- Fall Admission only
- Full-time program can be completed in about 2 years (~5 semesters, including summer courses)
- Part-time program can be completed in about 3 years (~7 semesters, including summer courses)
- MFT option can be completed in 2 years (~5 semesters) full-time or 3 years (~7 semesters) part-time
- Courses will be offered online or at the Hayward Campus only
- Classes are during the late afternoon and evening
Candidates who graduate from the school counseling program will have completed course work to be recommended for the following:
- Master’s of Science in Counseling
- Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling
Candidates who choose to complete the Marriage and Family Therapy option will have completed fieldwork to be recommended for the following (in addition to the aforementioned credentials):
- Associate Marriage and Family Therapy (AMFT) Registration
The Master’s of Science in Counseling with a School Counseling concentration and option in MFT is designed to prepare candidates to be professional school counselors who use data-driven, comprehensive programs and services to advocate for social justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity in P-20 settings. Candidates have an option to complete additional fieldwork hours to acquire an AMFT Registration to increase their options to work with children and families inside and outside of schools. The School Counseling Program is committed to training socially just candidates who are competent in developing, implementing and evaluating comprehensive programs and services that are designed to be educational and preventative with a focus on developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive approaches.
Our school counseling program is committed to the advancement of social justice, democracy, and professional excellence. Our candidates are knowledgeable and competent in engaging in counseling, consultation, advocacy, and support to diverse populations. Furthermore, our candidates learn how to become effective leaders and systemic change agents to ensure access, attainment, and achievement of all students.
Program of Study
Program and Course Structure
The Master’s of Science in Counseling with a School Counseling concentration is a 2 year full-time or 3-year part-time 60 unit program. The MFT option could be completed in conjunction with the School Counseling concentration in 2 years full-time or 3 years part-time. Courses are offered in a defined cohort sequence during fall, spring, and summer terms. Courses are offered in a hybrid format and take place during the late afternoon and evening.
Candidates must satisfactorily complete all coursework and fieldwork requirements to be recommended for the degree and credential. Candidates are evaluated on their academic performance, clinical aptitude, and professional development. Candidates who choose to complete the Marriage and Family Therapy option must complete additional fieldwork hours to be recommended for the Associate Marriage and Family Therapy (AMFT) Registration. The following program of study is recommended for all candidates completing the program full-time or part-time.
Please see the following link for 2 years full-time or 3 years part-time Sample Course Schedule.
Cohort
A cohort is a group of candidates who enter, move through and graduate from the program in the same group, at the same time. Cohorts foster learning communities that promote academic development and professional support.
Faculty
Faculty members in the Department of Educational Psychology have expertise in different areas of counseling in schools and community agencies, thus providing a diverse background of experiences in the classroom. Many of the faculty continue to engage in work in the field, either practicing counselor positions, consultants, and/or researchers.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- University application (submitted via CSU Apply)
- Department online application
- Personal Statement specific to CSUEB (see statement questions)
- Certificate of Clearance (upon acceptance to the program)
- Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) / California Basic Skills Test (CBEST) (candidates need to demonstrate proficiency in one of the options)
- Three letters of reference
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE)- recommended, but not required
- Transcripts from all Universities/Colleges attended. Applicants with international transcripts with a foreign degree must provide an official evaluation of that coursework by a CTC approved agency, for a list of approved agencies visit FOREIGN TRANSCRIPT EVALUATION
- Only selected applicants will be interviewed
Prerequisites: For admission to the program, applicants must complete five prerequisites. These courses must be completed with a grade of “B” or better prior to beginning the program. Pre-requisities are intended to provide a foundational understanding and readiness for graduate and field experiences. The following are prerequisite course titles and CSUEB catalogue equivalencies. Please use the CSUEB course numbers as examples for course description.
- Theories of Learning (3 units)- Behavioral or Cognitive
- Statistics (3 units)- Introduction to probability
- Abnormal Psychology (3 units)
- Human, child, or Adolescent Development (3 units)
- Psychological Tests (3 units)- Psychometrics OR Research Design (3 units)
Applicants must complete the following or equivalent courses prior to starting the fall semester:
Applicants with some courses to take should have a detailed plan for completion during the Summer, prior to fall admissions.
Please refer to the Prerequisite Equivalency Course List to determine if your past courses and/or courses from others institutions fulfill these requirements.
If your institution or course is not listed, please contact the Education Administrative Office at mseducation@csueastbay.edu. Include a copy of the course description, course number, institution, and date completed.
Exams: The required exams (updated as of 10/2021)
A. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) - now recommended, but not required.
B. California Basics Education Skills Test (CBEST) - candidates need to demonstrate proficiency in one of the
Basic Skills Requirement options are determined by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
- Pass the CBEST
- Pass the CSET: Multiple Subjects CSET exams PLUS Writing Skills Exam (CSET #142)
- Pass the CSU Early Assessment Program or the CSU Placement Exams
- Achieve qualifying score on the SAT or ACT
- College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
- Pass the Basic Skills Exam from Another State
- Meet the Basic Skills Requirement by Coursework (university and community college level, with grades of "B" or better)
*For reading: a course in critical thinking, literature, philosophy, reading, rhetoric, or textual analysis.
