Counseling Major: Optimal California College?

Hi there! I'm getting more and more serious about studying counseling in college. As a resident of California, I would preferably want to stay in my home state. So, what would you suggest is the best college in California for a counseling major?

One excellent university you may want to consider is Stanford University. Stanford has a very highly regarded School of Education, offering programs in various areas of counseling, such as school, human development, and mental health counseling.

The University of Southern California (USC) is another school that's home to a highly respected Rossier School of Education. The program offers a Master's in Counseling, where you may specialize in school, clinical mental health, or marriage, family, and child counseling.

Another great in-state option could be the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). UCLA offers experiential learning opportunities in counseling within its Educational and Psychological Studies department.

At San Diego State University, the counseling program is housed within the College of Education and offers concentrations in rehabilitation counseling, and school counseling, among others.

Keep in mind, during your undergraduate studies, you might choose related majors such as psychology, social work or human development as often counseling degrees are offered at the graduate level. Volunteer work with counseling organizations or internships can be invaluable for gaining hands-on experience.

Remember to always look for programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) to ensure the program meets the professional standards of the counseling field. Best of luck as you pursue your interest in counseling!