Frequently Asked Questions
Please visit the Application Process page.
No. There are no examinations required for admission to the SDHE program.
Minimum 2.85 overall grade point average in last degree (not credential or certificate) earned from an accredited institution of higher education. Applicants whose overall GPA is less than 2.85 but meet the University minimum GPA requirement (2.50 for a completed baccalaureate degree or 2.70 for a baccalaureate degree in progress) and who present compelling evidence of academic and professional potential either through recent academic performance and/or experiential background, may be considered for admission at the discretion of the program admission committee. Please see the Eligibility Requirements.
The admission committee uses a holistic evaluation process. Each applicant's documents are carefully considered. Thus, the committee looks for outstanding letters of recommendation, previous experience in the field, and written statements of exceptional quality.
Two. The program admissions committee has instructed you to input the names and email addresses for only two recommenders. Therefore, please do not input more than two recommenders. For additional information on recommendations, please visit the Online Application Submission website.
The application deadline is also the deadline for the letters of recommendation. Please note there is a short buffer period in which recommender(s) may submit evaluations after the application deadline. Please make sure your recommender submits the recommendation as close to the deadline as possible for full consideration. For additional information on recommendations, please visit the Online Application Submission website.
No. This program does not have rolling admissions, and all applications are reviewed after the application deadline.
Admission to the SDHE program is highly competitive (acceptance rate is approximately 20% of the total number of applicants). It is essential for applicants to adhere to application guidelines. Please visit the Application Process page for additional information.
The SDHE curriculum requires a minimum of 51 units and as many as 57 units if the student chooses to write a thesis (6 units) in lieu of the comprehensive examination. Students must also acquire 450 hours of supervised fieldwork in an institution of higher education.
Please see the Program Description page.
Graduate school fees are set by the CSU Board of Trustees each academic year. The current fee structure may be found on the Enrollment Services web site. The approximate cost as of Fall 2022 is $$21,954 for the entire program for California residents (4 semesters at "7 units or more" + 2 semesters of "6 units or less").
Students are admitted in a group (or "cohort") each fall and take their courses together throughout the program to enhance the learning experience. The ultimate decision to accept a transfer course rests with the faculty who teach the equivalent course(s) at CSULB. With the volume of applications received each year we are unable to review transcripts of prospective students. However, once admitted, our students receive guidance from their advisor on seeking course equivalencies.
The Johnson Fellows Program offers one or more SDHE students an opportunity to earn an annual stiped for their work in University departments with direct student contact, participate in faculty research, receive mentoring from experienced practitioners, and lead the planning and implementation of the annual Cynthia S. Johnson Student Development Forum. Learn more about the Johnson Fellows Program. Also, many positions are available at CSULB and at colleges and universities in the area. Nearly all students who seek employment find it within the first semester of enrollment. There are also College of Education scholarships available.
Classes are designed for working professionals and are offered in the evening. Most SDHE students are employed at local colleges and universities. Course scheduling varies by semester; however, classes do not begin prior to 4 p.m.
Yes. Each fall we admit a cohort of students, most of whom intend to study full-time. In order to sustain the cohort learning community and to complete the program in a timely fashion, full-time status is strongly encouraged after admission; however, based on individual circumstances, students may take less than a full-time load. Students are encouraged to work with their advisor to ensure that all program requirements are being met to ensure timely graduation.
SDHE is a Master's of Science in Counseling degree offered by the CSULB College of Education. By earning a degree in counseling, our graduates are eligible for employment as counselors in California community colleges.
