Requirements
In addition to the general graduate school entrance requirements, to apply to the Mental Health Counseling program you must:
- Submit a concise, typed, two-page statement of your professional goals, including why you wish to become a licensed counselor. You could also include specific training objectives and long-term career goals following graduation
- Submit two recommendations (on forms supplied by the Office of Admissions), preferably one from an employer or supervisor who has observed the applicant in a professional setting, and one, if appropriate, from a former college professor
- Interview with the Psychology and Counseling Admissions Committee. The interview will be conducted ONLY if the applicant has filed all of the above
Selection criteria include (listing not prioritized):
- That the applicant's goals are consistent with the purpose and focus of the MS in School Counseling program as well as indicative of commitment to the counseling profession
- Demonstration of proficiency regarding previous academic performance. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate course work as recorded on official transcripts. Quality written/oral communication skills are highly desired
- Undergraduate coursework should include a minimum of 9 to 12 hours of coursework in psychology (may be augmented by coursework in closely related fields and/or reflect life experience)
- Indication of sufficient emotional maturity, stability and poise to complete the rigors of graduate study as well as maintain ethical practice regarding client welfare. This includes, but is not limited to, openness and introspective ability regarding how applicant's own issues impact their work as counseling professionals
- Willingness to develop a non-judgmental attitude, clarity of values and awareness of need to refer clients who are outside the applicant's range of competence and objective practice