Marriage and Family Therapy Application Process

Admission to the Marriage and Family Therapy 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 Marriage and Family Therapy 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 2007 University Application for Graduate Admission and one (1) set of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended to the Office of Admissions by March 1, 2007 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 13051. On the option line, indicate the option, Marriage and Family Therapy . (CSU codes differ from CSULB codes, so do not use codes that appear in the CSU Graduate Admissions booklet; note that the informatoin you need to provide will require more than the allotted spaces.) If applying on-line, make sure that you identify Marriage and Family Therapy as the appropriate option. Please direct questions regarding the on-line application process to the College of Education Graduate Office (562/985-4547).

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 Marriage and Family Therapy 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 Marriage and Family Therapy 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 Marriage and Family Therapy programs.

Immunization Requirements: Refer to the University Application for details.

Marriage and Family Therapy Program Application

Program Application: PDF

1. Submit a separate Marriage and Family Therapy 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). Marriage and Family Therapy Program applicants are admitted for Fall semester only. The deadline for receipt of your application packet, including ALL materials, is March 1, 2007. 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 March 1. 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 Marriage & Family Therapy Admissions Committee in March to select applicants to be interviewed. Applicants are expected to plan to be available during the interview period (March 25–April 30). 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 Marriage & Family Therapy 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 May 19. 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 Marriage and Family Therapy Program applications, please make sure that you:
    
   • Submit your CSU Application and supporting documents by March 1, 2007. Keep a copy for your file and note the date sent.
   • Submit your Marriage and Family Therapy 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 March 1, 2007. 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.
   • Print “Marriage and Family Therapy” 1/2 inch, black letters on the upper right hand corner of all materials and pages submitted (including envelopes containing transcripts and recommendations). These steps will help to ensure that your materials are properly filed.

Last update: 6/21/06