Thank you for considering our graduate programs in counseling as the next step in your professional development. Please read these instructions carefully before you begin completing your application. You can use this as a guide for the Cal State Apply online application process.
MS-Clinical Mental Health Counseling and MS-Marriage, Family and Child Counseling applicants: Work Experience Required (2,000 hours)
Please be advised that applicants to the MS-Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) and MS-Marriage, Family and Child Counseling (MFCC) Degree programs are required to have a minimum of 2,000 hours of work experience (paid or unpaid) in human services (defined as work that involves helping people directly with difficulties related to mental health, housing, education, employment, substance use, systemic injustices, poverty, family conflict, and other social or emotional issues by providing direct services, advocacy, coordination, and support) in a relevant work setting (2,000 hours is approximately one-year full-time, or two-years part-time). This requirement is intended to ensure that applicants enter the program with foundational knowledge of the field, and ability to provide direct care to the community, and a demonstrated commitment to serving diverse communities in counseling-related contexts. Relevant work settings include the following:
- After-School Programs
- Child and Family Services Agencies
- Community Based Organizations (CBOs)
- Community Mental Health Centers
- Community Health Centers
- Community Organizing, Advocacy & Social Movement Organizations
- Cultural Centers and Faith-Based Organizations
- Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Programs
- Crisis Centers or Suicide Prevention Hotlines
- Criminal Justice-Related Programs/Services
- Domestic Violence Shelters
- Educational Settings
- Homeless Shelters
- Hospitals
- Outpatient Counseling Clinics
- Organizations Serving Specific Communities (e.g., LGBTQIA+, People with Disabilities, Refugees, Immigrants, Justice-Involved, Unhoused Individuals, Older Adults)
- Residential Programs (e.g., group homes or treatment centers)
- Substance Use Programs/Services
- Veterans Affairs Programs/Services
- Vocational Rehabilitation Programs/Services
Identify your Letter Writers (“Recommenders”)
Before you start the CAL STATE APPLY online application, identify and contact two people who can write an informed Letter of Recommendation and who know you in an academic or professional capacity (e.g., a professor or supervisor). They should be familiar enough with your work or academic background to write an informed and relevant letter of recommendation for you. Please read the "Instructions for Letters of Recommendation" on our website and share those with your Recommenders. When you begin CAL STATE APPLY you will list the recommenders and their contact information. Inform your recommenders that they will be receiving a notice from CAL STATE APPLY requesting their letters. ONLY two Letters of Recommendation will be accepted. If you submit fewer than two letters, your application will not be considered. No more than two letters will be considered.
PLEASE REVIEW OUR “INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION” BEFORE CONTACTING YOUR RECOMMENDERS.
Submission of Letters of Recommendation is integrated in CAL STATE APPLY. You will need to list the names and email addresses of your two Recommenders so CAL STATE APPLY can notify them to submit recommendations. ALL LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH CAL STATE APPLY TO BE INCLUDED IN THE APPLICATION. Hand delivered or mailed copies will not be accepted. The Recommender can write their letter on their own professional letterhead or use the reference form available from our website. If you give the Department form to the Recommender to use, be sure to fill in your name, degree objective/specialization and emphasis (if any) before emailing the form to your Recommender. This is essential so your Recommender can tailor their comments to reflect your strengths and appropriateness for the program.
ABOUT THE APPLICATION:
To apply to the Department of Counseling graduate programs, you must apply online through CAL STATE APPLY (https://www2.calstate.edu/Apply). The deadline is January 15th 8:59pm PST (NO EXCEPTONS OR EXTENTIONS).
Minimum requirements to be considered for the graduate programs in the Department of Counseling:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree of any kind with a minimum of 3.0 GPA
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*Attention: For those applying for Fall 2026 admissions, no prerequisite course is required
If you do not have psychology background, we highly recommended you taking these courses as the material is the foundation for first year counseling courses. If your undergrad degree did not cover the material; we urge you to take these 3 courses before starting the program at any community college.
Note: Prerequisite requirements are subject to change for Fall 2027 admissions
The Department of Counseling DOES NOT require GRE or undergraduate prerequisite courses
GRADUATE ADMISSION APPLICATION INSTRUCTION FOR FALL 2026
Department of Counseling, San Francisco State University
Below you will find detailed instructions for completing the CAL STATE APPLY application. Please read this carefully before beginning your application and then refer to it while you complete your application. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and upload all documents correctly. Once your CAL STATE APPLY application is submitted, you will NOT be able to add, change or replace any documents.
When you fill out the CAL STATE APPLY application online, make sure all items are correctly filled out and upload all necessary documents including all unofficial transcripts from all higher education institutions you have attended (make sure all your coursework is listed).
