Note: The GRE is no longer required for admission into the counselor education program.
Average undergraduate G.P.A.: High: 4.0; Medium: 3.7; Low: 3.0
Students with lower GPAs are still considered for admissions. If your GPA is low, you are encouraged to explain the reasoning in your personal statement.
Generally, the counselor education program receives about 100 applications per year. Of those, roughly 35-37 will enroll.
Note: Applications for fall 2023 will open the day after Labor Day. We are in the process of adjusting our required admissions materials and ask that you refrain from starting your application in the system until closer to that date. Sign up to be notified when the application materials have been updated.
The counselor education program accepts students for fall semester only. There is no spring semester application deadline.
Students seeking scholarship opportunities should apply by the early application deadline.
Students who are not seeking immediate scholarship opportunities may apply in January. Please note that there will be additional opportunities after enrolling in the program to apply for assistantships and scholarships. The early scholarship application is for students who would like to immediately apply for scholarships.
Applicants selected to interview for the program will be contacted by February 15 to schedule an in-person or virtual (Zoom) interview.
The date on which you will hear back from the program will vary based on the volume of applications received. Applicants to the MA program can typically expect to hear during February or March.
Applicants who are recommended for admission by the program will receive a letter indicating this by March 15. The Graduate School then makes the official admissions determination and will inform you of their decision via the email address you provided on your graduate application.
Start your graduate application
Submit all application materials, including transcripts, directly to the graduate application. For additional information on how to apply, visit the Graduate School website.
Required fields: Program Selection, Term Selection, Biographical Information, Personal Background, Academic History (including transcripts), Test Scores, Employment, Materials (including: Personal Statement, Resume/CV, Graduate Program Supplemental Application) and three letters of Recommendation
Optional fields: Diversity Statements are optional but highly encouraged. All other fields or application materials are optional, but will be taken into consideration if submitted.
Visit the Graduate School website for more information
Please note: If you apply for more than one program in educational psychology (e.g., counselor education and special education), you will need to pay more than one application fee.
An application fee waiver is available for students from racially minoritized backgrounds. Contact cspp@umn.edu to request the waiver prior to submitting your application.
Upload your unofficial transcript to the graduate application under “Academic History.” If you are recommended for admission, you will need to provide an official transcript (sent to us by mail directly from the institution). An official, certified (signature and seal) English translation should be attached if the transcript is not in English.
Report your TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB scores (non-native English speakers only).
Minimum TOEFL (non-native English speakers only)
Three letters of recommendation are required. Recommendations should be from professors, supervisors, or other professionals who are able to comment on your potential as it relates to your educational/career goals. References should also complete the Recommendation Form (with ratings information) in the graduate application
You must input the names and contact information for each recommendation provider in the graduate application. They will be sent directions on how to upload their letter directly into your application.
Note: The materials below reflect previously required application materials. We are in the process of adjusting our required admissions materials and ask that you refrain from starting your application in the system until closer to when applications open (the day after Labor Day). Sign up to be notified when the application materials have been updated.
This statement is the most essential part of your application. It should outline your interests and professional goals and answer all of the following questions (in a one-two page essay format):
Upload the essay under “Personal Statement" in the Materials section in the graduate application.
Upload it under “Resume/CV” in the Materials section in the graduate application. Include your past professional, academic, and volunteer experiences as they relate to your work in the fields of psychology, counseling, education, and research.
Complete the Course Abstract form [DOC]. (Required only if you've previously taken a course for graduate credit. See form for details.) Upload it under "Ed Psych - Counselor Education" in the graduate application.
Submitting the diversity statement is required. Please share any hardships or obstacles you needed to overcome to complete your previous undergraduate or graduate education (e.g., coming from diverse ethnic, racial, or educational backgrounds; coming from a low-income background; being a first-generation college student). This statement may be used to nominate exceptional applicants for graduate fellowships.
Tip: Tell your story. If you learned from obstacles you personally overcame, write about them. If you grew up with privilege, write about how you discovered your privilege. It might be tempting to write about someone else’s experience, an entire group’s experience, or diversity and inclusion in an abstract way. However, most often, admissions teams want to understand how you personally came to be empathetic, reflective, resilient, and aware of systematic inequalities. Describe how your background, experiences, and achievements will contribute to the program and the University’s goals of promoting excellence through diversity.
Upload the essay under “Diversity Statement” in the Materials section in the graduation application.
Upload publications and articles in the graduate application under “Writing Samples.”
You may upload a brief statement explaining any extenuating circumstances that may have affected your grades or your test scores under “Extenuating Circumstances” in the Materials section of the graduate application.
Visit the College of Education and Human Development's Finance and Funding page for information on tuition.
Once you enroll in the program, you will be able to apply for counselor education funding. Scholarships are competitive, and an application will be provided to enrolled students each year.
This funding information is for students interested in applying for scholarships and funding. Visit our giving page for more information on donating to the funds.
Visit OneStop Student Services for more information on available financial aid.