Master's Programs in Counselor Education FAQs

Approximately 25-30 master's students are admitted to the Counselor Education program annually. Review of applications begins on January 15, 2024, for the Fall 2024 admission term. Prospective students can apply by selecting the appropriate counseling specialty area code. 

Application Materials

• Transcripts showing a Bachelor's degree with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.9 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  • Applicants with a GPA lower than 2.9 may still apply but must submit Verbal and Quantitative scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
  • Applicants with a GPA lower than 2.9 may still apply but should address past academic performance and aptitude for graduate study in the Personal Statement. The review committee will consider additional information as described by the applicant and references on an individual basis. 
• Three letters of recommendation written by current/former professors, supervisors, or others in the field who can address the applicant’s suitability for a graduate program in counseling.
• Personal Statement of approximately 3-5 double-spaced typed pages addressing the following:
  • What are your career goals? What experiences and/or persons in your life have influenced your career goals?
  • What experiences have you had that you believe would help you be successful in a graduate program in counselor education? 
  • Describe your personal characteristics that will be assets and challenges to your study in counselor education. What qualities do you possess that you believe enable you to become an effective counselor? 
  • Describe your culturally relevant interpersonal experiences with individuals or groups who differ from you (e.g., race, gender, sexual orientation, age, spiritual beliefs, ability).
  • Counselor preparation involves a great deal of self-exploration and discovery. How will you manage your personal and professional boundaries in this process? What distinguishes you from other candidates for the counselor education program?
  • Describe anything else you wish the program faculty to consider with your application.

Admissions Process

• Applications will be reviewed by 2-3 faculty immediately following January 15th. 
• Applicants who are short-listed by faculty will be invited for a group interview. 
• Following the interview, the faculty will submit admissions recommendations to the Graduate College. 
• Official notices of admission are sent via email from the Graduate College. Applicants must respond promptly and inform the Graduate College whether or not they accept the offer of admission. 
• Students who accept an offer of admission and then change their minds about attending must inform the Program Coordinator and Graduate College immediately. 
• Accepted students will receive communication from the program coordinator about their assigned faculty advisor, orientation, and course registration. 

The Counselor Education program continues to accept applications beyond the January 15th priority deadline. Interested applicants for the master’s program are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Prospective students interested in applying after the January 15th date must contact the Program Coordinator directly. Applications will only be considered if all positions have not been filled. Students are admitted for the Fall semester each year and may begin taking elective coursework in the preceding Summer session.

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The Master's degree in Counselor Education requires core coursework in foundations of counseling, theory and techniques, appraisal, human development, research methodology, and group counseling. Students receive additional training in their area(s) of specialization and complete supervised professional practice experiences in practicum and internship. Upon completing the Master's degree, all students, regardless of specialization, will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge in major counseling and learning theories, personality interpretation, and developmental issues.
• Develop and apply essential counseling skills in individual and group counseling settings.
• Describe the influence of the social and cultural context on client and counselor worldview, experiences, and behaviors.
• Apply multicultural and social justice counseling competencies in counseling practice.
• Define the roles and responsibilities of professional counselors and demonstrate knowledge of legal and ethical obligations to the profession and the public.
• Identify what it means to be a counseling professional and develop skills to advocate for the profession.
• Develop a personal philosophy of counseling.
• Recognize conditions and needs specific to their practice setting, and develop advocacy skills to address institutional and social barriers that impede access, equity, and success for clients.

Counselor Education master's students are expected to review program handbooks, policies, and procedures and be familiar with the handbooks and forms provided by the Patton College of Education and Graduate College. Newly admitted students are also encouraged to read the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) resource: "Nine Tips for Thriving in a Master's Program."

• Counselor Education Program Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
• Counselor Education Graduate Program Handbook

The Counselor Education program requires supervised professional practice training experiences in the form of a 100-hour counseling practicum and 600-hour counseling internship. Students should consult the Master’s Practicum and Internship Manual for more information on the expectations and experience. The Practicum and Internship Coordinator is Dr. Tamarine Foreman.

• Practicum Registration Form
• Internship Registration Form
• Request for Approval of Internship Hours during Semester Break