Application Process

Application Deadline

Fall 2022

Application period begins: October 1, 2021

Application due date: January 15, 2022

Applications are not accepted after the deadline.

Undergraduate GPA Required

Minimum 2.85 overall grade point average in last degree (not credential or certificate) earned from an accredited institution of higher education. Applicants may have a degree in any major/field. A degree in psychology is not required and will not augment one's eligibility for admission.

GRE Requirement

None

Prerequisite Courses

EDP 400 - Introduction to Educational Research (3 units) (or equivalent) must be completed during the first year in the program. 

Prerequisite courses do not need to be completed prior to applying nor prior to being admitted. Prerequisite course completion does not impact an applicant’s eligibility for admission to the program. Prerequisite courses may be completed the summer session prior to admission or during the first year in the program at the discretion of the advisor.

Application Highlights

• Statement of Purpose

  • Statement of Purpose Prompt

    Submit a 3-4 page, focused, narrative about yourself as a prospective counseling psychology professional resulting in a clear and comprehensive profile which indicates: focus and coherency, writing skills, personal and social insight, perspective, and commitment regarding your graduate study leading to an MS degree and eligibility to pursue licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). It should describe these areas in relation to the following topics. Use the following topics as subheadings. This is a formal paper so do not write a “chatty,” conversational statement. This formal paper must be written in 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, and have 1-inch margin on all sides. Use the following item headings as subheadings in your personal statement.  

    • Background: Describe how your experiences with family, friends, education, work, and leisure have contributed to your being a desirable candidate for entrance into the Counseling Psychology profession.   

    • Career Perceptions and Goals: Describe your perceptions and knowledge of the Counseling Psychology roles and functions. Include the setting, relationships with other disciplines, and activities you expect to be doing in this career area. 

    • Strengths and Areas to Improve: Describe yourself candidly in terms of your strengths and improvement areas regarding emotional, social, intellectual, and productive activities.  

    • Influential Factors: What experiences, people, and information have influenced your decision to select the Counseling Psychology profession?  

    • CSULB decision: How did you hear about the CSULB Counseling Psychology program and what made you decide on this particular Counseling Psychology program? 

• Letters of Recommendation

  • Be prepared to enter the names and email contact information for two people who will complete letters of recommendation for you in the ‘Recommendations’ tab in the Program Materials section of Cal State Apply. Recommendation are required from professional references. The recommender should be individuals in the mental health profession and/or professors or at least a professional who has observed you in a professional capacity interacting with people. Each recommendation is evaluated on the basis of substantive, specific, recommender observations regarding different factors about you in various interactive and/or academic settings. They are also evaluated with regard to the recommender's proximity to the profession from minimally related (non-mental health employment supervisor) to highly related (a mental health professional, professor in a related field, a health/education provider, etc.). We encourage you to seek the strongest possible letters regardless of the source.

Interview Requirement

Interviews for admission will be held virtually on Friday, March 18, 2022. Applicants are expected to save-the-date for a potential interview. Applicants will be notified by email approximately 1 week before the interview date whether or not they are being invited to the interview.