College of Education and Human Development

Department of Educational Psychology

Counselor education: MA admissions

Admissions requirements

Note: The GRE is no longer required for admission into the counselor education program.

  • Graduate school application
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts (Academic History)
  • Non–native English speakers: English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
  • Strong personal statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Course Abstract (required only if you've previously taken a course for graduate credit)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Diversity statement

Undergraduate GPA

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.

Number of students accepted

Generally, the counselor education program receives about 100 applications per year. Of those, roughly 35-37 will enroll.

Timeline

    The counselor education program accepts students for fall semester only. There is no spring semester application deadline.

    All application materials must be received by January 15 for admission in September of the following year. Files not complete by January 15 will not be reviewed.

    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.

    How to apply

    Submit all application materials, including transcripts, directly to the graduate application. For additional information on how to apply, visit the Graduate School website.

    Graduate school application

    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), Three Letters of Recommendation, and Diversity Statement

    Optional fields: 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 unable to pay due to hardship. Because a limited number of waivers are available, applications will be screened for fit and then the applicant will be notified if they are selected for the waiver. Review the Application Fee Waiver page for further information.

      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)

      Minimum overall score: 79
      Writing: 21
      Reading: 19
      Paper-based TOEFL: 550
      IELTS: 6.5
      MELAB: 80

      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.

      Materials

      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).

      Required materials

        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):

        • How did you become interested in this profession?
        • Discuss your motives for pursuing this profession.
        • What do you consider to be your strengths (specific skills, talents, aptitudes)?
        • What do you consider to be your weaknesses?
        • What aspects of or specific issues in counseling interest you most?
        • What kinds of work do you see yourself doing five years after you get your degree? Which track would you like to pursue (school counseling, mental health counseling, or the individualized plan?) Please describe briefly any participation in research, counseling activities, or employment which might be relevant to your application.
        • What specific factors have led you to apply to Minnesota for this specialization?
        • Discuss your expectations of this graduate program

        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.

        Supporting the development of a diverse student body is central to the University of Minnesota's mission. This mission is enacted by the inclusion of academically excellent students with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and/or a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Please write a statement that identifies the distinctive characteristics and/or life experiences, such as successfully overcoming obstacles or hardships, that you would bring to your graduate program and how that could contribute to the education and enhanced perspective of fellow students at the University of Minnesota. 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 inequalities. Describe how your background, experiences, and achievements will contribute to the program and the University’s goals of promoting excellence through diversity. Submitting the diversity statement is required. 

        Upload the essay under “Diversity Statement” in the Materials section in the graduation application.

        Optional materials

          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.

          Tuition and funding

            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.

            • The Sunny Hansen BORN FREE Scholarship Fund: Focus on gender and multicultural issues in career development
            • Counselor Education Fund: Focus on students and special projects within the CSPP/Counselor Education Program (2022-23 research/professional development focus)
            • Kay Herting Wahl Fund: focus on students planning to become licensed school counselors
            • Norm Sprinthall Memorial Fellowship: focus on students planning to become licensed school counselors (preference for students in practicums/internships and who enhance diversity of the student body)
            • Dirk Miller Fellowship: focus on counseling for eating disorders
            • Additional College of Education and Human Development’s Tuition, Aid and Scholarships

            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.