— Application Deadlines —

July 1st for Fall admission
November 1st for Spring admission
April 1st for Summer admission

Note: Those seeking a fall semester start are strongly encouraged to apply by April 1st; these individuals will be given priority review. Individuals may still apply by July 1st for fall consideration, but cohort space may not be available. 

Our Summer 2024 and Fall 2024 cohorts are full and we will not be accepting any additional applications to either that are received after April 1, 2024. The next semester for which we will accept applications is Spring 2025 and the deadline for this is November 1, 2024.

Applicants should apply for one of the following programs through the Graduate School website:

• M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• M.A.Ed. in School Counseling
• Standard Certificate in School Counseling*
• Rank I in School Counseling*

*Must already hold a completed school counseling degree

Admissions Application Checklist

1. Completed online Graduate School application
2. Current resume
3. Official copies of all undergraduate – and if applicable, graduate – transcripts
4. Writing sample
5. Three letters of recommendation
6. GPA or entrance exam (i.e., the Graduate Record Exam, GRE) scores

The entrance exam (i.e., GRE) score requirement is waived for applicants if EITHER of the following applies to them: Their undergraduate overall GPA is a 3.0 or higher OR the last 60 credit hours of the undergraduate GPA is a 3.25 or higher. If NEITHER of these GPA conditions apply to an applicant, then they must submit GRE scores. The program maintains the following minimum requirements of these scores, and applicants must meet at least one of them:

• A score of 146 or higher on the verbal section of the GRE.
• A score of 146 or higher on the quantitative section of the GRE.

Note: These application materials are only required for those applying to either the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree or the MAEd in School Counseling degrees. Those applying to either the Standard Certificate in School Counseling or Rank I in School Counseling programs will have much less to submit for their application, which will include a completed online Graduate School application, official copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts – especially documenting conferral of a school counseling degree – and verification of school counselor certification.

Admissions Interview

Applicants will be notified by the Program Coordinator once all required information has been received and reviewed regarding attendance for a two-hour virtual group interview. All applicants are required to attend an interview before final/formal admission with the following exceptions:

• EKU graduates who hold an MAEd in School Counseling and are applying for the Standard Certificate or Rank I in School Counseling
• EKU graduates who hold either an MAEd in School Counseling or MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and are requesting admission for their second master’s degree in counseling.

Program Transfer Credit Policies

To ensure that graduates are adequately prepared to practice counseling beyond the program, especially in alignment with CACREP’s standards for counselor training and practice, the program maintains strict transfer credit policies.

The program will accept up to 12 transfer credits for degree programs less than 45 credits, up to 15 transfer credits for degree programs of 45 to 53 credits, and up to 18 transfer credits for degree programs of 54 or more credits [per the Graduate School’s limits]. The program will only accept credit transfers from graduate counseling programs similar to it – neither undergraduate credits nor any graduate credits, including those from mental health related fields (e.g., counseling psychology, psychology, social work, etc.), will be accepted for transfer. Credits from other CACREP-accredited counseling programs may be transferred up to the above-stated limits and satisfy core and/or elective course requirements. Credits from non CACREP-accredited counseling programs may only be transferred and serve to fulfill students’ elective requirements.

Criminal Background Checks

Every admitted student is required to complete and submit results of a criminal background check at two points during their time in the program: At the point of admission and again at the point of enrollment in practicum. These checks are not meant to penalize students nor do they bar them from admission to or completion of the program. Criminal records may prevent or complicate credentialing beyond the degree. Applicants with such a background should first consult the credentialing entity/entities for their desired practice before enrolling in the program to ensure they will be eligible for it upon graduation/degree conferral. The program has no control over these credentialing standards or determinations. The results of these checks are kept confidential to faculty and staff members of the program and meant only to help best advise new admits/students.

Still have questions? We understand it can be confusing. Please reach out to Dr. James McGinn, Admissions Coordinator. Email is best!