Admissions to the MS in Counseling Program

The M.S. in Counseling is a professional program to prepare students for a successful career in the counseling profession. The program's emphasis on postmodern praxis and commitment to social justice sets the tone for preparing counselors who can respond to complex issues in a variety of settings. Students who complete the appropriate concentration within the degree can apply to the California Board of Behavioral Sciences to become Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC). Coursework in the appropriate concentration prepares students to become counselors in grades K-12 by applying for the California Pupil Personnel Services School Counselor Credential (PPS). The degree offers three concentrations, School Counseling, Professional  Counseling, or a dual concentration of School and Professional Counseling. 

• Must complete CSU Apply Application.
• Must apply to directly to the concentration of interest, either School Counseling, Professional Counseling or School and Professional Counseling Dual Concentration.
• Students must be admitted to CSUSB graduate studies and meet the general requirements of the university.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher from all previous undergraduate/graduate work.
• Attending Information Sessions: All prospective students are encouraged to attend one of our Counseling Program admission Information Sessions.
• Review the CSUSB Master of Science in Counseling Program: Personal Statement Prompts and Evaluation Rubric: The personal statement prompts are designed to guide your reflection on key aspects of your background, experiences, and career goals. The evaluation rubric provides specific details on the additional documents required for your application, including your resume, three letters of recommendation, TB test results, and CTC clearance. You will be required to upload the following documents:
  • Submission of Personal Statement of Interest: As part of your application, you are required to submit a personal statement that provides insight into your experiences, values, and professional goals. Additionally, we provide an evaluation rubric that outlines the key criteria our admissions committee will use to assess your application. These criteria ensure a comprehensive review of your commitment to social justice, alignment with the program’s mission, and potential contributions to the field of counseling. Please carefully review the prompts and rubric to ensure your personal statement is thorough, well-structured, and reflective of your passion for becoming a counselor.
  • Submission of Current Resume: When submitting your resume, please ensure it highlights your relevant academic background, professional experience, community service, and leadership roles. Focus on counseling-related experiences and any work with diverse populations. Your resume should demonstrate your commitment to the field and align with the program’s mission and core values.
  • Submission of Letters of Support: Three Letters of support should come from individuals who can speak to your academic preparation, professional potential, and suitability for the counseling field. These letters should highlight your compassion, commitment to social justice, and values that align with the program. The letters should provide specific examples of your contributions and potential impact as a future counselor.
  • The following items are mandatory and must be included at the time of application submission:
    • Evidence of current negative TB test: The TB test typically takes about 2-3 days to process through your healthcare provider, who will provide the results. You must have a negative TB test result dated within one year of your application submission.
    • Evidence of CTC Livescan Clearance: Provide evidence of the pending certificate of clearance, such as a screenshot or documentation from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) showing the status of your application OR possession of a valid California teaching credential;
• Upon completion of the above requirements, the student's file will be reviewed by an admission committee composed of at least three members of the Counseling faculty.

The Fall 2025 application deadline date is January 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. If you have any questions regarding admissions, please contact us at prospectivestudents.mscounseling@csusb.edu.

Applications are reviewed as soon as they are submitted. Once Graduate Studies confirms that all required documents (transcripts, Personal Statement, Letters of Recommendation, TB test results, and Certificate of Clearance) are received, your application is forwarded to the MS in Counseling faculty committee for review. We strongly encourage you to submit your application early, as this will allow time for your materials to be verified and ensure your file is complete before the deadline.

As part of your application requirements, you must complete the Certificate of Clearance (COC) application through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Please follow the steps below carefully:

Step 1: Fingerprint Clearance

• Complete a Live Scan using the CTC form (41-LS).
• Submit your fingerprints to the DOJ/FBI for clearance.

Step 2: Apply for the COC

• Log in to your CTC Educator Account: CTC – Apply for COC/ASCC
• Go to the Educator Documents page.
• Scroll down to “Applying for COC and/or ASCC.”
• Select “Certificate of Clearance” and complete the application.
• Answer the Professional Fitness Questions (PFQs) and submit the online payment.

Step 3: Monitor Your Status

• Check your CTC Educator Account regularly for updates.
• The Commission is currently processing applications received before June 10, 2025. If you submit after that date, please allow additional time for processing.
• Once approved, your COC will appear in your account, and you will also receive an email notification.

Important Notes:

• Processing may take several weeks—please submit your application as soon as possible.
• This is a required document to complete your application and be formally accepted to the program.
• If you experience delays, it is your responsibility to follow up directly with the CTC.
• Your clearance must be granted before your application is reviewed by the MS Counseling faculty committee.