Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for your interest in the Master's degree programs at California State University, Northridge- Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling. The FAQs listed below should answer most of your questions regarding our programs and admissions requirements. Please visit our Prospective Student page for additional resources.
Hello! Here is a list of resources that will provide answers to 95% of your questions in regard to the M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy Program at California State University, Northridge. Admission to the program is competitive and we recommend you carefully review these resources.
Application Information
This is a link to critical application information on the MFT program handbook. This includes what successful applicants typically demonstrate when applying to the program (taken directly from the webpage):
The program accepts approximately 56 students from the 200-400 applicants each year, which is a 15-30% acceptance rate. Admittance is competitive. Applicants are chosen based on a number of factors, including their statement of purpose, the quality of their formal interview, letters of reference, GPA and other measures of academic performance, and experience in the field. Finalists typically demonstrate a consistently high-achieving academic record, strong personal presence, excellent writing skills, experience in the field, humanistic attitudes, sensitivity to diversity issues, and clear professional goals. Completion of prerequisites is a key consideration in admittance decisions; students must have all prerequisites completed prior to beginning the program. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Here is a link to our Prospective Students page; this is where you can find information about upcoming information sessions, application deadlines, and our Application Checklist that covers everything required for a complete application. You can also review (1) information about CSUN Graduate Admissions, including minimum requirements to be considered for admission and how to submit transcripts and (2) information in CSUN's Graduate Student Handbook.
Please note that there are two applications that need to be submitted, one to the university (Cal State Apply) and one to the department (Apply Web). Links to both applications will be available on the Prospective Students page and will open during the application window.
To participate in our Information Sessions, please visit our Prospective Students page for details.
The deadline for applications for Fall 2025 is January 5th, 2025. This is a hard deadline, and exceptions will not be made. Unfortunately, we do not accept applications for the Spring. You may begin submitting applications on October 1, 2024. We recommend you complete the application process as soon as possible in order to have the opportunity to address any unexpected issues that may arise.
GRE, Prerequisite Course Requirements & Substitutions
For Fall 2025, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is required for ALL applicants. Please visit the GRE website for more information on the test. Applicants must also have a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 to be eligible for consideration.
The list of required prerequisites for each of our programs may be found on the Prerequisite Course Information page. There are currently two (2) prerequisites required for the MFT program:
- EPC 451 Fundamentals of Counseling and Guidance
- PSY 310 Abnormal Psychology.
Completion of prerequisites is a key consideration in admittance decisions; students must have all prerequisites completed prior to beginning the program. There are no exceptions to this rule.
The Pre-approved Undergraduate Course Substitution list contains acceptable equivalent courses from other University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), and California Community College campuses.
Additionally, if there are any prerequisites for the program that you have not fulfilled with CSUN courses or our pre-approved substitutions, and you wish to petition to have course equivalencies approved, you must submit a Prerequisite Course Substitution Form.
Tuition and Other Fees & Common Expenses Beyond Tuition
The CSUN financial aid website details the cost of attendance, tuition and other fees for prospective students. The CSUN MFT Handbook provides information on the common expenses beyond tuition (scroll down to the bottom of the page). The total cost of this program including tuition, fees, and common expenses beyond tuition is approximately $30,000.
Commitment to the Program
Students are expected to be committed to their academics throughout this rigorous program. The program is 2.5-3 years in length, which includes two summer sessions. Students are required to be enrolled full time. We do not have a part-time option, nor do we have a fully online option. Some courses will be in-person and some will be online. Students are typically enrolled in 5-6 classes for Fall and Spring semesters and 2 classes for Summer semesters. Students are also expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA, and pass classes with a B or better.
Students who have employment obligations should expect to be able to work:
- Up to 30 hours of employment in first year
- Up to 20 hours of employment in second year
Students must remain with their cohort in order to stay in the program. Students are only able to take a leave of absence for medical or similar reason for themselves or immediate family.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Department
The CSUN Financial Aid & Scholarship Department website may be found at https://www.csun.edu/financialaid/. Their contact information is included on the website.
