Education

Dean: Curtis L. Guaglianone
Dean’s Office: Education Building, Room 124
Telephone: (661) 654-2210
e-mail: jbarton2@csub.edu
Website: www.csub.edu/soe
Website: www.csub.edu/SoE/Advanced_Education/

DISCLAIMER: Due to ongoing and substantial changes in credential legislation and degree programs in the State of California, please check with an official School of Education advisor for current information.

Master of Arts and Master of Science Degrees in Education

Graduate programs in the School of Education are designed to advance students’ knowledge and skills in the effective application, evaluation and implementation of sound pedagogy and educational strategies. Both the Master of Arts and the Master of Science degrees are offered. These degree programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC), the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), 985 Atlantic Ave., Suite 100, Alameda, CA. 94501, (510) 748-9001. The School of Education offers the master’s level programs described below.

Graduate Degree Programs in the Department of Teacher Education

The Department of Teacher Education offers a program of study leading to a Master of Arts in Education degree in the following concentrations:

Graduate Degree Programs in the Department of Advanced Educational Studies

The Department of Advanced Educational Studies offers programs and services that are designed to prepare teachers, administrators, and counselors for degrees, specific preliminary and professional credentials, and certification required in the State of California for service in specialist and administrative positions that require advanced preparation and special competence. A program of study leading to a Master of Arts or Master of Science degree in Education is offered in the following concentrations:

Master of Arts Degree in Education with concentrations in:

Master of Science Degree in Counseling with concentrations in:

All these graduate programs have received accreditations from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The department also houses a cooperative doctoral program in educational administration with the University of the Pacific.

Graduate Degree Program in the Department of Special Education

The Department of Special Education offers programs and services that are designed to prepare teachers and administrators for service dealing with special student populations in positions that require advanced preparation and special competence.

Master of Arts Degree in Education with concentrations in:

School of Education Programs Offered at Antelope Valley

The Advanced Educational Studies Department and the Special Education Department, within the School of Education, California State University, Bakersfield, offer the following Master of Arts degrees at Antelope Valley:

Application Process and Program Requirements

To pursue a Master of Arts or Master of Science degree in the School of Education, the student must first apply to the Office of Admissions and Records at CSUB for general admission to the university and classification (661) 654-3036. It is extremely important that the applicant complete Part B of the CSUB Postbaccalaureate Application in its entirety, listing the program code number, to insure that the applicant’s application is sent to the School of Education Graduate Studies Evaluator (EDUC 105; 661/ 654-3160). Following admission to the university, application to specific School of Education graduate degree programs is initiated by obtaining an application from the Advanced Educational Studies Office, School of Education (661) 654-3055, EDUC 238. The School of Education Graduate Studies Committee will determine the student’s admission status only after the student has established admission to CSUB as a postbacalaureate student. Admission to California State University, Bakersfield, as an unclassified post-baccalaureate student does not constitute admission to any graduate degree program offered by the School of Education. All applicants will be notified in writing regarding admission, individual status, or progress in a specific degree program.

Note: Please see individual graduate degree program materials for specific admission requirements.

GRADUATE/POSTBACCALAUREATE ADMISSION TO THE UNIVERSITY AND STUDENT STANDING

All graduate and postbaccalaureate applicants seeking a master’s degree, an advanced credential or taking courses for personal and professional growth must file a complete Graduate/Postbaccalaureate application with the University as described in the CSUB admissions booklet. The application fee is nonrefundable. Applicants who completed undergraduate degree requirements and graduated the preceding term are also required to complete and submit an application with a nonrefundable application fee. Applicants must supply the CSUB Admissions Office with two official transcripts from each college/university attended.

Postbaccalaureate Unclassified Standing

A student must be admitted to the university in Postbaccalaureate Unclassified Standing in order to enroll in advanced courses as stated above. For admission to this standing a student must: a) hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting agency or have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by an appropriate campus authority; b) have achieved a grade point average of at least 2.50 (A=4.0) in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted; and c) have been in “good standing” at the last college attended. Admission to the university as an unclassified post-baccalaureate student does not constitute admission to the MA in Education or MS in Counseling.

