Application Instructions for the

Graduate and Professional  Studies in Education  Eureka Hall 401  6000 J Street 

Sacramento, CA 95819‐6079  (916) 278‐5942

www.csus.edu/coe

Application Instructions for the Masters of Science in Counselor Education

Dear Prospective Student: 

Thank you for your interest in the master’s degree programs in the Department of Graduate  and Professional Studies (GPS) in Education.  The following application and procedures are  for students interested in the following programs: 

 Career Counseling

 Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)

 School Counseling with Embedded PPS Credential

Please READ all instructions carefully and thoroughly BEFORE completing the   FALL 2016 supplemental application packet.  Applicants MUST submit ALL of the 

supplemental application documents by the deadline date to be considered for admission.  

Although the CSU Mentor graduate school application and supplemental program 

application are due on the same day, it is recommended that you complete your graduate  school application at least one week prior to the posted deadline to ensure that you receive  a student ID number needed to set up your SacLink account which will allow you to upload  your supplemental application by the deadline. 

1. Complete the Graduate School application (www.csumentor.edu).

2. You will receive a confirmation email from the Office of Graduate Studies with your Sac State ID number and instructions regarding how to set up your Sac Link Account (if not already set up) www.saclink.csus.edu.  NOTE: Please make sure that your email provider is set up to accept CSUS.edu emails

3. Complete the documentation needed for the supplemental application.

4. Upload your supplemental application and supporting documents.

In the process of completing the university application for The Office of Graduate  Studies, you will need to select your specific education M.S. program under  Enrollment Plans, Major/Program objective. 

Thank you again for your interest in pursuing graduate studies with our  department. We hope to have the opportunity to work with you.  

Sincerely, 

Dr. Susan Heredia    Department Chair  

Graduate and Professional Studies in Education

Final Submission Deadlines:  

Graduate School Application (CSU Mentor)  

due by 4:00 p.m. Monday, January 11, 2016 

Supplemental Application Packet  

due by 4:00 p.m. Monday, January 11, 2016  

**Incomplete applications will not be accepted**

Admission Requirements

All applicants must meet the University's admission requirements in order to be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Counseling Program. Admission as a classified graduate student in the Master’s in Counseling Education requires:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Some applicants may be admitted with the condition that certain specified foundation courses be completed before beginning the requirements for the Master’s in Counseling Education program;

2. minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60/90 units completed;

3. complete CSU Graduate School Application (CSU Mentor) 4. complete supplemental application

Department staff will do the initial processing and the faculty will complete the review process of the applications. This review process takes from 8-10 weeks at which time you will be notified via email of the next steps, interviews, and/or any other requirements.

Admittance to the counseling program at CSUS is a competitive process. The number of applications received far exceeds the number of students that can be admitted in a given year. Decisions regarding admission are based on consideration of the applicant’s potential for success as a professional counselor, academic performance, professional promise, interpersonal skills, maturity, motivation for personal and professional development, and congruence with the counseling program’s philosophy.

Admission is determined by examining the following: (1) academic record and grade point average (GPA), (2) quality of written portions of the application, (3) quality of letters of recommendation, (4) relevant work experience, and an (5) interview with program faculty advisors. All applicants are rank ordered based on the above criteria, and the top candidates are offered admission to the Counselor Education program.

The top applicants who successfully pass all screening elements will be classified students in the Counselor Education program.

Only those applicants who show professionalism, promise of success, and fitness will be admitted, and only those who continue to demonstrate a satisfactory level of professionalism, scholastic competence, and fitness shall be eligible to proceed in the program.

Students become fully classified into the Counselor Education program only if they have completed all steps discussed in this packet.

Once students are fully admitted in the program they MUST read a copy of the Counselor Education Student Handbook. ALL students are responsible for knowing and following the requirements to proceed in the Counselor Education program.

REJECTED APPLICATIONS: The department staff and faculty cannot answer questions concerning the reasons why a particular application was rejected. All admissions decisions are final.

Application Procedures for Master’s in Counseling Education

Supplemental Program Application Instructions (2 of 4)

University Application Requirements

1. CSU APPLICATION FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL ADMISSION: Applicants not currently attending Sacramento State, Sacramento State graduating seniors, and Sacramento State students completing a master’s degree or second bachelor’s degree must complete and submit the CSU application for graduate school admission online at: www.csumentor.edu no later than 4:00 p.m. Monday, January 11, 2016. The $55.00 non- refundable application fee must be paid online at the time the application is submitted.

