Per course adjunct faculty for the Counseling program's course, COUN 604-01.
Founded in 1863, Saint Mary's is a residential campus nestled 20 miles east of San Francisco in the picturesque Moraga Valley. Based in the Catholic, Lasallian and Liberal Arts traditions, Saint Mary's currently enrolls more than 4,000 students from diverse backgrounds in undergraduate and graduate programs. The De La Salle Christian Brothers, the largest teaching order of the Roman Catholic Church, guide the spiritual and academic character of the College.
As a comprehensive and independent institution, Saint Mary’s offers undergraduate and graduate programs integrating liberal and professional education. Saint Mary’s reputation for excellence, innovation, and responsiveness in education stems from its vibrant heritage as a Catholic, Lasallian and Liberal Arts institution. An outstanding, committed faculty and staff that value shared inquiry, integrative learning, and student interaction bring these traditions to life in the 21st century. The College is committed to the educational benefits of diversity.
COUN 604 Theories of Counseling (3 Units), Mondays 4:15PM - 7:00PM
August 30-December 18, 2026
COUN 604 is a 3-unit graduate counseling course that is required for all SMC students earning a master’s degree in counseling across all counseling specializations in the COUN department.
Course Description: This foundational course provides students with an overview of the historical development of psychotherapy and counseling theories including both traditional and more recent theories, as well as transpersonal and Eastern approaches. An emphasis is placed on understanding the major theorists' basic assumptions about human nature and mental health, and their primary concepts, general approach, and techniques. Application of various theories is demonstrated through video, role-play, in-class group activities and/or transcripts in the textbooks. Students are encouraged to further investigate those theories that most interest them and to begin developing their own holistic, integrated counseling philosophy. The course includes an introduction to the findings of research evaluating the efficacy and efficaciousness of a wide variety of counseling theories.
Required Qualifications
Candidates must have an M.S., M.A. or Ph.D. in the relevant area of Counseling or Psychology. Experience teaching at the graduate level or at least 3 years of experience as a practicing clinician (i.e., MFT, PCC, Clinical or Counseling Psychologist, School Counselor, School Psychologist).
Preferred Qualifications
A Ph.D. in Counseling or Psychology is highly desirable. A successful record of teaching experience at the graduate level. Current license in Marriage & Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counseling, Educational Psychology, Psychology or PPS Credential in School Counseling or School Psychology. A demonstrated commitment to teaching excellence, multicultural/international competence, social justice, clinical expertise, and familiarity with counseling & psychological theory and practice.
Must be a Calfiornia resident.
Applicants to all available course sections who are members of the Saint Mary’s College bargaining unit or agency fee payers covered by the agreement with SEIU 1021, who have previously taught this course, or COUN 230, or who have been determined qualified through the process outlined in Article 10, have only the following application requirements:
- Indicate interest via application to the posting
- Complete the SMC Per Course Adjunct Faculty Questionnaire to identify as a Saint Mary’s College bargaining unit faculty member or agency fee payers covered by the agreement with SEIU 1021
- Indicate preferences if there are multiple sections
Please apply online at https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/offices-services/academic-affairs/adjunct-faculty-openings or click on the APPLY NOW button above
Include a cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications and are prepared to support the mission of the College
A resume
The name and contact information for three (3) professional references.
In applying for a position, candidates sign a consent authorizing a broader inquiry which may include reference checks, a motor vehicle check, and a third party background check.
Please note that courses will be assigned to current qualified adjunct faculty members who apply during the first 14 days of the posting in the following order:
1. Seniority of those who have taught the course previously up to their average.
2. Seniority of those who have not taught the course up to their average.
3. Seniority rotation above their average up to their total annual available course value.
Candidates must perform all course-related work within the State of California.
Salary: $6,480 - $10,308 dependent on qualifications. The salary range for this position is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the College and SEIU, Local 1021, available here
If the course is not assigned to a current qualified adjunct faculty member under the process above, it may be assigned to a new hire after the 14 day period for current adjunct faculty members to apply has elapsed.
Saint Mary's is an equal employment opportunity employer. We support inclusive excellence and are committed to creating a safe and welcoming community for all.
College policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, gender stereotyping, and gender identity, taking a protected leave (e.g. family medical or pregnancy leave), or on any other basis protected by applicable laws.
Saint Mary's College annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Saint Mary's College Report, please go to the Public Safety website at http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/public-safety/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report-0 To request a paper copy please call Public Safety at (925) 631-4284. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.
