Counseling

Degree and Credential Objectives offered in the Counseling Program:

• Master of Science in Counseling, School Counseling option
• Master of Science in Counseling, College Counseling option
• Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential, School Counseling
• Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) Authorization
• Certificate in College Counseling

Please click the following program links for specific information about the M.S. in Counseling, PPS, CWA, and Certificate in College Counseling programs:

• M.S. in Counseling Program Information
• CWA & College Certificate Information for Alumni 
• Frequently Asked Questions

The School and College Counseling program admits new students once a year, every Fall Semester.  

We offer two application deadlines: a Priority deadline of December 1 and a Regular deadline of February 1.  

The Priority deadline (Dec. 1) offers applicants early consideration for application review and also provides an earlier decision notification. To receive priority review, applications must be submitted in full in Cal State Apply by Dec. 1 and official transcripts must be received by the Admissions Office before Feb. 1. 

The Regular deadline (Feb. 1) provides a review for applications that are submitted in full in Cal State Apply and have official transcripts received by Admissions by the Feb. 1 deadline.  

The Cal State Apply application opens on October 1 and closes on February 1.  

Counseling Information Session

To Apply to the Counseling Program:

1. Download the MS Counseling Program Information to learn about the specific items you will need to complete the application. The Frequently Asked Questions sheet is also very helpful to prospective students when applying.
2. Apply through Cal State Apply Cal State Apply .The Cal State Apply application is the only application needed to apply to the Counseling program. The application fee is $70 and is non-refundable.   
3. Applications must be completed in full by either the Dec. 1 Priority Deadline or the Feb. 1 Regular Deadline in order to be considered for admission. Please be sure to submit official transcripts prior to the Feb. 1 deadline.  
4. Helpful tips: Give yourself at least one month to prepare your application and submit official transcripts early but not before you submit Cal State Apply application. 

Please contact the Division of Graduate Education office for more information: (310) 243-3524.

CA Basic Skills Requirement Update for Applicants

Due to recent changes by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) in how the California Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) may be met, our program does not require applicants to submit proof of having met the BSR in their application. However, we do encourage applicants to upload BSR verification in their application (such as passing California Basic Educational Skills Test CBEST scores) if they have it.  

Admitted students wishing to pursue the School Counseling option or PPS credential will need to furnish BSR verification within their first semester of the program. If you have no intention of earning the PPS and just wish to earn the M.S. College Counseling option, then you do not need to meet the basic skills requirement.   

For more information on the various ways the BSR may be met, click here. Methods include approved undergraduate coursework, a combination of coursework and CBEST sections, as well as target scores on SAT, ACT, or AP tests.   

If you are admitted and wish to use undergraduate coursework to meet the BSR, your coursework will be evaluated after admission by our College of Education staff. You do not need to have coursework evaluated for the application. 

Please contact the Division of Graduate Education office for more information: (310) 243-3524.

M.S. in Counseling with options in School Counseling and College Counseling

The Master of Science in Counseling program prepares students for careers in educational counseling settings and is designed to provide a broad conceptual knowledge base and the development of specialized counseling skills applicable to a diversity of student populations and counseling needs. Students choose to specialize in School or College specializations and are able to concurrently pursue the PPS credential.

Through a framework of cultural humility, the program stresses the importance of reflective examination and interpersonal and professional growth to prepare counselors who are responsive, transformative, student-centered leaders.

Our program is accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to offer both the PPS credential and the Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) authorization. Counseling students completing the MS degree (in either option) are able to simultaneously earn the PPS Credential in School Counseling if they have met the California Basic Skills requirement.

The PPS credential in School Counseling is required to work as a School Counselor in the TK-12 public school system. Our program is accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to offer both the PPS credential and the Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) authorization. The CWA authorization prepares candidates with the specialized counseling training to assist TK-12 students and families in need of attendance support.

Responsive Curriculum and Practice

We are privileged to hold a deep commitment and connection to the students and communities in our local schools and colleges. Through close partnerships, responsive practice, and grounded scholarship, our Counseling faculty ensure that the program's coursework and training are relevant and connected to the current demands of schools and colleges. Candidates complete the program well equipped to lead, advocate, and serve a diversity of student populations and needs.

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