IMPORTANT TIPS When completing enrollment information on the application:

• Select your “Major/Program Objective” as o Counseling (Career Counseling)

o Counseling (Marriage, Family & Child Counseling) o Counseling (School Counseling)

• Under “Degree Objective” select one of the following:

o MS

• “Education credential objective” - Counseling (School Counseling) applicants o Planning to apply to credential program this term

o PPS Counseling

Complete the rest of the online graduate school application, pay application fee, and click the “submit” button.

2. TRANSCRIPTS needed for CSU Application

• Non-Sac State students:

One (1) set of official transcripts (sealed) from all community colleges, colleges, and universities attended. Submit this set of transcripts directly to the Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) no later than 4:00 p.m. Monday, January 11, 2016.

Office of Graduate Studies, CSUS 6000 J Street – Riverfront Center 215 Sacramento, CA 95819-6112

**Transcripts must be received by OGS no later than 4:00 p.m., January 11, 2016. Electronic transcripts cannot be accepted at this time**

• Sac State students:

If you graduated/are graduating from Sacramento State, you DO NOT need submit any additional transcripts to OGS unless you attended another college after you graduated.

Foreign Degrees: Applicants with degrees from outside of the United States, please visit the following website for instructions, http://www.csus.edu/gradstudies/FutureStudents/ApplicantsWithForeignDocuments/index.html or call OGS at (916) 278- 6470. Foreign documents/transcripts must be sent directly from your University to OGS and received no later than December 2015.

International Admissions: Applicants on F-1 or J-1 visas, please visit the following website for application instructions, http://www.csus.edu/oge/international-admissions/Intlwelcome.html

**You will receive a confirmation email from the Office of Graduate Studies with your Sac State ID number and instructions regarding how to set up your Sac Link Account (if not already set up). Please make sure that your email provider is set up to accept CSUS.edu emails**

Supplemental Program Application Instructions (3 of 4)

Supplemental Program Application Requirements

A. GPA REQUIREMENT: In order to be considered for admission into the Master of Science in Counseling program,

applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 semester or 90 quarter units completed. Applicants who do not satisfy the GPA requirements will not be considered for admission.

B. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: Submit three letters of recommendation (sealed) with your SacLink Student ID on the outer envelope directly to the Department of Graduate and Professional Studies (Eureka Hall 401). It is the applicant’s responsibility to see that all three letters arrive by the deadline. Given the high number of applications received each semester, we cannot contact students who are missing letters. Applicants who do not submit all three letters of

recommendation (sealed) by the deadline date will not be considered for admission. All letters of recommendation must be received by January 11, 2016 in order for an application to be considered.

C. RESUME: Upload current resume.

D. PROGRAM STRUCTURE: This is a cohort program; if admitted to this program, students will matriculate in (6) pre-determined semesters (3 years as a full-time student) or in (12) pre-determined semesters (6 years as a part-time student). Students are expected to evaluate their own circumstances and commitment to this program, which is constructed of both day and night classes. It is the student’s responsibility to be available during the scheduled class times, practicum, and field study hours. Classes in this program are not offered online or on the weekends.

Complete Application Packets

The Counseling Education supplemental application and all materials pertaining to the application* should be uploaded no later than 4:00 p.m. Monday, January 11, 2016. Please note that we do not accept incomplete applications. Upload the supplemental application and supporting documents using your Saclink Student ID to the following website: https://gradsup.webapps.csus.edu/

APPLICATION/SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS UPLOAD DOCUMENTS BY DOCUMENT TYPE

(SELECT DOCUMENT TYPES FROM THE DROP-DOWN MENU AT ABOVE UPLOAD WEBSITE) Supplemental Program Application-3 pages (scan to PDF)

NOTE: Do not include instruction pages or check list Document Type: Supplemental Application Applicant Questions-Responses(scan to PDF) Document Type: Writing Sample

Personal Statement (scan to PDF) Document Type: Statement of Purpose

Current resume (scan to PDF) Document Type: Resume

California Basic Educational Skills (CBEST) Scores

• School Counseling Applicants Document Type: Basic Skills Requirement Reference Letters (Cover Sheet and letter in sealed envelope

with your name and SacLink ID written on envelope) Submit directly to the College of Education, Counseling Education in Eureka Hall 401

Official Transcripts Mailed directly to:

Office of Graduate Studies, CSUS 6000 J Street – Riverfront Center 215 Sacramento, CA 95819-6112

Supplemental Program Application Instructions (4 of 4)

Fall 2016 Upload no later than 4:00 p.m. January 11, 2016

Personal Information

Mr.

Ms.

Mrs.