CSUN Marriage and Family Therapy Program website
Lastly, we created a dedicated website for the Marriage and Family Therapy Program (https://www.csun.edu/eisner-education/educational-psychology-counseling/marriage-family-therapy-program-handbook). Please make sure to familiarize yourself with the website as it has a wealth of information.
Thank you for your interest in CSUN's Marriage and Family Therapy Program. If there is information you are unable to locate with the above resources, please feel free to email our office at epcadmin@csun.edu.
Last updated: September 2024
Hello! Here is a list of resources that will provide answers to 95% of your questions in regard to the M.S. in Counseling, Option in School Counseling Program at California State University, Northridge.
Program Website
You can find a link to the School Counseling Program webpage at https://www.csun.edu/eisner-education/educational-psychology-counseling/ms-school-counseling. This webpage has general information about the School Counseling program.
Application Information
Here is a link to our Prospective Students page; this is where you can find information about upcoming information sessions, application deadlines, and our Application Checklist that covers everything required for a complete application. You can also review (1) information about CSUN Graduate Admissions, including minimum requirements to be considered for admission and how to submit transcripts and (2) information in CSUN's Graduate Student Handbook.
Please note that there are two applications that need to be submitted, one to the university (Cal State Apply) and one to the department (Apply Web). Links to both applications will be available on the Prospective Students page and will open during the application window.
To participate in our Information Sessions, please visit our Prospective Students page for details.
The deadline for applications for Fall 2025 is January 10, 2025. This is a hard deadline, and exceptions will not be made. Unfortunately, we do not accept applications for the Spring. You may begin submitting applications on October 1, 2024. We recommend you complete the application process as soon as possible in order to have the opportunity to address any unexpected issues that may arise.
GRE, Prerequisite Course Requirements & Substitutions
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is required for applicants whose cumulative undergraduate grade point average is less than 3.0; those applicants whose cumulative undergraduate grade point average is 3.0 or higher OR have previously obtained a Masters Degree are not required to take the GRE exam. Please visit the GRE website for more information on the test.
The list of required prerequisites for each of our programs may be found on the Prerequisite Course Information page. There are currently two (2) prerequisites required for the School Counseling program:
- EPC 451 Fundamentals of Counseling and Guidance
- PSY 310 Abnormal Psychology
Completion of prerequisites is a key consideration in admittance decisions; students must have all prerequisites completed prior to beginning the program. There are no exceptions to this rule.
The Pre-approved Undergraduate Course Substitution list contains acceptable equivalent courses from other University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), and California Community College campuses.
Additionally, if there are any prerequisites for the program that you have not fulfilled with CSUN courses or our pre-approved substitutions, and you wish to petition to have course equivalencies approved, you must submit a Prerequisite Course Substitution Form.
Tuition and Other Fees & Common Expenses Beyond Tuition
The CSUN financial aid website details the cost of attendance, tuition and other fees for prospective students.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Department
The CSUN Financial Aid & Scholarship Department website may be found at https://www.csun.edu/financialaid/. Their contact information is included on the website.
Thank you for your interest in CSUN's School Counseling program. If there is information you are unable to locate with the above resources, please feel free to email our office epcadmin@csun.edu.
Last updated: September 2024
Hello! Here is a list of resources that will provide answers to 95% of your questions in regard to the M.S. in Counseling, Option in College Counseling and Student Services Program at California State University, Northridge.
Program Website
You can find a link to the College Counseling and Student Services Program webpage at https://www.csun.edu/eisner-education/educational-psychology-counseling/ms-college-counseling-student-services. This webpage has general information about the College Counseling and Student Services program.
Application Information
Here is a link to our Prospective Students page; this is where you can find information about upcoming information sessions, application deadlines, and our Application Checklist that covers everything required for a complete application. You can also review (1) information about CSUN Graduate Admissions, including minimum requirements to be considered for admission and how to submit transcripts and (2) information in CSUN's Graduate Student Handbook.
