Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Program Admission

Application Deadline is October 1 for spring admission; and March 1 for fall admission.  Review of completed applications begins October 6th and March 6th for spring and fall, respectively. Reviews employ a holistic approach to evaluate applicants' potential to be successful as students and, upon graduation, counseling or student affairs professionals. This approach involves the submission of materials that allows department faculty members to develop a more complete picture of applicants in terms of academic aptitude for graduate-level study, potential success in forming effective counseling relationships, respect for cultural differences, and relevance of career goals to their prospective programs of interest. Faculty rate applicants' application materials and rank the applications according to these categories. Highly ranked applicants are invited to interview with faculty and current students in an individual or group setting. 

After completion of the interview, admissions decisions are made based on application ratings and interview evaluations collectively.  The application process is competitive with a limited number of openings.

STEP ONE: COMPLETE THE ADMISSIONS APPLICATION PROCESS

Completed applications include various application materials that must be completed by the application deadlines.  Application portfolios should reflect thought, attention to detail, and appropriate effort.  You are applying to a competitive graduate program; it is important that your portfolio represents you in a positive yet realistic manner.  Please allow yourself at least a few weeks to complete the entire process.

All of the following materials should be submitted directly through the Graduate School application:

1. Graduate School Application Form - requirements include a non-refundable application fee and official transcripts
2. Statement of Interest
3. A background check
4. Resume, final page of which is a list of three professional references

In addition to the Graduate School application process, students entering the Student Affairs program may be asked to submit a Case Study Writing Sample. Once the completed application is received, separate instructions will be sent for completing this process.

STEP TWO: SELECTED APPLICANTS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN INTERVIEW 

Based on the review of the application portfolio, highly ranked applicants will receive notification of their eligibility for an individual or group interview.  Applicants who completed Step 1 with moderate rankings may be placed on a waiting list depending on the number of students admitted each term. Eligible applicants will be scheduled for interviews on campus with faculty, current students, alumni and/or experienced professionals.  Participation in the interview process does not guarantee admission but is a prerequisite for admission. Interviewees who are unable to travel to campus interviews may arrange an online interview with the Program Coordinator. Based on the interview assessment, faculty will make offers for admission for the most highly rated candidates.

Applicants with moderate or lower rankings from the interviewers may receive letters indicating they will be placed on a waiting list or are not eligible for admission based upon the review.  If you are on a waiting list, the average time to be notified of your eligibility may be up to 6 weeks. Program Coordinators will oversee the application process.

Program Requirements (60 hours)

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To enroll in practicum the student must have completed the appropriate practice preparation sequence and obtain department approval.

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Internship must be taken over a period of two semesters.

All students must pass a final comprehensive examination. Comprehensive examinations are given in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students must meet the criteria established by the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences in order to be eligible to take the comprehensive examination. The comprehensive exam policy and application may be found at www.edu/csa/sc/comp_exam.