Students seeking a graduate degree, offered by the School of Education, with Postbaccalaureate Unclassified Standing should limit enrollment to no more than 13.5 quarter units. Students seeking a graduate degree with Postbaccalaureate Unclassified Standing must consult with a School of Education graduate program coordinator or the Director of Graduate Studies during the first quarter of enrollment. Courses taken while in this classification may be accepted in fulfillment of degree requirements only if the department and graduate advisor accept such courses in advance of the course being successfully completed. There is no guarantee that such course work will be accepted.

Postbaccalaureate Classified Standing

Upon approval and completion of all admission requirements, a student may be formally admitted to a postbaccalaureate credential program or a certificate program in this student standing. Professional, personal, scholastic and other admissions standards, including qualifying examinations (if required by selected programs) may be included for admission to Postbaccalaureate Classified Standing.

Graduate Classified Standing

A student admitted to CSUB in Graduate/Postbaccalaureate Unclassified Standing may be formally admitted to a graduate program in this student standing (or advanced to this student standing from Graduate Conditionally Classified Standing) if the student meets all the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards (including a minimum 3.00 GPA in the last 90 quarter units) or any qualifying examination(s) prescribed by that particular graduate degree program. Graduate Classified Standing is required for enrollment in 600-level coursework.

Graduate Conditionally Classified Standing

With program faculty approval, a student may be formally admitted to a graduate degree program in this student standing if the student has deficiencies in requirements or prerequisite preparation but can remedy these deficiencies by completing appropriate course work and/or qualifying examination(s). This standing is considered a Special Admit, and the student must meet the conditions, i.e., remedy the deficiencies, within a specified period of time.

School of Education Special Admit Policy

An applicant to a graduate degree program who has a GPA below the required 3.00 GPA may petition for a Special Admit. The following options are available for students who have been approved by the graduate program faculty in this student standing:

Graduate Advancement to Candidacy Standing

Students may be moved to this student standing upon completion of a significant portion of the graduate degree Plan of Study which must be approved by the program advisor. Graduate Advancement to Candidacy Standing is determined after a formal review and recommendation. In the School of Education, the Director of the Graduate Program and the graduate program coordinator approve such petitions for this student standing. Graduate Advancement to Candidacy is required for enrollment in the Culminating Activity (CA).

Nonactive Graduate/Postbaccalaureate Standing

A graduate/postbaccalaureate student who has been absent from coursework in his/her respective program for more than two (2) consecutive quarters without an approved Planned Educational Leave or without continuous Enrollment Status will be classified in nonactive student standing. A student who has been reclassified in a nonactive student standing must submit a new application for admission to the University and pay the nonrefundable application fee. Additionally the student must also resubmit an application for admission to the respective graduate degree program offered in the School of Education.

Advisement and Planning

All graduate programs leading to the MA in Education degree or the MS in Counseling degree shall be planned in consultation with a graduate program advisor from the program concentration in the School of Education. The program advisor typically continues as the Chair of the Culminating Activity. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain the appropriate forms from the Graduate Studies Office and develop the degree Plan of Study with a program advisor. There is no guarantee that prior graduate credit units earned in the School of Education or in other schools of the University will be accepted toward a program of study leading to a graduate degree. Although up to 13.5 quarter units may count toward the degree Plan of Study, the student must have prior written approval from the program advisor and/or graduate program coordinator for that specific program.

Since all graduate courses may not be offered every academic quarter or year, a student seeking a specific sequence of courses to complete established programs leading to the master’s degree should consult with the program advisor to ensure efficient timing and maximum utilization of courses chosen.

Culminating Activity Committee Selection

Selection of a Culminating Activity (CA) Committee is a requirement for a student seeking the MA in Education. At least two (2) quarters before registering for a Culminating Activity, the student begins the process of selecting members for the Culminating Activity Committee. It is customary for the student to ask the program advisor to chair the CA Committee, however, this is not mandatory.