Please note that there are two applications that need to be submitted, one to the university (Cal State Apply) and one to the department (Apply Web). Links to both applications will be available on the Prospective Students page and will open during the application window.
To participate in our Information Sessions, please visit our Prospective Students page for details.
The deadline for applications for Fall 2025 is January 10, 2025. This is a hard deadline, and exceptions will not be made. Unfortunately, we do not accept applications for the Spring. You may begin submitting applications on October 1, 2024. We recommend you complete the application process as soon as possible in order to have the opportunity to address any unexpected issues that may arise.
GRE, Prerequisite Course Requirements & Substitutions
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is required for applicants whose cumulative undergraduate grade point average is less than 3.0; those applicants whose cumulative undergraduate grade point average is 3.0 or higher OR have previously obtained a Master's Degree are not required to take the GRE exam. Please visit the GRE website for more information on the test.
The list of required prerequisites for each of our programs may be found on the Prerequisite Course Information page. There are currently two (2) prerequisites required for the College Counseling and Student Services program:
- EPC 451 Fundamentals of Counseling and Guidance
- PSY 310 Abnormal Psychology
Completion of prerequisites is a key consideration in admittance decisions; students must have all prerequisites completed prior to beginning the program. There are no exceptions to this rule.
The Pre-approved Undergraduate Course Substitution list contains acceptable equivalent courses from other University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), and California Community College campuses.
Additionally, if there are any prerequisites for the program that you have not fulfilled with CSUN courses or our pre-approved substitutions, and you wish to petition to have course equivalencies approved, you must submit a Prerequisite Course Substitution Form.
Tuition and Other Fees & Common Expenses Beyond Tuition
The CSUN financial aid website details the cost of attendance, tuition and other fees for prospective students.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Department
The CSUN Financial Aid & Scholarship Department website may be found at https://www.csun.edu/financialaid/. Their contact information is included on the website.
Thank you for your interest in CSUN's College Counseling and Student Services program. If there is information you are unable to locate with the above resources, please feel free to email our office epcadmin@csun.edu.
Last updated: September 2024
Hello! Here is a list of resources that will provide answers to 95% of your questions in regard to the M.S. in School Psychology Program at California State University, Northridge.
Program Website
You can find a link to the School Psychology Program webpage at https://www.csun.edu/eisner-education/educational-psychology-counseling/ms-school-psychology. This webpage has general information about the School Psychology program.
Application Information
Here is a link to our Prospective Students page; this is where you can find information about upcoming information sessions, application deadlines, and our Application Checklist that covers everything required for a complete application. You can also review (1) information about CSUN Graduate Admissions, including minimum requirements to be considered for admission and how to submit transcripts and (2) information in CSUN's Graduate Student Handbook.
Please note that there are two applications that need to be submitted, one to the university (Cal State Apply) and one to the department (Apply Web). Links to both applications will be available on the Prospective Students page and will open during the application window.
To participate in our Information Sessions, please visit our Prospective Students page for details.
The deadline for applications for Fall 2025 is January 15, 2025. This is a hard deadline, and exceptions will not be made. Unfortunately, we do not accept applications for the Spring. You may begin submitting applications on October 1, 2024. We recommend you complete the application process as soon as possible in order to have the opportunity to address any unexpected issues that may arise.
GRE, Prerequisite Course Requirements & Substitutions
For Fall 2025, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is required for ALL applicants. Please note that this is only one source of information, and it is not the sole criteria for admission. Please visit the GRE website for more information on the test.
The list of required prerequisites for each of our programs may be found on the Prerequisite Course Information page. There are currently four (4) prerequisites required for the School Psychology program:
- EPC 314 Psychological Foundations, K-12
- EPC 430 Development and Learning in Early Childhood Education
- EPC 451 Fundamentals of Counseling and Guidance
- EPC 600 Educational Statistics for Research and Measurement
Completion of prerequisites will strengthen your application for consideration to admittance to the program; students must have all prerequisites completed prior to beginning the program. There are no exceptions to this rule.