*For writing: a course in composition, English, rhetoric, written communication, or writing.
*For mathematics: a course in algebra, geometry, mathematics, quantitative reasoning, or statistics.
- Meet the Basic Skills Requirement by Coursework and Exam
For more information, visit CTC Basic Skills Requirement.
For options #7 and #8, please complete the Request of Basic Skills Requirement Evaluation form. You will need to email the form and include a copy of your transcripts (unofficial is acceptable) and a copy of your test score, if applicable, in pdf format and email to credentials@csueastbay.edu. The subject line of your emails needs to be “Request of BSR Evaluation” and include your name. Once the Request for Basic Skill Requirement request has been reviewed, you will receive the decision back via email (the email listed on the form).
Online Department Application opens October 1, 2022 for Fall 2023 Admissions. We are rolling admissions and review applications at each round until all spaces are filled. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply sooner, rather than later. Applicants can apply to ONLY one graduate program in the Department of Educational Psychology.
Fall 2022 Admissions Application Deadlines:
Round 1: November 30, 2022
Round 2: January 14, 2023
Round 3: March 1, 2023
NOW CLOSED - Fall 2022 application admissions
Application: Two separate applications are required, one to the University and one to the Department by the deadline.
Full-Time Enrollment: The program requires full-time enrollment in a 3-year course of study. Part-time enrollment is not allowed.
Official Transcripts: You are required to submit 2 sets of transcripts, from all undergrad work to CSUEB. One set of official transcript to the University Graduate Admissions Department and unofficial transcripts with the Department Application.
Applicants with international transcripts with a foreign degree must provide an official evaluation of that coursework by a CTC approved agency, for a list of approved agencies visit FOREIGN TRANSCRIPT EVALUATION
Statement of Purpose: In the Statement of Purpose, describe your professional goals. We are interested in knowing how you developed these goals and how you assess your strengths and weaknesses relative to achieving these goals. Be sure to discuss the program related questions in your statement of purpose. Do not use a generic statement without discussing the program questions.
The following are the statement of purpose questions for the School Psychology program application:
1) What brought you to the field of School Psychology?
2) What is the role of a School Psychologist and why do you want to be one?
3) How have you learned about what School Psychologists do?
4) How would you apply your knowledge to the profession?
5) What strengths will help you be a good School Psychologist and what challenges will you work on to reach your goals?
For more information, please contact us:
25800 Carlos Bee Blvd
Hayward, CA 94542
Dr. Oanh Tran
Program Coordinator
Email: oanh.tran@csueastbay.edu
Candidates may access our program handbook here. The purpose of the program handbook is to give candidates an overview of program policies, procedures, and accreditation standards.
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What is the difference between school counseling and school psychology programs?
School counseling
The specialization in school counseling authorizes the candidate to perform the following duties:
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Develop, plan, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program that includes academic, college/career, social-emotional, and mental health services.
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Advocate for the academic, college/career, social-emotional, and mental health needs of all applicants.
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Utilize school data to make informed decisions to address inequities in school.
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Provide schoolwide prevention and intervention strategies and counseling services.
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Provide consultation, training, and staff development to teachers and parents regarding applicantss’ needs.
School psychology
The specialization in school psychology authorizes the candidate to perform the following duties:
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Provide services that enhance academic performance.
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Design strategies and programs to address problems of adjustment.
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Consult with other educators and parents on issues of social development and behavioral and academic difficulties.
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Conduct psycho-educational assessment for purposes of identifying special needs.
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Provide psychological counseling for individuals, groups, and families.
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Coordinate intervention strategies for management of individuals and schoolwide crises.
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When are courses offered? Do you offer fully online classes?
Our MS in Counseling with a concentration in school counseling offers a hybrid program. Courses are offered in a defined cohort sequence during fall, spring and summer semesters, during the late afternoon and evening.
The other MS in Counseling programs are offered fully face-to-face and classes are during the day, afternoon, evenings, and some weekends.
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Can I apply to more than one program?
No, you may only apply to one program at a time.
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Do you offer a PPS Credential-only program for applicants who already have a Master’s degree? We are working to offer a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential-only program in school counseling at CSU East Bay. This would allow applicants who already have a Master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field to pursue the PPS Credential-only. More information is forthcoming.
Applicants who wish to obtain a PPS Credential in school psychology at CSU East Bay will need to complete the entire MS in Counseling program regardless if an applicant already has a Master’s degree. The program will not accept any transfer units from other programs.
San Francisco State University and Saint Mary’s College both offer Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Post-Master's Credential-only programs in School Psychology. Please contact the school directly for more information regarding their programs.
