Admission Requirements

Admissions Requirements for Counselor Education M.Ed. with tracks in School Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling

These required documents and task must be turned in by the due date of March 15 as set forth by the program in conjunct with the VSU Graduate School. All applicants must complete the same admission requirements and enter the program in the summer semester. Both the M.Ed. in School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling are fully online programs.

Students in the Master of Counselor Education do not need to decide thier specialized track until the second semester of the program as the first 27 hours are taken by all students in this program. Therefore the students do not have any additional admission requirements for the specialized tracks.

Counselor Education M.Ed. with tracks in School Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling Admissions Requirements

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS	ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Online Graduate Application	Application Fee (credit or debit and echecks accepted) Apply Online
One Official Transcript from each previously enrolled institution (undergraduate and graduate)	Transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at VSU will be obtained by the graduate school Must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in any major. Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. GPA will be calculated on all attempted undergraduate coursework in which a letter grade was awarded.
Goal Statement	A written statement (250-500 words) describing your plans to pursue a degree in Counselor Education for your chosen track (School Counseling or Clinical Mental Health). Please see the linked prompt for more guidance.
Case Studies	Candidates will respond to two case studies using the instructions provided in the above link and address the questions at the end of each case study.
Three Recommendations (General Recommendations Form Required)	Recommendations from professionals familiar with your professional and/or academic background. The Psychology, Counseling, and Family Therapy Department prefers recommendations come from current or former professors who have had you in class.
VSU Medical Form	The form must be completed and signed by the student/applicant. This form must be received prior to enrollment, Not prior to admission.
Verification of Lawful Presence	Effective Fall 2011 for applicants who believe they qualify for in-state-tuition or a residency waiver. This is not required for individuals who do not qualify for in state tuition or a residency waiver. This must be received prior to enrollment (if applicable), not prior to admission   Citizenship documentation is needed for any applicant who wishes to be considered for in-state tuition. Complete list of accepted documents and information on residency.

Unless otherwise indicated above, all required documents must be received on or before the admission deadline for your file to be reviewed. It is the applicant’s responsibility to allow adequate time for document delivery and to en-sure receipt of documents. Please allow at least 7-10 days for delivery by mail.

Important Program Information 

• Certification in School Counseling by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission requires the completion of a special education course.
• This program only admits for the Fall term.

• Candidates considered for admission by the Departmental Committee may be required to engage in an interview before final decisions are rendered.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

International applicants must meet all admission criteria and documentation requirements as defined by the program however, additional documentation may be required. Please review the information below for specific information and guidelines.

• Test for English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Applicants whose first language is not English (base on country or citizenship) must submit official scores on the TOEFL exam or IELTS exam. International applicants whose first language is not English but who have earned a bachelor's degree or higher from a U.S. institution may be exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirements.
• Certificate of Finances: The Certification of Finances is required of any applicant requiring a student visa to enter the United States to complete his or her studies. This document is considered a part of the application for admission and applications will not be reviewed without this document. Applicants who do not require an I-20 student visa to complete their studies are exempt from this requirement.
• Evaluation of International Transcripts: Applicants who have completed coursework at an institution outside of the United States must submit a course-by-course evaluation of the coursework. This transcript evaluation must be completed by an international education credentials evaluation service such as Josef Silny, ECE, etc. The transcript evaluation does not replace the transcript requirement. Official transcripts are still required.

EXIT REQUIREMENTS

• Satisfactory completion of required coursework
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Passing comprehensive examinations
• Completion of Dispositions Survey (Entry and Exit)
• Completing competency requirements as required

ADMISSION CLASSIFICATIONS

• Regular Status
• Probationary Status
• Irregular admission is not available for this program.
• Non-degree admission is available only for applicants who hold a Master’s degree and departmental permission.