Program Information

To be considered for admission to the M.A. Counselor education Program, applicants must:

1. Possess a baccalaureate degree.
2. Be admitted to the University with a GPA of at least 3.0 for the last 60 units earned.
3. Submit a program application for the First Interview with payment receipt to the Advanced Studies in Education office drop box (DBH 348). ​​​​​​University Graduate Admission Application
4. Submit a Certificate of Clearance (or valid California Teaching/Service Credential or Substitute Permit) with Application for First Interview. Certificate of Clearance Information.
5. Complete two (2) signed forms of recommendation with the Program Application  for First Interview. (The directions and link to be sent to your references are included in the application.) The forms may be submitted by faculty members with whom you have studied, employers for whom you have worked, or others who are in a position to evaluate your potential for graduate level study.
6. A typed statement (maximum of 2 pages) indicating your suitability for the Counselor Education Program, your future work as a counselor, and your experience working with youth/adults as related to counseling.
7. Successfully complete First Interview. All program application requirements must be submitted by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

All program application requirements must be submitted by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Admission is determined by GPA, interview, two completed recommendation forms (link in application), and your' written statement.

*Please note that we are a highly impacted program and not all applicants may be asked to participate in the first interview.* 

1. Coursework Requirements - Students must be fully admitted to program prior to taking any Counseling coursework.
2. Graduate Requirements - The minimum academic grade point average for earning the M.A. degree is 3.0. The minimum acceptable grade for courses included in the P.P.S. and M.A. program is a “C.” A student who earns a grade of “C” or below may be put on probation if their GPA falls below the required 3.0. Earning a second grade of “C” or below may lead to disqualification and removal from program and will be reviewed by the program coordinator on a case-by-case basis.
3. Final Requirements - The P.P.S. and M.A. in Counseling degree requires the successful completion of all coursework and passing a Comprehensive Exam, or approval of a written thesis, and passing of an oral thesis defense. After all requirements have been met, the student will be awarded the M.A. degree and/or will be eligible to apply for the P.P.S. credential.
4. Class Scheduling - Courses are scheduled in the late afternoon and evening to enable employed individuals to enroll in classes. Early registration is strongly recommended.
5. Coursework - Coursework expires seven years from completion and cannot be applied toward the Master’s degree. One-third of units may be revalidated if less than 10 years old. This applies to all Master’s degree options: thesis or comprehensive examination.
6. Program Learning Outcomes - PLO 1a: Competent professionals demonstrate subject-specific knowledge, pedagogical, and practical skills; PLO 2a: Reflective learners practice data-driven decision making; PLO 3a: Engaged professionals engage in collaborative efforts to advance teaching and learning; PLO 1b: Competent professionals demonstrate ability to teach in a diverse society; PLO 2b: Reflective learners reflect on assessment and instructional practices.
7. The Masters in Counseling plus Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential is now offering students the ability to obtain the optional Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) authorization. The requirements for the CWA authorization are as follows: Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) Authorization (Only for candidates who elect to earn a CWA) Candidates complete a minimum of one hundred and fifty (150) clock hours of field experience, under the supervision of a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential holder. A minimum of 90 clock hours are in a school setting in direct contact with pupils. A minimum of 30 clock hours are in interdisciplinary experiences in a setting that is outside the field of education, such as law enforcement, juvenile justice, child health and welfare, mental health, social services, child protective services and community-based organizations. The remaining thirty (30) clock hours can be at the discretion of the university supervisor.

The PPS credential requires 800 hours of field experience in public schools and other settings. The PCC concentration requires 280 direct contact hours of field experience in a clinical setting.  The MA Only requires 200 hours of field experience.

• The Nina Ribak-Rosenthal Memorial Scholarship is awarded to Counselor Education Program candidates only. It was established in memory of Dr. Ribak-Rosenthal, who taught School Counseling courses and coordinated the program for more than 20 years. 
• The Stanislaus Futures Health Scholarship is a strategic, need-based scholarship designed to support Stanislaus State students in the pursuit of a bachelor's degree in health careers.
• Stanislaus State Scholarship Information
• CSAC Golden State Teacher Grant Program