A student must ask a total of three (3) faculty members to serve on the CA Committee during the quarter(s) when the CA is planned. The student is to obtain a Culminating Activity Approval Form for Registration from the Graduate Studies Office (School of Education) and have each faculty member sign this form as he/she agrees to serve. If a thesis or project is planned, this form is to be signed by the faculty members after they agree to serve and have approved the formal written proposal. Important information regarding the selection criteria for committee members is found in the School of Education Graduate Studies and Policies Manual, which is a required manual that is to be purchased in the University Bookstore.

When first registering for the Culminating Activity, a student will enroll for the number of units currently indicated for that specific CA listed on the program concentration planning form. In the event that a student does not complete the CA within the quarter planned, but has shown evidence of satisfactory progress, the student will be assigned a grade of “RD” (Report Delayed) and meet with the committee chair to discuss the time frame for completing the CA and maintaining continuous enrollment. According to University policy, a student must be enrolled during the quarter in which he/she wishes to receive the degree unless special consideration is requested and approved by the Dean for the School of Education.

Research for the master’s thesis or project that involves data from/about human subjects may be required to be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects Research (IRB/HSR).

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement

All graduate and post-baccalaureate students must satisfy the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) as soon as possible in their graduate study, unless they have already done so. Individual graduate programs have the option of stating when this requirement must be met. Graduate students who have not met this requirement may do so by passing the regularly scheduled examination (offered once a quarter) or by earning a “C” or better in one of the following courses: COMM 304 Technical and Report Writing; ENGL 305 Modes of Writing; COMM 306 News Writing and Reporting; ENGL 310 Advanced Writing; COMM 311 Feature Writing; ENGL 311 Writing Literary Analysis; HIST 300 Historical Writing; ADM 510 Advanced Technical Communication.

You will be exempt from the GWAR if you meet any of the four criteria below:

In the last two situations, waiver requests and supporting documents will be reviewed, and you will receive a decision in approximately two weeks.

Students from campuses other than a CSU or UC who believe they have met this requirement must submit a transcript, a course description, and a syllabus from an equivalent course to the Composition Coordinator for evaluation.

In-service Courses

Education courses offered that are designated at the 900- level are intended as in-service courses. These courses are generally offered as workshops and/or in conjunction with professional conferences or other activities. Such courses will not be computed in a student’s GPA nor will these courses be accepted to meet degree or credential requirements. Such courses are offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.

Award of Degree

The Master of Arts in education degree will be conferred only upon those students who complete an authorized graduate degree curriculum established by the School of Education that meets the standards established by the school and University. The basic pattern for the MA programs consists of: (1) core studies (7-quarter units); (2) professional concentration options (34 units); and (3) a culminating project, thesis, practicum or comprehensive examination (1-5 units). All programs shall be based on an irreducible minimum of 45 quarter units of graduate credit acceptable to both the School of Education and the University. Degree programs shall be planned cooperatively by the student and his/her School of Education program advisor and subject to approval of the Director of Graduate Studies of the School of Education. All courses and the culminating activity must be completed within a seven (7) year period to qualify for the degree.

Specific courses for MA degree programs ordinarily will be selected from those in the 500 and 600 series. Some courses may be accepted from the 400 series only upon prior approval of the program advisor. The student must have a program plan which has at least one-half of the total degree program in courses designed primarily for graduate studies. Courses in the 600 series are designed primarily for classified graduate students for the MA or MS.

Upon completion of all requirements, with the exception of the Culminating Activity, the candidate is to obtain and file an Application for Graduation with the University Evaluations Office for award of the MA in Education or the MS in Counseling. The degree will be awarded only upon certification from the University Evaluations Office that all requirements for the degree have been met, and the candidate has received approval for award of the degree from the School of Education, Credentials, and Graduate Studies Offices.

