Educational Counseling, MAEd, and embedded School Counseling Credential

Informational Meetings

Prospective students may attend an informational meeting prior to submitting an application. Complete details regarding admission and specific program requirements, advising, and general information are discussed at information meetings. For details on upcoming dates, meeting locations, or registration, check the School of Education's information meeting calendar or call (626) 815-5376.

The admission requirements for your educational counseling program will vary depending upon your status as a domestic or international applicant.

Admission Requirements—Domestic Applicants

The university graduate and program admission requirements below must be met before an application is considered complete.

• Graduate application for admission
• $45 nonrefundable application fee
• Official transcripts from all institutions leading to and awarding the applicant’s bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and all postbaccalaureate study
  
  
  An official transcript is one that Azusa Pacific University receives unopened in an envelope sealed by the former institution and that bears the official seal of the college or university. A cumulative minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average on the posted degree is required for regular admission status. Provisional admittance may be granted to individuals with a lower GPA if competency can be shown through multiple measures.
• Two recommendations submitted by employers, supervisors, or professors who have current knowledge of the applicant’s academic ability and potential within the profession
• A five-page essay or autobiography describing personal and professional history
• Résumé (preferred) or statement of experience including the most relevant work and volunteer experience
• Proof of Certificate of Clearance (COC). Applicants for Summer or Fall Terms must have a COC valid through January 31. Applicants for the Spring Term must have a COC valid through June 30. View instructions on Obtaining a Certificate of Clearance (PDF). Applicants are encouraged to begin this step as soon as possible to allow time for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to process your information.
• Proof the Basic Skills Requirement has been satisfied

Send official transcripts to:

Watch the Application Tutorial

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.

Admission Requirements—International Applicants

Azusa Pacific University is authorized under federal law by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State to enroll nonimmigrant, alien undergraduate and graduate students. APU issues and administers both the I-20 and DS 2019 (F-1 and J-1 status documents respectively).

To apply for a graduate program at APU, the following requirements must be fulfilled in addition to meeting the domestic applicant and program-specific admission requirements specified above.

International applicants must also:

• Demonstrate proficiency in English through a placement test with the Academic Success Center, or through a TOEFL/IELTS score that meets program-specific requirements. Refer to APU’s English proficiency requirements to learn more. Request that official test scores be sent to APU. All other forms of proof indicated in the English proficiency requirements must be submitted directly to International Services.
• Provide a Graduate Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF) and a bank statement from within the last six months proving financial ability to pay for education costs through personal, family, or sponsor resources.
• Submit a copy of a valid passport showing biographical data, including your name, country of citizenship, date of birth, and other legal information.
• Get foreign transcripts evaluated. International credentials (transcripts, certificates, diplomas, and degrees) must be evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation agency. View our policy and a list of approved Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agencies.

Send official transcripts to:

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.

Multiple financial aid options are available to make your educational counseling program affordable.

Delivering high-quality graduate programs takes a comprehensive support system. Your investment in an advanced degree or program includes a network of services and personnel who partner with you in pursuit of higher education. Below is a breakdown of some common fees associated with School of Education programs.

School of Education Fees

View a complete list of university fees.

Financial Aid

Several types of financial aid are available to graduate students. The resources range from federal loans and state grants to, for some graduate programs, fellowships and scholarships. For details about financial aid available for your program, please contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

School of Education Scholarships

APU also provides information on numerous financial aid options for prospective School of Education students. Learn more about the aid opportunities available.

School of Education Alumni Tuition Discounts

APU’s School of Education offers an alumni tuition discount for Azusa Pacific alumni starting in a graduate program.

Students must be in good academic standing and maintain satisfactory academic progress with a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0. Students must be enrolled at least half-time. If qualifications are met, the discount may be renewed each term. APU will pay $500 per term (up to $2,000 over the course of the program). This discount cannot be combined with other institutional aid. Contact Student Financial Services for complete eligibility details.

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

Program Requirements

How many units do I take each term?

Full-time students take 6 units every 8 weeks. However, many candidates are working adults and do not take classes full time. Academic advising is highly recommended to determine the course load required.

How long is a term?

A term is comprised of two eight-week sessions, including final exams. Most classes are offered in accelerated eight-week sessions.

How many hours does each class session require?

Classes meet for approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, once a week.

How many evenings per week do I attend classes?

Most students attend classes one evening per week.

How many students will there be in my classes?

APU is noted for its small classes with personalized attention. Most courses do not exceed 15–20 students.

Does APU require theses, dissertations, or capstone projects?

This program culminates in a comprehensive exam only.

How soon can I finish this program?

This educational counseling program could be completed in a year. Depending upon the desired course load, working individuals usually finish this program in 18–24 months.

If you have questions, we’re here to help! Connect with a representative who can walk you through the program details and application process.

Contact Your Admissions Representative

Additional Program Contacts

• Michael Salce, EdD, Department of School Counseling and School Psychology Department Chair, [email protected], (626) 815-5130
• Rose Brito, admissions representative, [email protected], (626) 815-5467
• Carol Tuthill, admissions representative, [email protected], (626) 815-5026

Student Services Center

Contact (626) 812-3016 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/ssc for details on the admissions process, financial aid, and class registration.

International Services

International students should contact +1-626-812-3055 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/international/.

• Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). 
• In addition, the School of Education hold national accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), making APU one of only three private schools in California with this distinction. 
• Further, our credential programs are accredited by California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).