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What happens if I can’t make it to one of the program informational sessions?
Information sessions are an opportunity for applicants to learn about our program overview,pre-requisites, course of study, and application and interview process. If you are unable to attend one of the informational sessions, please contact Zachary Pietrantoni for questions about the school counseling program. You may contact one of the other program coordinators for questions specific to their program.
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What is the admission process?
Admission is for the fall semester only. Applicants are encouraged to attend an informational session prior to submitting an application. Applicants are accepted for full-time or part-time entry into the program. Application deadline for the school counseling program is January 14.
Applicants applying to our program should follow the university and departmental admissions procedures, including the submission of:
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Can I apply with any Bachelor’s degree major and work/volunteer background?
Yes, we encourage candidates from all majors and work/volunteer backgrounds to apply. The degree must be from an accredited institution and all program prerequisites must be completed prior to starting our program.
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Is there a GPA requirement?
The minimum GPA requirement for the department is 3.0.
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Is a GRE score required? Can I use my score from last year for this year’s applications?
The GRE is not required for the school counseling program.
Other MS in Counseling programs might require the GRE. Those programs may accept GRE scores within the last five years. There is no minimum score for the GRE to guarantee admission into the MS in Counseling program. The GRE will be used as an assessment tool to determine a prospective candidate’s qualification for entry into the program. You can register for the GRE here.
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What are the prerequisite courses and where they can be completed?
All of the prerequisite courses (or equivalent courses) can be taken at any accredited institution, via face to face or online.
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Where can I learn more about the profession?
Applicants can learn more about marriage and family therapy by visiting American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), reading articles, attending conferences, webinars, etc.
Applicants can learn more about school counseling by visiting American School Counseling Association (ASCA) or California Association of School Counseling (CASC), reading articles, attending conferences, webinars, shadowing a school counselor, etc.
Applicants can learn more about school psychology programs by visiting National Association for School Psychologists (NASP), reading articles, attending conferences, webinars, shadowing a school psychologist, etc.
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Why is there an interview process?
The interview process is an opportunity for applicants, current graduate students, and department faculty to get to know each other on a personal and group level. The school counseling concentration will interview qualified applicants in three phases: (a) individual interview, (b) group interview, and (c) writing prompt.
Other programs may have a different interview process.
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When and how will I be notified about an interview for the program?
Qualified applicants will be invited to interview with current graduate students and department faculty. Applicants selected to be interviewed may be invited for an interview within 4-6 weeks after applying. Interviews are scheduled until the program is full.
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What is the WST- Writing Skills Test?
The California State University system requires all applicants to demonstrate writing competency at the university level in order to receive a baccalaureate or master's degree.
You will need to satisfy the University Writing Skills Requirement (UWSR) in order to receive a degree from CSUEB unless you are exempt by one of the following criteria:
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If you have previously satisfied the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement at CSUEB or at another CSU campus, CSUEB will accept official certification of completion if the entire requirement, as specified by that CSU campus, was satisfied and you were a matriculated applicants at the time.
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If you have graduated from any one of the CSU campuses; unless it is noted on your transcript that your USWR was not satisfied.
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If you received an essay score of 4.5 or higher on the GMAT or GRE or an essay score of 53 or higher on the CBEST.
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If you pass the Writing Skills Test (WST) at CSU East Bay.
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If you pass a first-tier writing course and possibly a second-tier writing course (if needed).
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What is the program of study?
The MS in Counseling degree with a concentration in School Counseling is a 60 unit program. The program can be completed in 2 years full-time or 3 years part-time. Candidates must satisfactorily complete all coursework and fieldwork requirements to be recommended for the degree and credential.
Candidates are evaluated on their academic performance, clinical aptitude, and professional development. Candidates who choose to complete the Marriage and Family Therapy option must complete additional fieldwork hours to be recommended for the Associate Marriage and Family Therapy (AMFT) Registration. The following program of study is recommended for all candidates completing the program full-time or part-time.
Please note: The schedules listed above are general timeframes based on previous years’ schedules. The schedules are subject to change.
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Is there any advisor that I could speak to about the program?
If you have general questions regarding admissions requirements for the programs, you can contact the Educational Administrative Office (Phone: 510.885.3011 or Email: mseducation@csueastbay.edu). For more specific questions regarding the programs you can contact the program coordinator:
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Can I count towards the MFT license or PPS credential before I start the program?
Applicants may not complete any hours for MFT licensure or PPS credential prior to entering any MS in Counseling program.
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Will you accept any transfer units from another institution?
Applicants for the school counseling program may be eligible to transfer up to 9 units from another institution in some instances. We might accept transfer units if the candidate has completed a MS in a field of study equivalent to counseling or is transferring from another counseling program. We will not accept any transfer units from the Bachelor’s level. Please contact Zachary Pietrantoni to inquire about transferring units.
Other programs may not accept any transfer units.