Financial Assistance

Graduate Assumption Program of Loans for Education (Graduate APLE)

This program is designed to encourage students to complete their graduate education and serve as faculty at an accredited college or university in California. Participants may receive up to a total of $6,000 in loan assumption benefits ($2,000 each year) for three consecutive years of full-time employment at one or more California colleges or universities. Teaching service must begin within 10 years of being accepted into the Graduate APLE. Students having questions or needing assistance should contact the California Student Aid Commission at (888) 224-7268 or (916) 526-7599 or 8276 or send an e-mail to custsvcs@csac.ca.gov.

Governor’s Teaching Fellowship Program

These competitive awards are designed for students preparing to teach in low performing schools in California for four (4) years. These fellowships provide $20,000 to help pay education and living expenses while students are enrolled full-time in a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) accredited California State University (CSU), University of California (UC), or independent college/university teacher education program.

Eligibility Requirements:

Application process:

PROGRAM CONCENTRATIONS

Master of Arts Degree in Education with a Concentration in Bilingual/Multicultural Education

The Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Bilingual/Multicultural Education is designed to meet the needs of bilingual educators and professionals in related fields who seek to improve their skills in order to attain a higher level of professionalism in bilingual/multicultural education. The advanced degree is articulated with other programs available in the School of Education. A California teaching credential is required prior to the awarding of the degree. Work toward the MA in Bilingual/ Multicultural Education may be articulated with the CLAD or BCLAD Certificates as designed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) standards.

Requirements for MA in Education with a Concentration in Bilingual/Multicultural Education (BME) (45 units)

Prerequisite:

Core: (7 units)

Concentration: (a minimum of 33 units for MA Degree)

Required Courses: Take each of the following courses as noted:

Optional Courses: Take one of the following courses:

Elective Courses: Take at least two of the following courses

Language Requirement:
A Spanish Proficiency Examination (Pretest/Posttest or approved equivalent) is required. The Examination is waived for BCLAD Emphasis or BCLAD Certificate holders.

Culminating Activity: Select one of the following:

Master of Arts Degree in Education with a Concentration in Curriculum and Instruction

The specialization in Curriculum and Instruction is available on the master’s level for those individuals who have undergraduate or postbaccalaureate preparation (including qualifications for some type of appropriate teaching credential) in preschool, kindergarten, or elementary education and subject matter fields acceptable for instruction in grades seven (7) through twelve (12). This specialization will also benefit others including community college instructors, nurses, medical technologists and those in the field of media. Basic courses used to qualify for the initial elementary or secondary credential may not be included in the units applicable toward the MA degree even though these units were taken as postbaccalaureate credits or as part of the “fifth year” pattern. Some credits, particularly those earned post credential as part of a fifth year program, may be used for the degree provided that those credits are approved by an advisor and carry clearly identifiable graduate numbers certifiable by transcripts from accredited institutions or programs, and such units were not used/needed for total units needed for the undergraduate degree.

Requirements for the MA in Education with a Concentration in Curriculum and Instruction

Prerequisites:

Core:

Note:

Core-Culminating Activity: (select one)

Master of Arts Degree in Education with a Concentration in Early Childhood and Family Education

The concentration in Early Childhood and Family Education is available for those individuals who have undergraduate or post baccalaureate preparation related to Early Childhood and Family Studies. The student should intend to: teach in child-centered settings with infant, preschool, or elementary aged children; work as administrator of childhood and family programs; pursue a career as a researcher; become a college instructor in early childhood, child development, adolescent development, or family education; work in private industries related to child and family-centered products and services; or work in private or public service organizations.

The primary orientations of the concentration are toward improvement of teaching, design of child centered environments, and development of children’s programs, creation of curricula, and the utilization of research in childand family-centered programs. Appropriate concerns are methods, materials, plans, research data, and procedures pertinent to early childhood and family education.

The specialization in Early Childhood and Family Education may be obtained in conjunction with an elementary credential and the Master of Arts in Education degree.

Requirements for a Master of Arts in Education with a Concentration in Early Childhood and Family Education

Prerequisites:

Application Process - Please send the following application materials directly to the Early Childhood and Family Education Program

Core: (7 units)

Concentration: (minimum of 25 units.)
The following four courses are required:

Electives: (select a minimum of (8) eight units)
The following are recommendations, but classes approved by a graduate advisor in EDEC are acceptable.

