How to apply
Master of Counseling in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Note: Unfortunately, international students are not eligible for participation in this program. Due to the program's part-time status, international students are unable to obtain an appropriate educational visa.
Application deadline is now closed.
Admission to the program is by application to the Oregon State University Graduate School. Admission requirements for the Oregon State University Graduate School may be found at the admissions website.
The minimum prerequisite is a baccalaureate degree. Coursework in psychology is preferred but not required. Academic background, personal and emotional suitability, volunteer or paid experience in the helping professions, experience with and openness to diversity, multiculturalism, and social justice, and the educational and professional goals of each candidate are evaluated before admission is granted. Screening includes, but is not limited to, a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 at the undergraduate level (with 2.5-2.9 also considered), three letters of recommendation, and a statement of objectives. Face-to-face group interviews conducted via a virtual meeting platform are required for those applicants who meet the initial application criteria.
Submit official transcripts (including school stamp/seal) from all post-secondary institutions attended, for example, community and undergraduate colleges, and graduate schools, if applicable.
For additional support writing a resume or CV, please visit OSU’s Career Education page on this topic.
Prepare a current curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé detailing your relevant experience, in the following order:
This statement (2-3 pages, typed, 12-pt font, double-spaced) outlines the following:
Although the content of this statement is most important, it is also a writing sample that gives the admissions committee an idea of your attention to style, grammar, and syntax, which speaks to your ability to write at the graduate level.
Letters of recommendation may come from any three (3) professional references who can attest to your personal and professional qualities and your readiness for graduate study.
Ideal references can speak to your:
References may include, but are not limited to, the following: current or former employers or internship/volunteer supervisors, current or former faculty, mentors, or community members (e.g., religious or community leaders). Individuals who are not considered professional references include: family members, personal therapists/counselors, current or former supervisees or clients.
You will need to provide a name and email address for each of your references. When your application is processed, an email is sent from OSU to each reference asking that individual to submit a confidential electronic letter on your behalf.
Important Note: Please allow yourself, your references, and your former institutions ample time to submit your materials, to prevent any delays in processing or consideration of your application.
If your application is missing any required materials (i.e., official transcripts, letters of recommendation), it is not considered complete. Applications still missing items by the submission deadline, for any reason, will NOT be considered.
Candidates are assessed on the basis of their fitness with the vision and mission of the University, the Graduate School, College of Education, and the Counseling Academic Unit. Consistent with CACREP’s (2016) standards, “admission decision recommendations are made by the academic unit’s selection committee and include consideration of each applicant’s (1) relevance of career goals, (2) aptitude for graduate-level study, (3) potential success in forming effective counseling relationships, and (4) respect for cultural differences.”
Criteria include:
Applicants selected by the admissions committee on the basis of their application materials will be required to attend a face-to-face group interview conducted via a virtual meeting platform, typically held in February or March. Applicants with specific questions regarding application materials or previous coursework may contact the Counseling Head Advisor.
All admitted students to the OSU Ecampus Counseling program must (a) verify they accept the offer of admission, (b) sign a Memorandum of Agreement to secure their matriculation to the program. Any student with a GPA of less than 3.0 is admitted on a conditional basis per OSU Graduate School guidelines. These students must maintain a 3.0 GPA during their first 18 credits of study. (c) Newly admitted students must pay a $350 matriculation fee, (d) and attend a new student orientation.
Misty De Lei, counseling head advisor at [email protected]