School Counseling Application Process

Admission to the school counseling programs is highly competitive (acceptance rate is approximately 20% of the total number of applicants). Entrance is restricted to Fall semester only. Application is required to both CSULB and to the School Counseling programs. It is essential for applicants to adhere to the guidelines that follow. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for initial review.

CSU Application

Submit a 2010 University Application for Graduate Admission and one (1) set of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended to the Office of Admissions by January 15, 2010 along with the application fee and any other documents required. Applicants are encouraged to visit the on-line application site at www.csumentor.edu/online/calstate.

Major/Program Objective: If you are applying for the Master’s Degree: On Part A, line 10a., indicate MS-Counseling and enter code ED_PMSO2. On the option line, indicate the option, School Counseling. (CSU codes differ from CSULB codes, so do not use codes that appear in the CSU Graduate Admissions boklet; note that the information you need to provide will require more than the allotted spaces.) If applying on-line, make sure that you identify School Counseling as the appropriate option. Please direct questions regarding the on-line application process to the College of Education Graduate Office (562/985-4547).

Education Credential Objective: If you are seeking the Pupil Personnel Services School Counseling Credential, either in conjunction with the Master’s Degree or independently of the Master’s Degree, indicate PPS-School Counseling and enter the 3-digit code 802 in the box on line 11. (All School Counseling Master’s Degree program applicants who do not already have the PPS/SC credential should indicate code 802 in this box and enter Y in the box above.) On Part B of the application, the same Master’s Degree information should be entered on line 1. The same information for the credential should be entered on line 12.

Transcripts: The CSU application indicates that “most campuses require 2 sets of transcripts”-- only one official set is required for this CSU campus. However, in addition to those sent with your University application to the Office of Admissions, you must include a second official set of transcripts with the School Counseling Program Application. If you have any questions regarding the transcripts, you may call the College of Education Graduate Office at 562/985-4547.

Enrollment Services will acknowledge receipt of your University application within approximately three to four weeks and begin the review process after all official transcripts are received. You must be admitted to the university to be formally admitted to the program; however, admission to the university does not ensure admission to the program. (See School Counseling Program Application requirements below.)

Please note: The College of Education requires a minimum GPA of 2.85 on the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units versus the University requirement of 2.50.

Writing Proficiency Examination (WPE): All students seeking a graduate degree must pass the Writing Proficiency Examination. The WPE must be taken during the first semester of enrollment. For more information on the WPE, you may call the CSULB Testing Office at 562/985-4007. If your undergraduate degree was completed at a CSU, please provide proof of passing the WPE to the College of Education Graduate Office during the first semester of enrollment if admitted to the School Counseling programs.

Immunization Requirements: Refer to the University Application for details.

School Counseling Program Application

Program Application: PDF

1. Submit a separate School Counseling Program Application (PDF) with the materials listed below. Submit the application and all supporting materials in one packet to the College of Education Graduate Studies Office (ED1 – Room 7). School Counseling Program applicants are admitted for Fall semester only. The deadline for receipt of your application packet, including ALL materials, is January 15, 2010 . LATE OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. If you have any questions regarding application materials, please contact the Graduate Office at 562/985-4547. The following materials must be submitted with the program application:
   1. One set of official transcripts of all 4-year college/university course work. Request that your college(s)/university(ies) send official transcripts directly to you and include the unopened transcripts with your application packet. Transcripts should verify a GPA of 2.85 or higher on the last 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units of coursework taken. (Completion of at least a baccalaureate degree with some coursework in the behavioral sciences, education, or related program must occur prior to beginning the Master of Science in Counseling program.) Please note that the department and graduate office cannot obtain transcripts from other CSULB offices or Enrollment Services.
   2. Three (3) letters of recommendation. Those individuals who are providing your letters of recommendation must return their letters to you in sealed and signed envelopes. It is suggested that you request your recommendations at least six (6) weeks prior to the application deadline of January 15. Letters of recommendation should be from employers, supervisors, or others who can objectively speak to your potential as a school counselor.
   3. Personal Statement (Please follow directions that follow)
2. Your completed application and required materials will be reviewed by the School Counselor Education Admissions Committee in March to select applicants to be interviewed. Applicants are expected to plan to be available during the interview period (February 26 - March 15, 2010). Applicants selected for interviews will be notified of their interview date and time either by email. Interviews are conducted in a small group format, are a required component of the application process, and may include a brief writing sample. In situations where the applicant lives outside of the western United States, the School Counselor Education Admissions Committee may determine that a telephone interview is acceptable.
    
3. Email notification indicating admission decisions will be sent approximately 15 business days after all interviews are completed; thus, you can expect an admission decision by March 31, 2010. Please do not telephone or email regarding your admission status before this time, as time spent responding to such inquiries only delays the process. Acceptance to the program is subject to meeting all program and University requirements.
   
   Please note: To avoid missed deadlines and/or possible delays during the processing of your University and School Counseling Program applications, please make sure that you:
    
   • Submit your CSU Application and supporting documents by January 15, 2010 . Keep a copy for your file and note the date sent.
   • Submit your School Counseling Program Application (not University Application), transcripts, personal statement, and recommendations in one packet to the Graduate Office, College of Education (ED 1, Room 7) by 5:00 p.m. on January 15, 2010. Include a stamped, self-addressed postcard to be mailed to you to confirm receipt of your complete application packet. Incomplete or late packets will not be considered.
     

DIRECTIONS FOR WRITING YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT

A 3-5 page (typed, double-spaced, 12-point font) personal statement is required. This statement should reflect a clear, focused, and comprehensive profile of yourself as a person and a prospective professional school counselor. Pages should be numbered. Organize your statement into 4sections using the following headings (not all sections are weighted equally):

BACKGROUND/INFLUENCES/CONTRIBUTORY RELATIONSHIPS: Describe your educational, work, volunteer, and pertinent life experiences. Discuss interpersonal relations, interests, and special skills you possess that you believe will enhance your work as a professional school counselor. Describe the experiences, people, and information that have influenced your decision to select the school counseling profession as your career goal. Also describe how your family, friends, education, work, and leisure have contributed to your being a desirable candidate for entrance into the school counseling profession.

SCHOOL COUNSELOR ROLE: Describe your perception of a school counselor’s role and responsibilities. Discuss relationships with other disciplines as well as activities you expect to be doing as a school counselor.

STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES: Describe yourself candidly in terms of your emotional, social, and intellectual growth. Discuss both strengths and weaknesses, including plans for addressing areas identified for development.

COLLEGE THEME/MISSION: Comment on your reactions to the theme and mission of the College of Education. Describe which aspects are particularly meaningful to you and why.

Theme and Mission of the CSULB College of Education and Affiliated Programs

Theme: Teaching for Life-long Learning, Professional Growth, and Social Responsibility

Our mission is to foster a learning and teaching community committed to educational excellence. Our community

• Promotes intellectual, personal, and interpersonal growth for all students;
• Prepares socially responsible leaders for a rapidly changing, technologically-rich world;
• Values diversity and prepares students for a diverse world;
• Serves and collaborates with other educators and the community;
• Promotes school improvement for all students; and
• Engages in research, scholarly activity, and ongoing evaluation.

Last update: 7/8/09