Culminating Activity: (select one)

A total of 45 units are required for a Master of Arts degree in Education.

Master of Arts Degree in Education with a Concentration in Educational Administration

The concentration in Educational Administration is available for postbaccalaureate students who have an interest in administering programs in elementary or secondary public schools. Work toward the MA degree may be closely coordinated with requirements for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (Tier I) is the first of two credentials (Professional Administrative Services Credential, Tier II) that one must earn to be permanently credentialed as an educational administrator in California’s elementary or secondary public schools. Individuals who have the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential may hold any administrative position in California for which they are otherwise qualified. The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential is in effect for five (5) years from the date of issuance, which corresponds with the date of employment in an administrative position requiring the credential.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Education with a Concentration in Educational Administration

Prerequisites:

Core:

Concentration:

Culminating Activity:

CSUB Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

The Department of Advanced Studies in Education will offer a Doctor of Education Degree in Educational Leadership with the first cohort of students slated to begin coursework during Fall 2008. The focus of this program is to provide an advanced terminal degree to educational leaders from Pre-K through 12 or community college. The doctoral program is designed to be completed in three calendar years. It includes leadership core concepts, a leadership specialization, and dissertation. Candidate minimum qualifications include: Acceptable baccalaureate and master’s degree earned, a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 in upper division and graduate study combined, be in good standing at the last institution of higher education attended, demonstrate an understanding of the challenges facing the public schools or community colleges in California. Other requirements may apply and meeting the minimum requirement qualifies an individual for, but does not guarantee, admission to the program. Admission will be on a competitive basis with limited enrollment. This program is appropriate for all Pre-K through 12 and community college education professionals interested in career advancement. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Department of Advanced Studies in Education at (661) 654-3055.

Cooperative Doctoral Program in Educational Administration (Ed.D.)

The Educational Administration Program at CSUB has a cooperative agreement with the University of the Pacific, Stockton, California, whereby full-time practicing school administrators completing their Professional Administrative Services Credential, Tier II program at CSUB (who also qualify for this cooperative Doctoral Program) may transfer most of their Professional Administrative Services Credential, Tier II coursework into this cooperative Doctoral Program. Both CSUB and the University of the Pacific are nationally accredited institutions by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The subsequent doctoral coursework through the University of the Pacific is offered in Bakersfield and scheduled on Friday evenings and Saturdays. For further information about the Cooperative Program, contact the Coordinator of the Educational Administration Program at CSUB (661) 654-3047 or 654-3055.

Master of Arts Degree in Education with a Concentration in Multicultural Education

The Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Multicultural Education is designed to meet the needs of non-bilingual educators and professionals in related fields who seek to improve their skills in order to attain a higher level of professionalism in multicultural education. The advanced degree is articulated with other programs available in the School of Education. A California teaching credential is required prior to the awarding of the degree. Work toward the MA in Multicultural Education may be articulated with the CLAD Certificate as designed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) standards.

Requirements for MA in Education with a Concentration in Multicultural Education (ME) (45 units)

Prerequisite:

Core: (7 units)

Concentration: (a minimum of 33 units for MA Degree)

Required Courses: Take each of the following courses as noted:

Optional Courses: Take one of the following courses:

Elective Courses: Take at least two of the following courses

Culminating Activity: Select one of the following:

Master of Arts Degree in Education with a Concentration in Reading/Literacy

This program leads to a Master of Arts degree in Education with requirements for the Reading Certificate and Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential embedded in the sequence of coursework. Competencies emphasized in this program prepare the candidate for professional work and leadership in the field of literacy in grades K-12.

