College Counseling and Student Development, MS

Application Deadline

Rolling Admissions

Applications will continue to be accepted through the summer as space permits. Contact your admissions representative for details.

Those who have completed applications by the deadline, if admitted, will have the opportunity to come to campus in early spring to interview for on-campus assistantships.

Admission Requirements—Domestic Applicants

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

Applicants must submit:

• 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.
• Personal statement
• 3-5 pages (double-spaced)
• Describe your education goals, and short- and long-term professional goals
• Address career objectives, current interests, and your reason(s) for applying to the program
• Help us understand what makes you uniquely suited for this program, and what makes you stand out
• Describe why you are interested specifically in APU’s CCSD program, and how your personal values and beliefs connect to the APU mission and CCSD program core values and beliefs
• Résumé or statement of experience
• Two letters of recommendation from those who can speak to your academic and/or professional interests, aptitude, and potential; these should come from a professor and/or an employer who have current knowledge of your academic ability and potential. Note: The employer recommendation should be from a student affairs professional.

Send official transcripts to:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
[email protected]

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.

Upon admission to the program, a nonrefundable deposit of $250 will be due to secure your place in the next cohort. This deposit will be applied to your student account. If you do not register for courses or attend classes, the deposit will be forfeited.

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:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
[email protected]

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.

Delivering high-quality graduate programs takes a comprehensive support system. Your investment in an advanced degree includes those services and personnel that partner with you in pursuit of higher education. Below is a detailed breakdown of the fees associated with the benefits and services included in your degree program.

Tuition

View a complete list of university fees.

Financial Aid

At Azusa Pacific University, we make an accessible Christian education possible. To help cover the cost of your master’s degree, you can explore financial aid options including federal loans, state grants, fellowships, and scholarships. Available aid varies by program and student eligibility. Your admissions advisor can help you understand your options and plan ahead.

For more information, 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.

Program-Specific Aid

CCSD students are eligible for consideration for APU graduate assistantships valued at up to $11,000 per academic year. Graduate assistants are required to enroll in 6 units each semester and complete 600 supervised fieldwork hours in a department or program on campus.

Students are also eligible for consideration for program-funded scholarships.

For information about eligibility, availability, and application procedures, contact the CCSD program.

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

Program Requirements

Students participate in live, scheduled online classes alongside other students (synchronous learning), rather than self-paced coursework.

Each semester includes one required in-person Saturday session, designed for hands-on learning, connection, and cohort formation.

This format balances flexibility with real-time engagement and community. It’s all about convenience with connection!

Fieldwork and Graduate Assistantship Opportunities

Put your learning into practice through supervised fieldwork in higher education settings. At APU, students have opportunities to gain hands-on experience in a variety of campus offices and departments, building skills and exploring career paths in college counseling and student development.

These experiences allow students to contribute to campus communities while developing professional skills and supporting student success.

Graduate Assistantships at APU

Eligible students may be considered for graduate assistantships that offer a stipend of up to $11,000 for completing 600 supervised fieldwork hours. Graduate assistants are also required to enroll in 6 units each semester.

Interested in Other Settings?

Fieldwork may also be completed off campus, providing students with opportunities to explore professional experiences beyond APU. Contact the CCSD program to learn more about fieldwork options, placement requirements, and graduate assistantship availability.

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• Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
• APU’s College Counseling and Student Development Program meets Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) standards.