Admissions

Fall 2023 admissions application cycle opens on October 1st, 2022. Application deadline is January 15, 2023.

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 - (Room Library 121)
    • November Session (Zoom): Wednesday, November 30th, 6-7:30pm - sign up link (coming in early November)

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.

After October 1, we will post a video of the first information session here along with the power point slides from the session. At the bottom of this page, you will also find short videos from each Specialization. 

 

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 links for detailed application instructions

 

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

  • 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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