This concentration in Literacy is available for postbaccalaureate students who have an interest in further refinement of their professional skills and knowledge in the areas of reading and the language arts at the elementary or secondary level. Applicants for this graduate concentration in Literacy must also qualify for an official teaching credential but this may be waived under special circumstances. Work toward the MA with a concentration in Literacy may be closely articulated with the Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential as designed by standards of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). Website: www.csub.edu/soe/teacher_education/ reading_and_language_arts/

Requirements for MA in Education with a Concentration in Reading/Literacy

Prerequisites:

To fulfill the requirements for the Master of Arts in Education, Reading/Literacy, the student is expected to complete the Reading Certificate, Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential and an additional eight (8) quarter units.

Reading Certificate

Required Courses:

Total Units required for the Reading Certificate (21)

Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential

Required Courses:

Total Units required for Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential (19)

Master of Arts in Education, Reading/Literacy

Required Courses:

Total units required for Master of Arts in Education/Literacy (52):

Master of Arts Degree in Education with a Concentration in Special Education

The Department of Special Education offers programs and services leading to the Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Special Education in the areas of mild/moderate disabilities and moderate/severe disabilities. This MA degree concentration is individually designed to reflect the student’s interests. In addition, two state-recognized credentials can be earned. These professional certificates are the Mild/Moderate Disabilities and the Moderate/Severe Disabilities credentials. Technological applications and multicultural considerations are emphasized in all programs.

Requirements for MA in Education with a Concentration in Special Education (General)

Prerequisites:

Core Requirements:

Area of Emphasis: Mild/Moderate Disabilities

Education and Counseling graduate students who have met the GWAR for their credential(s) using the alternative of 41 or higher on the writing portion of the CBEST may carry this forward for the Master of Arts in Education and Master of Science in Counseling, respectively.

Area of Emphasis: Moderate/Severe Disabilities

Master of Science in Counseling with Concentrations in School Counseling or College Student Affairs

The Master of Science degree in Counseling is a 72- quarter unit degree designed to provide graduate preparation for counselors in the areas of School Counseling and College Student Affairs. The major goal of the Program is to prepare professional counselors who have the skills to practice in a wide variety of settings. All MS in Counseling students take 48 units of core courses in Counseling, 8 units of specialty courses, 15 units of supervised filed experience or internship, and a final culminating activity (thesis or comprehensive exam). Extensive field-based experiences are woven throughout the Program. Courses are typically offered on weekdays in the late afternoon and evening for working students, although courses in Practicum and Internship will require extensive daytime commitments.

Students must select one of the two concentrations described below in their initial application:

School Counseling

Students desiring to counsel in K-12 public or private educational settings should select a concentration in the area of School Counseling. The curriculum has been designed for preparation toward a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential. This option reflects the preparation standards established by the American School Counselor Association and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).

College Student Affairs

Students desiring to work in student services positions within community college, college, and university settings should select a concentration in the area of College Student Affairs. The curriculum has been designed to prepare effective professional counselors to work in a wide range of settings. Examples include Admissions and Records, Financial Aid, Residence Life, Academic Advising, Career Development, Talent Search and Upward Bound.

Admissions Process

The Counseling Program admits new students once a quarter during the academic year, with the following deadlines for completed files to be submitted to the Office of the Graduate Studies Evaluator (EDUC 105; 661/654- 3160): October 15 (for Winter Quarter); February 15 (for Spring Quarter); and April 15 (for Fall Quarter). Prior to formal admission to the Counseling Program, students may enroll in EDCS 510 Counseling Children and Adolescents, EDCS 540 Introduction to Counseling, EDCS 570 Career Counseling, and EDCS 601 Substance Abuse.

To pursue the Master of Science in Counseling, the applicant must first apply to the Office of Admissions and Records, CSUB (661/654-3036), designating the appropriate code for Educational Counseling/Guidance (08261). Following admission to the University, the applicant is to contact the Department of Advanced Educational Studies Office (EDUC 238; 661/654-3055) for a brochure and application to the specific graduate degree program desired. The completed application is to be returned to the Office of the Graduate Studies Evaluator (EDUC 105; 661/654-3160) for review. The Program Admissions Committee will certify admission or nonadmission to the desired degree program only after admission to the University has been established. Applicants will be notified in writing of actions regarding admission taken by the Committee.

