Master of Science in Counseling: School-Based Family Counseling Option

The two-page resume should cover education, paid and volunteer work, and experience that shows your potential as a counselor.

The personal statement is limited to three pages, double-spaced, with one-inch margins and 12-point Times New Roman. Use specific examples to explain your career goals and inspirations, why this degree matters to those goals, experiences working with others (including strengths and growth areas), and how your approach to teaching, learning, counseling, or leadership aligns with the College of Education mission and core values.

Upload legible, correctly oriented unofficial transcripts from every institution where you earned a degree by January 15. Use one file per institution with pages in order.

An academic recommendation from a former professor who can discuss your preparation is preferred. If you completed your degree some time ago, a professional recommendation may take its place. The other recommendation should be from someone who supervised you and can discuss your potential as a counselor. Follow the University's document submission instructions for official transcripts.

The program plans three cohorts of approximately 16 students. Admission is competitive; historically, more than 400 applicants have sought approximately 48 places. For interview consideration, applicants need direct experience in a mental health setting that involves listening to and supporting people experiencing mental health challenges. Examples may include mental health agencies, crisis hotlines, and domestic violence programs when the role includes direct conversations with people seeking support.

The minimum GPA to apply is 2.75 in the last 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units). To be considered for an interview, applicants need at least a 3.0 GPA in those last 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units) and the direct mental health experience described above. A cumulative GPA below 3.0 does not prevent interview consideration if the GPA in the last 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units) is at least 3.0. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee an invitation. Interviews consider knowledge of MFT and school counseling, interpersonal skills, and self-awareness. GRE scores are neither required nor accepted.

No undergraduate major is required. The single prerequisite is Counseling or Psychological Theories, with a C or better. It may be completed after applying but before entering in the fall. A Psychology degree satisfies this prerequisite. Students without an equivalent course may take COUN 4500 during the ten-week summer term before entry.

An equivalent course should substantially cover major theories, such as psychoanalytic, behavioral, Gestalt, person-centered, and cognitive approaches. Abnormal Psychology does not satisfy this requirement; Introductory Psychology generally does not, while Theories of Personality may. Email a syllabus to Dr. Michael Carter for equivalency review.

There are no other SBFC courses to complete before entering. After admission, up to 18 semester units of eligible graduate work from another institution may be considered for transfer, subject to faculty advisor and University approval. The integrated curriculum makes transfer difficult in some cases.

Nonresidents of California, including students on F or J visas, pay an additional per-unit tuition charge. Fall 2026 lists $471 per unit. At 15 units, that adds $7,065 to the $4,821.04 full-time graduate semester charge, or approximately $11,886.04 for one semester and $23,772.08 for two. For a six-unit summer planning example, $471 × 6 adds $2,826; actual summer rates and charges can differ by year.

A continuing student initially classified as a nonresident may apply for reclassification for a later term if University requirements are met; living in California for a year alone does not guarantee eligibility. The University determines residency for tuition purposes. Review the residency and reclassification requirements and current fees before making a financial plan.