Overview

The Community-Based Block at San Diego State University is a comprehensive Master of Science programme designed to train culturally competent professional clinical counsellors. This intensive curriculum integrates social justice advocacy with practical therapeutic skills to support underserved communities. Students participate in a unique cohort model that emphasises democratic learning and community engagement.

This programme is specifically structured to meet the academic requirements for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) status in California. By combining rigorous academic inquiry with hands-on fieldwork, the course ensures that graduates are prepared to act as effective change agents. The curriculum is delivered through a blend of campus-based sessions and community-based learning in diverse local neighbourhoods.

Why Community-Based Block at San Diego State University?

San Diego State University has a distinguished history of over 50 years in preparing multicultural counsellors. The programme is renowned for its commitment to diversity, featuring a 100% ethnically diverse faculty and a strong focus on LGBTQIAA+ advocacy. Students benefit from live supervision at the Center for Community Counseling and Engagement, located in one of the most diverse areas of San Diego.

The "block" format creates a supportive learning community where students remain with the same cohort for the duration of their studies. This collaborative environment allows for a "partners-in-learning" pedagogy, where faculty and students work together to address real-world community needs. The programme boasts a 95% graduation rate, reflecting its high level of student support and academic excellence.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 8548 per year
National fee: USD 8548 per year
Local fee: USD 8548 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum covers essential areas of mental health practice, social justice, and clinical intervention. Modules may include:

Cross-Cultural Counseling
Social Justice Democratic Theory, Processes, and Skills
Theory and Process of Group Counseling
Contexts of Psychopathology
Family and Systemic Treatment of Substance Abuse
Culturally Competent Assessment in Multicultural Contexts
Trauma and Crisis Counseling in Multicultural Contexts
Psychopharmacology
Career Counseling

Careers with Community-Based Block

Graduates are prepared for a variety of professional roles within the mental health and education sectors. The programme provides the necessary foundation for pursuing doctoral studies or entering immediate clinical practice. Common career paths for alumni include:

Clinical Mental Health Counselors in private practice or community clinics.
Community College and University Counselors supporting student success.
K-12 School Counselors working within diverse educational settings.
Leadership roles in social service agencies and non-profit organisations.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Professional Issues in Mental Health Practice: Community-Based Block
Social Justice Democratic Theory, Processes, and Skills & Lab
Theoretical Foundations of Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy
Contexts of Psychopathology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Diego, United States

Disciplines

Psychology Clinical Psychology Community Development View 126 other Masters in Community Development in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Complete the Cal State Apply Application

Create an SDSU WebPortal Account

Submit Official Transcripts and Diploma/Degree Certificate

Submit Official Test Scores

Submit Program Specific Documents

Applicants who have earned a three-year baccalaureate degree from an international institution, may be considered for admission.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Out-of-State

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8548 USD / year

≈ 8548 USD / year

Additional Details

Non-resident tuition: Add $444 per unit to the basic tuition and fees listed above.

Living costs

San Diego

United States

1400 - 2455 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Community-Based Block.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

San Diego

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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