Last Name First Name M SacLink Student ID

Street: City: State: ^Zip:

Mailing Address

E-mail: Primary phone # Alternative Phone #.

Ethnicity (optional): Language(s) spoken fluently:

Preferred Area of Specialization (select only one)

Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)

School Counseling with embedded Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential

Undergraduate Counseling Classes Completed

If you have taken or are currently enrolled in the following classes (or their equivalent), please complete this section. These courses are not required for admission into the M.S. in Counseling program.

Requirement Course Semester/Year University

Introduction to Counseling (EDC 170 / EDUC 155)

Power, Privilege & Self Identity (EDC 171 / EDUC 156)

Child & Family Psychopathology (EDC 172 / EDUC 157) OR Abnormal Psychology (PSY 168)

California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) (provide verification)

Required only for students applying to the SCHOOL COUNSELING with embedded PPS Credential program

I have/will fulfill this requirement by:

CBEST: Date passed ____________________________________

.

CBEST: registered to take the exam on__________________________________

CBEST: I will register to take the examination prior to the end of my second semester in the program

Counselor Education Supplemental Program Application

Graduate and Professional Studies in Education

Master of Science in Counselor Education

Supplemental Program Application

Academic Preparation

List all colleges and/or universities attended, starting with the most recent. Minimum GPA required: 3.0 in last 60 semester/90 quarter units.

Name of Institution Location (City/State) Level (Graduate/Undergraduate)

Internships/Apprenticeships/Practical/Volunteer Experience

Dates Institution/Location Description of Responsibilities Tasks Preformed

Related Paid Experience

Dates Institution/Location Description of Responsibilities Tasks Preformed

Unrelated Paid Experience

Dates Institution/Location Description of Responsibilities Tasks Preformed

Release of information

“I authorize the release of information regarding my credential status to the following: Sacramento State College of Education faculty, staff, school districts, County Offices of Education, The Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and other colleges and universities. I certify under penalty of perjury that I have provided complete and accurate responses to the items on this application. I further certify that all official documents submitted in support of this application are authentic and unaltered records that pertain to me.”

______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________

Applicant’s Signature Date

References

Please identify three individuals from whom we will receive letters of recommendation. Print the attached cover sheet for each letter. Submit all three letters (in sealed envelopes) to the College of Education, Counseling Education.

Name/Title Organization/Institution Phone

Applicant Questions/Responses

Please respond to the following two questions. Limit typewritten responses to one page (per question), double-spaced, size 12 point font. Sign and date at the bottom page(s) of your response.

Question #1

As an undergraduate student (or graduate student in other programs), you were asked to write research or essay papers in which you selected the topics. Reflect on the topics of papers that you have written during your time as a student and

summarize the following: What, if any, themes emerge in the types of papers that you elected to write? What factors can you identify that influenced the emergent themes or topics that you wrote on? How did those themes develop across time? If you were to add to that body of writing now, what would you want to write about?

Question #2

Please describe your experience in working with, serving, or socially engaging with diverse persons or populations. Please summarize your assessment of the quality, quantity, and nature of these experiences. Summarize your strengths and challenges in these relationships, as well as the strengths and challenges of diverse others in forging a relationship with you.

Personal Statement

Provide a personal statement that should be no more than two pages typed (double-spaced, size 12 point font). Your personal statement will be evaluated based on your demonstrated interest and background in counseling.

Sign and date at the bottom of the last page of your response.

Supplemental Program Application (3 of 3)

California State University, Sacramento

College of Education, Graduate and Professional Studies in Education 6000 J Street • Eureka Hall 401 • Sacramento, CA 95819-6079 (916) 278-5942 • (916) 278-5993 FAX

www.csus.edu/coe

Letter of Recommendation Cover Sheet for the Counselor Education Program Fall 2016

Applicant’s Name: Career MFT School

Day Phone: Evening Phone:

SacLink Student ID:

TO THE EVALUATOR: the above named applicant is seeking admission to a graduate level program that trains persons to assume responsible roles in the helping professions. Please provide what evidence you have regarding any or all of the following:

The applicant’s 1. Ability to succeed at graduate level academics

2. Emotional stability and ability to attend to the needs of others 3. Dependability, responsibility, morality, and ethics

Letter of Recommendation and Cover Sheet can be delivered in a sealed envelope or mailed directly to (received by 4:00 p.m. Monday, January 11, 2016):

California State University, Sacramento College of Education

ATTN: Counselor Education Program Admission (EUREKA HALL 401) 6000 J Street

Sacramento, CA 95819-6079

Evaluator’s Name: Title:

