunities for career development. The Program electives are flexible.

 

Requirements for the degree are:

1.  A program of study consisting of 45 graduate-level credits approved by the student’s graduate adviser and the department chair, to include:

   1. A minimum of 24 core credits in curriculum and instruction.

   2. A core of studies encompassing preparation in the areas of teaching and learning, curriculum, research and evaluation, human relations, and multicultural education. The precise nature of this core of studies is specified by the department. Degree plans are written in cooperation with an assigned adviser.

   3. All courses must be 500 level or above.

   4. No more than 6 credits may be 800-level courses numbers, if approved by the adviser prior to being used for a master’s program. Courses numbered 808 are not allowed.

   5. With adviser and department chair approval, up to 15 credits may be transferred in from other institutions.

   6. With adviser and department chair approval, up to 15 credits from PSU taken prior to admission may be included in the program.

   7. The total credits of (e.) and (f.) cannot exceed 15.

2. The student will select one of three options to complete the requirements for the master’s degree: (1) an independent action research project, (2) a thesis, or (3) a written comprehensive examination. The thesis requires an oral examination in addition to the written product.

Core Classes (24 credits)

CI 561	Advanced Educational Psychology	3
CI 565	Theoretical Models of Curriculum	3
CI 567	Curriculum and Culture	3
CI 580	Theories of Instruction	3
CI 581	Issues in Education	3
CI 582	Responsive Classroom Communities	3
CI 590/ECED 590	Action Research Proposal	3
CI 591/ECED 591	Action Research Implementation	3

Early Childhood Specialization

The College of Education offers graduate-level courses for professionals seeking to strengthen their understanding and skills in the area of early childhood education (ECE). This coursework focus is appropriate for those pursuing a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in ECE.

Education: Educational Leadership and Policy

The Department of Leadership, Learning and Counseling (LLC) offers a department-wide Master of Arts and Master of Science degree in Education: Educational Leadership and Policy with specializations in Postsecondary, Adult, and Continuing Education (PACE); Leadership in Sustainability Education (LSE); and Principal Licensure.

The purpose of these programs is to inspire and guide educational leaders in fostering communities rooted in equity and justice. Through teaching, research, and advocacy, the LLC department supports educational leaders in creating collaborative, sustainable practices that advance equity and social justice in our communities.

All students admitted to the 45-credit master’s program must complete four required courses from the Professional Studies Core Themes. The degree comprises 16 credits of professional core coursework, 25 credits of specialization and elective coursework, and a 4-credit capstone, for a total of 45 credits. Within each specialization students may elect to develop, with their advisors, a general program or theme (special emphasis or focus).

Professional Core Courses (16 credits)

Complete four Professional Studies Core Courses (one from each of the four Core Themes):

Core Theme 1: Data Analysis & Decision Making

Theme Course Options:

ELP 511	Quantitative Research Methods I	4
ELP 516	Qualitative Research and Analysis Methods in Higher Education	4

Core Theme 2: Critical Foundations

Theme Course Options:

ELP 551	Social Foundations of Education	4
ELP 554	Philosophy of Education	4

Core Theme 3: Life-long Learning & Professional Development

Theme Course Options:

ELP 517	Ecological and Cultural Foundations of Learning	4
ELP 529	Principles of Training and Development	4
ELP 520	Developmental Perspectives on Adult Learning	4

Core Theme 4: Organizational Leadership & Policy

Theme Course Options:

ELP 568	Leading Organizational Change	4
ELP 552	Education Policy & Leadership	4
ELP 550	Leadership for Sustainability	4

Specialization and Elective Coursework (25 credits)

Students complete 25 credits of specialization and elective coursework. In consultation with their academic advisor, students must complete courses aligned with their area of specialization. Courses numbered 808 do not count toward degree completion. For additional information about each specialization area, students should contact the College of Education.

Capstone Requirement (4 credits)

Select one course based on your specialization:

ELP 507	PACE Comprehensive Exam	4
ELP 506	LSE Comprehensive Exam	4
EdLd 575	Principal Leadership: Clinical Practicum III	4

Education: Special Education

The College of Education offers comprehensive programs for the professional preparation of students in special education. A master’s degree in Education: Special Education may be completed in conjunction with state licensure in special education or may be completed independently. For licensing information see “Programs Leading to Licensure: Special Education” on Special Education Licensure Programs.

Students completing a master’s degree must complete the special education master’s degree core program. The master’s core must total at least 9 credits. The remaining credits are drawn from the special education licensure program or other courses approved by the advisor. No more than 6 credits of 800-level courses may be used, and courses numbered 808 are not allowed. The master’s degree without Oregon licensure must total at least 45 credits (which includes the master’s core).

Core Courses

Students must complete SpEd 596 Topics in Special Education Research before SpEd 597 Topics in Special Education Issues and Practices. Topics such as Literacy, English Language Learners, Positive Behavior Intervention Supports, and Students with Significant Disabilities are offered. Students must fulfill a capstone experience by choosing either to complete a special project (SpEd 506) or a master’s thesis (SpEd 503) under the direction of a faculty advisor. The special project (SpEd 506) must include a written product and presentation and align with the topic area chosen for SpED 597. With advisor approval students may take up to 9 credits of SpEd 596 and 9 credits of SpEd in three topic areas. Students opting to complete a thesis will follow Portland State University theses guidelines. Students are required to enroll in 3-6 credits of Special Project (SpEd 506) or 6-9 credits of Thesis (SpEd 503).

The master’s degree program includes:

	Advisor approved courses (from licensure program or electives)	30-36
SpEd 596	Topics in Special Education Research	3
SpEd 597	Topics in Special Education Issues and Practices	3

A combination of the following:

SpEd 503	Thesis	6-9
	or
SpEd 506	Special Project	3-6

Visually Impaired Learners Focus

Students completing the Master’s program with a focus on Visually Impaired Learners have the option of completing the Master’s core program as described above or to complete SpEd 596, SpEd 597, an additional 6 elective hours in special education AND complete a proctored, written master's comprehensive examination.

For students with a focus on Visually Impaired Learners completing the master’s degree program includes:

Advisor approved courses (from licensure program or electives)

30-36

Option 1:

SpEd 596	Topics in Special Education Research	3
SpEd 597	Topics in Special Education Issues and Practices	3

A combination of the following:

SpEd 503	Thesis	6-9
	or
SpEd 506	Special Project	3-6

Option 2:

	Electives with advisor approval	6
	Complete proctored master's comprehensive examination

Inclusive Elementary Educator Program

Students completing the Master’s program as part of the Inclusive Elementary Educator Program must satisfy the special education Master’s core program requirements by completing the required courses as follows:

Ed 530	Introduction to Inclusion and Special Education	2
Ed 536	Educational Research and Inclusive Education	3
SpEd 506	Special Project	6
	or
SpEd 503	Thesis	6