Master of Education in Educational Counseling

Program Overview

The Master of Education in Educational Counseling (EC) program will prepare you with an in-depth understanding of counseling, higher education systems and theories of student development.

Through this program, you will:

• Learn to advance educational equity for historically marginalized students. 
• Select and apply for fieldwork opportunities from USC’s strong network of community colleges and four-year colleges and universities.
• Receive mentorship and guidance on your specific research interests with the option to complete a thesis under the direction of a faculty chair.
• Grow in a supportive community learning with leading professors and practitioners who will nurture your ability to create change. 

Curriculum

The EC program curriculum examines the role of counselors and advisors in colleges and universities and the needs of a diverse student population. The program blends a counseling-based theoretical foundation with practical application in student development and higher education.

Seminar or Thesis

You can choose to enroll in a series of seminar courses or complete a thesis. In the seminar courses, you will work in a small group to assess a program or department of a local college or university that supports students. As part of this project, you will work collaboratively with the program administration and staff to identify an action plan, collect and analyze data and develop recommendations for improvement with an emphasis on equity. 

If you select the thesis option, you will complete an original research paper under the guidance of a faculty chair and committee. You will develop a research proposal, go through the Institutional Review Board process (IRB), collect and analyze original data and provide recommendations related to an existing problem in the field. 

Fieldwork

As part of the curriculum, you are required to complete a minimum of 210 hours of fieldwork under the supervision and guidance of a professional in the field. The fieldwork course will provide you with the opportunity to reflect on your field experience, connect theory to practice and strengthen your professional philosophy and identity.

Graduate Assistant Positions

Graduate assistant positions provide hands-on experience in higher education settings and preparation for your desired career. While the majority of EC students obtain graduate assistant positions on the USC campus, the city of Los Angeles is home to many colleges and universities, including local community colleges. Graduate assistant positions are often compensated by an hourly wage, tuition remission, or, in the case of residential education, room and board.

With the support and guidance of our team, you can select and apply for paid and unpaid opportunities tailored to your personal goals throughout your time in the program. However, we recommend that you first interview for opportunities at the annual USC Rossier Preview Day for incoming students.

Scholarships

As an applicant, you will be automatically considered for several USC Rossier scholarships ranging from $15,000 to $30,000. There is no need to submit a separate application for these scholarships. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, demonstrated dedication to the USC Rossier mission and other distinguishing characteristics. Priority consideration is given to those who apply in rounds one and two. 

View USC Rossier’s scholarship finder to identify other scholarships and funding opportunities. You do not have to be admitted to apply to these scholarships. Carefully note the scholarship application deadlines, which may occur before the final program application deadline. 

Financial Aid

The USC Office of Student Financial Aid provides information regarding various types of financial aid and financing options.

To be considered for financial aid, you must apply by filing the FAFSA. After you apply, the financial aid office will determine your financial need and inform you of the federal or private loans that are available to you.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of our program work at community colleges and four-year colleges or universities. Other graduates enter PhD and EdD programs immediately, often working in the field full-time or part-time as they earn their doctorate.

Common career paths include:

• Academic counselor or tenure track counselor at a community college 
• Academic advisor/counselor 
• Student support specialist ( graduation and retention, transfer, etc.) 
• Admission officer 
• Administrator (directors of advising, program coordinators, etc.)

Our graduates work in programs and departments including:

• Career services
• Alumni services
• First-year experience programs
• Transfer centers
• Dream resource centers
• Student athlete support services
• Accessibility support centers
• Multicultural centers  
• Academic resource centers 
• Orientation and outreach programs
• Student life
• Residential life/housing
• Admission
• Dual enrollment services and welcome centers
• General counseling centers
• Student support services (i.e., EOP&S, Puente, Umoja, CARE, CalWorks, etc.)