Application Criteria

The admissions selection process is designed to identify students who have potential for completing the counseling program. Students are admitted on the basis of many different expressions of their qualities and abilities: scholastic achievement, work experience, and factors relating to character, personality, and faith.

Applicants must be a graduate of a regionally accredited college or university. Applicants are required to submit official transcripts of credit from all colleges and universities attended and three references, two of which must be academic. Potential candidates will be invited for an interview.

Expectations include an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00, three references, indicating clear support for graduate work, a clear and relevant essay, and the ability to present oneself clearly and effectively in the interview. Additional factors given consideration in the admission decision include undergraduate field of study, performance in previous graduate level study, related counseling work experience, and other evidence of success in academic and professional endeavors. The admissions committee may make exceptions to admission requirements in special cases.

Program enrollment is limited to the equivalent of 15 full-time students per class. Part-time students are encouraged to apply. Part-time status is defined as taking less than nine semester hours in a semester.

New students are admitted for the fall semester. The application deadline is March 1. Any application received after March 1 may be considered for the following academic year providing there are openings.

Application Materials:

Important forms: Application | Letters of Reference | Request for Transcript | Tuition & Fees | Financial Aid

Application packets are available from the Master of Arts in Counseling office. Contact graduate admissions for more information, 800-710-7871. A complete application should contain:

A complete application includes the following:

1. A completed Master of Arts in Counseling application form.
2. A non-refundable application fee of $25.
3. Official transcripts from each college or university attended.
4. Three letters of reference (at least two of which must be academic).
5. Statement of Purpose: Write a narrative (1-3 pages) that describes your:
   (a) academic/research interest and professional goals,
   (b) volunteer and professional experiences, and
   (c) life experiences that have influenced your view of compassionate service and social justice.
6. A current résumé or vita.

In addition to the requirements above, international applicants should submit the following information:

1. Nationality and country of birth. International applicants currently residing in the United States must indicate status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
2. Complete an International Student Sponsor Agreement form.

For applicants whose native language is not English:

• A 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). (EMU’s institutional code is 5181. Applicants who have studied and received a degree from a college or university where all instruction is in English are not required to submit TOEFL scores).