The Pre-approved Undergraduate Course Substitution list contains acceptable equivalent courses from other University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), and California Community College campuses.
Additionally, if there are any prerequisites for the program that you have not fulfilled with CSUN courses or our pre-approved substitutions, and you wish to petition to have course equivalencies approved, you must submit a Prerequisite Course Substitution Form.
Tuition and Other Fees & Common Expenses Beyond Tuition
The CSUN financial aid website details the cost of attendance, tuition and other fees for prospective students.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Department
The CSUN Financial Aid & Scholarship Department website may be found at https://www.csun.edu/financialaid/. Their contact information is included on the website.
Thank you for your interest in CSUN's School Psychology program. If there is information you are unable to locate with the above resources, please feel free to email our office epcadmin@csun.edu.
Last updated: September 2024
Hello! Here is a list of resources that will provide answers to 95% of your questions in regard to the M.A. in Early Childhood Educational Psychology (ECE) Program at California State University, Northridge.
Program Website
You can find a link to the Early Childhood Educational Psychology Program webpage at https://www.csun.edu/eisner-education/educational-psychology-counseling/ma-early-childhood-education. This webpage has general information about the Early Childhood Educational Psychology program.
Application Information
Here is a link to our Prospective Students page; this is where you can find information about upcoming information sessions, application deadlines, and our Application Checklist that covers everything required for a complete application. You can also review (1) information about CSUN Graduate Admissions, including minimum requirements to be considered for admission and how to submit transcripts and (2) information in CSUN's Graduate Student Handbook.
Please note that there are two applications that need to be submitted, one to the university (Cal State Apply) and one to the department (Apply Web). Links to both applications will be available on the Prospective Students page and will open during the application window.
To participate in our Information Sessions, please visit our Prospective Students page for details.
The deadline for applications for the ECE program are stated below. These are critical dates to be aware of. We recommend you complete the application process as soon as possible in order to have the opportunity to address any unexpected issues that may arise.
- Spring 2025 Applications: August 1, 2024 to November 1, 2024
- Fall 2025 Applications: October 1, 2024 to June 2, 2025
GRE, Prerequisite Course Requirements & Substitutions
There is no GRE requirement for the Early Childhood Educational Psychology program.
The list of required prerequisites for each of our programs may be found on the Prerequisite Course Information page. There are currently two (2) prerequisites required for the Early Childhood Educational Psychology Program.
- EPC 430 Development and Learning in Early Childhood Education
- EPC 600 Educational Statistics for Research and Measurement
Completion of prerequisites will strengthen your application for consideration to admittance to the program. Also, please note, students must have all prerequisites completed prior to beginning the program; there are no exceptions to this rule.
The Pre-approved Undergraduate Course Substitution list contains acceptable equivalent courses from other University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), and California Community College campuses.
Additionally, if there are any prerequisites for the program that you have not fulfilled with CSUN courses or our pre-approved substitutions, and you wish to petition to have course equivalencies approved, you must submit a Prerequisite Course Substitution Form.
Tuition and Other Fees & Common Expenses Beyond Tuition
The CSUN financial aid website details the cost of attendance, tuition and other fees for prospective students.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Department
The CSUN Financial Aid & Scholarship Department website may be found at https://www.csun.edu/financialaid/. Their contact information is included on the website.
Thank you for your interest in CSUN's Early Childhood Educational Psychology program. If there is information you are unable to locate with the above resources, please feel free to email our office epcadmin@csun.edu.
Last updated: September 2024
These checklists are for organizational purposes. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all requirements for admissions are met.
Marriage and Family Therapy Application Checklist
Counseling Application Checklist (School Counseling; College Counseling and Student Services)
School Psychology Application Checklist
Early Childhood Educational Psychology Application Checklist