- A completed application
- A master's or higher degree (in counseling or closely related field) from a regionally accredited college or university
- Graduate GPA of at least 3.25 (A=4.0)
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) in all three areas: Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical; scores must be from a test date within five years preceding application.
- Three recent letters of professional recommendation (two must be from an academic instructor or advisor) regarding the prospective student's capacity to successfully complete a research-oriented doctoral program.
- A writing sample (any academic, conceptual or research paper student has written for a class assignment or for publication). There is no length requirement
- An interview with two faculty members
Admission requirements may be modified based on socioeconomic status, commitment to work in low-income neighborhoods, evidence of community or volunteer work, family educational background, first generation in college, overcoming hardships, and/or personal interviews. Students who have limited academic credentials may be required to take master's level courses that will not be applied towards the doctoral degree.
This program can accommodate only a limited number of students; therefore, there is a possibility of being denied admission even when all criteria are met. The Department of Counseling reserves the right to refuse student entrance or terminate a student after admission to the doctoral program, if in the judgment of the faculty the student demonstrates unacceptable personal fitness to work in the counseling field with children, youth, and/or adults.
A two-step admission process is used for screening applicants:
- Faculty members will review the application materials and make an admissions recommendation. A personal interview may be required.
- The Doctoral Review Council approves or disapproves the application and makes its recommendation to the Dean of the School of Education.