Important Dates

FALL ADMISSION deadline
Cal State Apply Application January 6, 2025
Supplemental Materials January 6, 2025
Interviews

End of January

Offers of Admission Early March

 

Becoming a teacher

HECSA Program Coursework

 

The Higher Education Counseling / Student Affairs (HECSA) program requires the successful completion of 72 quarter credit units (equates to 48 semester units). In compliance with CAS (2012) standards, the program can be completed in a minimum of two full-time academic years. There are two options for completing the program: the two-year plan, and the three-year plan

PROGRAM COURSEWORK:

Current Quarter Schedule - Fall 2025

View the M.S. in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs Course Catalog

Upcoming Semester Schedule - Starting Fall 2026

Schedules are still being finalized and are subject to change prior to Fall 2026.

 

Fall Semester Year One

HCSA 5501 Introduction to Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs (3 units)
HCSA 5521 Introduction to Research and Assessment in HECSA (3 units)
HCSA 5531  Student Development Theory in HECSA (3 units)
HCSA 5560 Field Experience in HECSA (2 units)

Spring Semester Year One

HCSA 5510 Counseling and Advising in Higher Education (3 units)
HCSA 5511 Legal and Ethical Issues in HECSA (3 units)
HCSA 5520 Multicultural Issues in HECSA (3 units)
HCSA 5560 Field Experience in HECSA (2 units)
HCSA 5551 (ELECTIVE*) Adult Learning, Communication, and Conflict Resolution (3 units)

Fall Semester Year Two

HCSA 5540 Higher Education Administration (3 units)
HCSA 5581 Advanced Research & Assessment in HECSA (3 units)
HCSA 5541 Group Facilitation (3 units)
HCSA 5560 Field Experience in HECSA (2 units)
HCSA 5591 (ELECTIVE*) Community College Counseling (3 units)

Spring Semester Year Two

HCSA 5580 Advanced Multicultural Issues in HECSA (3 units)
HCSA 5550 Career Counseling (3 units)
HCSA 5530 Leadership and Consultation in HECSA (3 units)
HCSA 5598 Project (3 units)

 

*Note: 2 electives are listed  - students must choose at least 1 to earn a total of 48 semester credits, or can take both if so desired. 

 

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School of Education
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
805.756.2126
soe@calpoly.edu