Fall 2023 admissions has ended. Please consider for Fall 2024 Admission, starting on October 1st.
This page provides specific information regarding applying to the Department of Counseling Graduate Programs. For general assistance in the application process or in deciding between the Department of Counseling programs and other programs at San Francisco State University, please visit Graduate Studies Admissions Page. They offer workshop recordings on admissions topics and other great information (see Advising).
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:
Sign up to attend one of our Information Sessions.
- Information Sessions for Fall 2023 Admissions:
- September Session (Zoom): Wednesday, September 21st, 6-7:30pm - _Closed)
- October Session (in Person): Tuesday, October 18th, 7-8:30pm - (Library Room 121. Seating is limited. No reservation required)
- November Session (Zoom): Wednesday, November 30th, 6-7:30pm (closed)
For parking and Transportaion information: https://parking.sfsu.edu
The Information Session present an overview of the program and the admissions process as well as answers to the most frequently asked questions. 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.
Department of Counseling, Information Session welcomes persons with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request. If you would like reasonable accommodations for this event, please contact applymsc@sfsu.edu as soon as possible so your request may be reviewed.
The slides from the November 30, 2022, Information session are posted here. The video recording of the 11/30/22 Information Session should be posted by mid-December. A video and powerpoint slides from the September information session is posted here. At the bottom of this page, you will also find short videos from each Specialization.
Slides and Recording of November 30, 2022, Information session for prospective applicants to the DoC graduate programs
Step 3:
Carefully read the Application Instructions and requirements:
Every year the Department of Counseling Admissions Coordinator creates detailed application instructions for that admissions year. The instructions include the following:
- Navigating Cal State 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 form
- Letters of Recommendation
- Fee Payment instructions
Please visit the following link for detailed application instructions
- Fall 2023 Instruction and requirements
- Affidavit of Authorship form
- Summary of Experience form
- Sample recommendation form (recommenders may use this form or their own letterhead)
Department of Counseling Application Processing Fee of $25 (This is a separate fee from Cal State Apply Fee of $70).
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Payment of Department of Counseling Application Processing Fee must be made through the link provided in the Department of Counseling Admission Instruction site (see link above). No checks or cash will be accepted (please visit Department of Counseling Admission Instruction 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.
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