Admissions

Fall 2022 admissions will open on October 1st, 2021 (new application instructions should be available in September)

 

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

  • Please do not mail a check to the Department (office is currently closed).

  • Online Payment has been set up for all MSC applicants (Closed).

 

Information for Applicants

Overview video of admissions and program information (recorded video) and powerpoint presentation

Prerecorded 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 2020.

Please click here for slides used in this video

Follow up Q&A Session (Prerecorded session Nov. 30, 2020)

A culmination of the most frequently asked questions after watching our prerecorded information session. Questions were taken from prospective students who submit questions to be answered by our department chair on November 30th (Questions from previous sessions are included). The FAQ page has been updates to include these questions and answers. 

 

Application instructions:

Every year the Department of Counseling Admisions 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
  • Personal Statement prompt and length
  • Exams (if Any)
  • Prerequisites
  • Recommendations
  • Fee Payment instructions

If you're looking for any of this information please visit this site for detailed application instructions: Click Here to go to our admissions site and navigate to the PDF instruction sheet found there. 

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.