Organization: Phone Number:

Address:

Relationship to Applicant:

How long you have known this applicant:

Please attach a letter of recommendation to this cover sheet

Evaluator’s Signature: Date:

Letter of Recommendation Cover Sheet

California State University, Sacramento

College of Education, Graduate and Professional Studies in Education 6000 J Street • Eureka Hall 401 • Sacramento, CA 95819-6079 (916) 278-5942 • (916) 278-5993 FAX

www.csus.edu/coe

Letter of Recommendation Cover Sheet for the Counselor Education Program Fall 2016

Applicant’s Name: Career MFT School

Day Phone: Evening Phone:

SacLink Student ID:

TO THE EVALUATOR: the above named applicant is seeking admission to a graduate level program that trains persons to assume responsible roles in the helping professions. Please provide what evidence you have regarding any or all of the following:

The applicant’s 1. Ability to succeed at graduate level academics

2. Emotional stability and ability to attend to the needs of others 3. Dependability, responsibility, morality, and ethics

Letter of Recommendation and Cover Sheet can be delivered in a sealed envelope or mailed directly to (received by 4:00 p.m. Monday, January 11, 2016):

California State University, Sacramento College of Education

ATTN: Counselor Education Program Admission (EUREKA HALL 401) 6000 J Street

Sacramento, CA 95819-6079

Evaluator’s Name: Title:

Organization: Phone Number:

Address:

Relationship to Applicant:

How long you have known this applicant:

Please attach a letter of recommendation to this cover sheet

Evaluator’s Signature: Date:

Letter of Recommendation Cover Sheet

California State University, Sacramento

College of Education, Graduate and Professional Studies in Education 6000 J Street • Eureka Hall 401 • Sacramento, CA 95819-6079 (916) 278-5942 • (916) 278-5993 FAX

www.csus.edu/coe

Letter of Recommendation Cover Sheet for the Counselor Education Program Fall 2016

Applicant’s Name: Career MFT School

Day Phone: Evening Phone:

SacLink Student ID:

TO THE EVALUATOR: the above named applicant is seeking admission to a graduate level program that trains persons to assume responsible roles in the helping professions. Please provide what evidence you have regarding any or all of the following:

The applicant’s 1. Ability to succeed at graduate level academics

2. Emotional stability and ability to attend to the needs of others 3. Dependability, responsibility, morality, and ethics

Letter of Recommendation and Cover Sheet can be delivered in a sealed envelope or mailed directly to (received by 4:00 p.m. Monday, January 11, 2016):

California State University, Sacramento College of Education

ATTN: Counselor Education Program Admission (EUREKA HALL 401) 6000 J Street

Sacramento, CA 95819-6079

Evaluator’s Name: Title:

Organization: Phone Number:

Address:

Relationship to Applicant:

How long you have known this applicant:

Please attach a letter of recommendation to this cover sheet

Evaluator’s Signature: Date:

Letter of Recommendation Cover Sheet

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https://gradsup.webapps.csus.edu/

• MAKE A PHOTOCOPY (for your records) of all application documents before submitting the application packet.

• FAXED applications cannot be accepted.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION CAN BE MAILED TO:

California State University, Sacramento College of Education

ATTN: Counselor Education Program Admission (EUREKA HALL, 401) 6000 J Street

Sacramento, CA 95819-6079

Please note: Applications and Letters of Recommendation must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. Monday, January 11, 2016.

(Postmark date is NOT acceptable as meeting submission deadline)

APPLICATION/SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS UPLOAD DOCUMENTS BY DOCUMENT TYPE

(SELECT DOCUMENT TYPES FROM THE DROP-DOWN MENU AT ABOVE UPLOAD WEBSITE) Supplemental Program Application-3 pages (scan to PDF)

NOTE: Do not include instruction pages or check list Document Type: Supplemental Application Applicant Questions-Responses(scan to PDF) Document Type: Writing Sample

Personal Statement (scan to PDF) Document Type: Statement of Purpose

Current resume (scan to PDF) Document Type: Resume

California Basic Educational Skills (CBEST) Scores

• School Counseling Applicants Document Type: Basic Skills Requirement Reference Letters (Cover Sheet and letter in sealed envelope

with your name and SacLink ID written on envelope) Submit directly to the College of Education, Counseling Education in Eureka Hall 401

Official Transcripts Mailed directly to:

Office of Graduate Studies, CSUS 6000 J Street – Riverfront Center 215 Sacramento, CA 95819-6112

Supplemental Program Application Check List (for your records)