Only complete applications files will be considered. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make certain that the application file is complete and contains the following information:

Minimum Requirements and Prerequisites for Full Admission

Students must meet all the following applicable conditions to be admitted as “classified:”

Information regarding the CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test) and the Certificate of Clearance may be obtained from the Credentials Office (EDUC 102; 661/ 654-2110).

Conditionally classified admission may be granted on an individual basis to applicants who do not satisfy all of the above conditions. Students accepted as “conditionally classified” will be limited in the number of courses they may take until all conditions are removed and they are reclassified as fully classified.

Please note that the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not currently required for application to the CSUB Counseling Program.

After Admission: Advancement Steps Toward Degree

Once the applicant is admitted, additional steps must be achieved to successfully matriculate toward the MS degree.

Writing Competency

All candidates are required by the California State University to demonstrate upper division writing competency either by passing the university- wide Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) examination (register for the exam with CSUB Testing Center; 661/654-3373); or by achieving a grade of “C” or higher in COMM 304, COMM 306 or 311, ENGL 305, 310 or 311, HIST 300, ADM 510 or any other courses approved by the English Department (FT 202A; 661/654- 2144).

Education and Counseling graduate students who have met the GWAR for their credential(s) using the alternative of 41 or higher on the writing portion of the CBEST may carry this forward for the Master of Arts in Education and Master of Science in Counseling, respectively.

Students from campuses other than the CSU who believe they have met this requirement must submit a transcript, a course description, and a syllabus from an equivalent course to the English Department (FT 202A; 661/654-2144) for evaluation.

Advancement to Candidacy

Students are required to be Advanced to Candidacy prior to enrollment in Internship or the Culminating Activity (e.g., comprehensive exam or thesis).

Decisions regarding Advancement to Candidacy in the Counseling Program are delayed until a student has taken at least 15 quarter units of coursework to determine, from the students’ perspective, whether the Program will meet their career and professional goals; and, from the faculty perspective, whether the student has demonstrated minimal knowledge and skills for continuance in the program leading toward a career as a professional counselor.

In order to better mentor the growth of students throughout the program and to insure the quality of program graduates, Program faculty reserves to itself certain requirements (see Counseling Student Handbook for specifics). A form requesting Advancement to Candidacy should be completed by the student in the quarter prior to the first internship and submitted to the Office of the Graduate Studies Evaluator (EDUC 105; 661/654-3160).

Ability to Work with People Effectively

Throughout the Counseling Program and prior to completion, the student must continually provide evidence of the ability to interact competently, successfully, and ethically with people from a variety of backgrounds in a manner consistent with the role of a professional person in counseling. Such evidence may come from Practicum and techniques courses, courses with an experiential focus, or from the supervised internship experiences in the Program. The student is advised that this quality is difficult to evaluate prior to admission; it may become apparent only as the student progresses through the Program. The applicant who recognizes that these skills may be significantly difficult to achieve is urged to consider other career options. Faculty reserve the right to deny continuation or Advancement to Candidacy for students who do not demonstrate the ability to work with people effectively as described above.

Internship Application

A student must submit a completed “Application for Internship” form to the Program Internship Coordinator midway through the quarter prior to each quarter in which Internship credit is desired. The form is downloadable from the website of the intern coordinator.

Application for Culminating Activity

The student should complete and submit an “Application for Culminating Activity” form with the Office of the Graduate Studies Evaluator during the quarter prior to enrollment in a culminating activity course, i.e., EDCS 696 Masters Project in Counseling (Thesis).

Application for Graduation

The student should file an “Application for Graduation” midway through the quarter prior to the expected graduation quarter. The student should work closely with the Graduate Studies Evaluator to assure that the file is complete and accurate. Any deviation from the original Program of Study filed at the beginning of the MS program must be explained and approved.

Counseling Core Courses (for both concentrations)

Culminating Activity (for both concentrations)

School Counseling Courses

College Student Affairs Courses