Admissions

Fall 2023 admissions starts on October 1st, 2022

 

Need guidance about applying to Graduate School?

Check Out General Admissions Workshops offered by Graduate Studies:

(for any general admission inquiry, you may attend the workshop here)

Want Specific Information about Applying to the Department of Counseling Graduate Programs? Follow these Steps!

Step 1: 

Carefully review the information on the Department of Counseling website including the Academics page where you will find detailed information about our Specializations and this Admissions page.

Step 2:

View this Information Session Video (pre-recorded) - a comprehensive overview of our program and admissions process. Powerpoint presentation available below for download. At the bottom of this page, you will also find short videos from each Specialization.

Information Session Video Link 

Pre-recorded Information session which includes both academic information detailing our six specializations and admissions information including the application process, requirements, recommendations and more. The information in this video is up to date as of September 2021.

Slides for September 2021 Information Session PDF

Slides for September 2021 Information Session PPT

Step 3:

After viewing the Information Session, if you have additional questions, please sign up for a Follow Up FAQ Zoom Session: 

Follow Up FAQ Session for Fall 2023 Admissions (Zoom):

September Session: (coming in Augist)

October Session: TBA

November Session: TBA

These sessions present a culmination of the most frequently asked questions after watching our prerecorded information session. Questions are taken from prospective students who submit questions to be answered by our department chair. (Questions from previous sessions are included). The FAQ page has been updates to include these questions and answers. 

 

Step 4:

Carefully read the Application Instructions and requirements (coming in September):

Every year the Department of Counseling Admissions Coordinator creates detailed application instructions for that admissions year. The instructions include the following:

  • Navigating CalState Apply (with Images)

  • Applying for the correct specialization and/or emphasis

  • Specific program application materials required

  • Personal Statement prompt and length as well as Affidavit of Authorship form

  • Experience Summary forms

  • Letters of Recommendation

  • Fee Payment instructions

 

Please visit the following links for detailed application instructions (will be available in September, 2022)

Fall 2023 Instruction and requirements

Affidavit of Authorship form

Counseling Experience Summary form

Other Experience Summary form

Recommendation form (optional)

How to submit a recommendation (for recommenders)

 

Attention: Department Application Processing Fee-$25. (This is a separate fee from Cal State Apply Fee of $70 via CashNet)

  • Payment must be done by Online Payment system. No checks or cash will be accepted (please visit admission instruction and requirement site).

 

Specialization Videos

Career Counseling

Career Counselors work in high school, college and university career centers, student support services and advising offices. Some graduates use this training to establish private career counseling and consultation practices while others enter career development centers in private industry and public agencies. Many students combine this training with another area of counseling. 

 

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Clinical Mental Health Counselors work in an array of community-based behavioral health agencies, hospital-based inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, school and college settings, rehabilitation programs, youth wellness centers and programs/services for at risk and marginalized communities. Graduates obtain their LPCC and may choose to work in private practice. 

 

College Counseling

College Counselors may work in two- and four-year colleges and universities providing academic counseling in a range of college student personnel positions in programs such as student retention, EOP or EOPS, financial aid, CalWorks, multicultural student services, residential life, college outreach, transfer services, general counseling and other student services. 

 

Gerontological Counseling

Gerontological Counselors work with older adults and their families performing case management and counseling in consultation with family members. Settings may include senior centers, residential homes, social service agencies, and hospices. Gerontological counselors benefit from having an emphasis in Mental Health Counseling.

 

Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling

MFCC specialization prepares graduates for LMFT licensure in California. MFTs provide assessment, diagnosis, and intervention for individuals, couples, families, children, and groups in family, youth, and child agencies, hospitals, schools, universities, forensic settings, private practice, and a variety of community counseling services. The curriculum emphasizes a culturally-informed and systemic-familial-relational orientation to prevention, intervention, consultation, and advocacy.

 

School Counseling & Pupil Personnel Services Credential

School Counselors upon graduation and after passing the California CBEST examination receive their State of California Pupil Personnel Services Credential with a specialization in School Counseling (PK–12) and work in public and private school settings. They do personal and academic counseling and work in an integrated services team approach with other mental health and education professionals.