The Master of Science in Guidance and Counselling (MA-GC) is a two-year graduate program that enhances the knowledge and skills of guidance counseling graduates in professional service orientation, testing and counseling as well as in counseling psychology. The program aims to produce professional, research-oriented counselors, who are able to prevent maladaptive human behaviors and promote optimal human development.

Recommended Undergraduate Program

Students who wish to pursue a Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling should have an undergraduate degree in the social sciences field. However, students who do not hold an undergraduate program in those fields but still wish to pursue the program are encouraged to take at least 18 units of courses in the relevant fields. Additionally, it is advised for those who wish to take up this program to have had prior experience in teaching.

Subjects and Curriculum

• Development and Management of Counseling Programs

• Quantitative Data Analysis for Counseling Research

• Advanced Seminar in Guidance and Counseling

• Foundations of Guidance and Counseling

• Career Development and Counseling

• Research Methods for Counseling

• Directed Research in Counseling

• Techniques of Counseling

• Couple dynamics and therapy

• Family dynamics and therapy

• Developmental Psychology

Qualifications

• The student must have an undergraduate degree relevant to the program

• An applicant with a degree not in line with the education field may still be admitted to the program as long as they take the pre-requisite courses. However, some colleges and universities admit any bachelor’s degree holders. 

• The student must pass the Graduate Admissions Test of the university




Basic Requirements

• Undergraduate Transcript of records (Original and Photocopy)

• Recommendation letters from former professors, deans, or colleagues

• Letter of intent

• Most recent medical and dental health record

• Copy of NSO Certified birth certificate

• Copy of undergraduate diploma

• (1) Latest 2”x2”ID Picture

• Educational Counseling

• Career Counseling

• Mental Health Counseling

• Marriage and Family Counseling

• Rehabilitation Counseling

• Substance Abuse Counseling

Graduates of MS in Guidance Counseling are expected to be able to:

• Summarize and compare theories, methods, and strategies in counseling, testing, and group work.

• Abide by ethical standards in counseling, testing, and group work.

• Show higher-order levels of skills to communicate information, ideas, problems, and solutions about psychological phenomena to informed audiences.

• Demonstrate responsiveness to multicultural and global psychological concerns.

• Demonstrate resourcefulness on the importance of effective learning strategies, cultural sensitivity and career opportunities in the field of counseling.

Board Exam

To become a Licensed Guidance Counselor in the Philippines, a graduate of MA in Guidance and Counselling needs to pass the Guidance and Counseling Licensure Examination. The examination is conducted by the Board of Guidance and Counseling under the supervision of the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC). 

Career Opportunities

Graduates of MS in Guidance Counseling may pursue a career path in educational institutions, medical facilities, government agencies, research institutions, or private practices in the healthcare and professional environment. They may apply as a school guidance counselor, a psychology professor, marriage and family counselor, mental health counselor, drug and alcohol counselor, administrator of counseling institutions, or a researcher.