Admission

(We recommend applying early)

Go to the School of Education Apply page. On that page applicant can do one of the following:
- apply online by creating an account;
- download and print a hard copy of the application;
- request a paper application to be sent to you by mail.complete admission application form and pay fee.
Include the following in your application:
- Two letters of recommendation (on forms provided) from professional persons qualified to judge the applicant’s suitability for the graduate program.
- A typed current résumé.
- A typed short statement describing professional career goals in counseling children, adolescents, or young adults, as well as personal interest in the program. Describe earlier formal or informal experiences working with children or adolescents.
- One set of sealed official transcripts from each university/college previously attended. For U.S. applicants, the degree must be from a regionally accredited university/college. An applicant with a pending degree must provide official verification of expected degree completion from institution's Registrar or school official.

Applicants must provide documentation of a passing score on the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
Go to: http://www.cbest.nesinc.com/
Here applicants can find the nearest test site as well as pick a date to take the test. Tests are offered six times per year (every other month).
Preparation for test: preparation classes are available. Applicants may also find practice tests online, or buy study books online or in bookstores.
It is recommended that students give themselves time to take the test more than once (if necessary) in order to meet the March 1st deadline.

Because School Counseling students are placed in primary and secondary schools throughout their Master's program, they must have a valid Clearance from the State of California.
To find out if you have a current Credential and/or Clearance on file with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, please review this Certificate of Clearance Information sheet.
If you do not have a current teaching or service credential you must go through the application process to obtain a Certificate of Clearance from the State of California. For information on applying for the Certificate of Clearance contact the School of Education Credential Analyst at (415) 422-2117.

Questions about the Admissions process?

Contact the School of Education admissions coordinator; email, pfcole@usfca.edu or call, (415) 422-2111.