2026-2028 Catalog
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HCSA Courses

HCSA 5501 Introduction to Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Admission into the MS in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs Program.

Overview of the higher education counseling and student affairs profession, history, philosophy, theory and ethics. 3 seminars. Formerly EDUC 555.
HCSA 5510 Counseling and Advising in Higher Education (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Admission into the MS in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs Program.

Theories and practice of identity-responsive counseling and advising in higher education settings. Culturally responsive integration and application through written reflection, direct practice, and ongoing peer and faculty feedback. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 seminars. Formerly EDUC 560.
HCSA 5511 Legal and Ethical Issues in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Admission into the MS in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs; and EDUC 555 or HCSA 5501.

Consideration of legal codes, ethical principles, professional standards and competency within the context of cultural variables as they affect the practice of higher education counseling and student affairs. 3 seminars. Formerly EDUC 564.
HCSA 5520 Multicultural Issues in Higher Education and Student Affairs (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Admission into the MS in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs Program.

Development of multicultural awareness, knowledge, and skills required of student affairs professionals to create and sustain inclusive and affirming campus environments for diverse student populations. 3 seminars. Formerly EDUC 556.
HCSA 5521 Introduction to Research and Assessment in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Admission into the MS in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs Program.

Research and assessment methods in higher education settings: qualitative and quantitative, critical, culturally responsive literature review, designs and data collection techniques, descriptive and inferential statistics, qualitative coding. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 seminars.
HCSA 5530 Leadership and Consultation in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Admission into the MS in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs Program.

Critical perspectives to examine leadership theories, models, and processes with emphasis on social identities' role on facilitating social change on college campuses, community, and counseling settings. 3 seminars. Formerly EDUC 566.
HCSA 5531 Student Development Theory in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Admission into the MS in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs Program.

Exploration of the roles and competencies of the student development specialist in higher education counseling and student affairs. Review of relevant developmental theories with emphasis on practical implementation. 3 seminars. Formerly EDUC 562.
HCSA 5540 Higher Education Administration (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Admission into the MS in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs Program.

Develop an understanding of higher education administration within the historical, organizational, legal, and philosophical characteristics of education in the United States. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 seminars.
HCSA 5541 Group Facilitation (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Admission into the MS in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs Program; and EDUC 560 or HCSA 5510.

Explore and practice different ways to conduct groups, understanding of the different stages of group development, dynamic interactive processes of group work and the implications of conducting groups for diverse populations. 3 seminars. Formerly EDUC 561.
HCSA 5550 Career Counseling (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Admission into the MS in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs Program.

Focus on the study and application of career development theories. Utilizing appraisal instruments, community resources, occupational information, and counseling techniques for career counseling and advisement. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 seminars. Formerly EDUC 557.
HCSA 5551 Adult Learning, Communication and Conflict Resolution (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Admission into the MS in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs Program.

Introduction and application of adult learning theories in higher education and community settings. Impact of culture on adult learning, interpersonal communication and conflict as key catalysts for learning. 3 seminars.
HCSA 5560 Field Experience in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
CR/NC
Prerequisite: Admission into the MS in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs Program.

Application of higher education counseling and student affairs coursework in colleges and community settings. Credit/No Credit grading only. Repeatable up to 12 units. Formerly EDUC 573.
HCSA 5580 Advanced Multicultural Issues in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Admission into the MS in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs Program; and EDUC 556 or HCSA 5520.

Course focuses on socio-cultural issues, social change and intersectionality theories. Addresses multicultural skill development; advocacy; facilitation of discussions on racial, ethnic, and diversity issues. 3 seminars.
HCSA 5581 Advanced Research and Assessment in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Admission into the MS in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs Program; and HCSA 5521.

Analysis, interpretation and presentation of research and assessment results conducted in higher education curricular and co-curricular student services settings including program evaluation, quantitative and qualitative methods. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 seminars. Formerly EDUC 565.
HCSA 5591 Community College Counseling (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Admission into the MS in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs Program.

Overview of community college principles, history, legal and ethical standards, and structure. Role of counselors within the community college system and various programs that serve marginalized students. 3 seminars.
HCSA 5598 Project (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
CR/NC
Prerequisite: Admission into the MS in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs Program.

Capstone course engages application, completion and presentation of higher education counseling and student affairs program learning objectives as it relates to programmatic coursework. Credit/No Credit grading only.