Admissions to School Counselor Education Program

Admissions

Our program is small by design so that we can work closely with everyone. We only admit students whom we anticipate will develop into exemplary school counselors and leaders in the field.

Application Timeline

Applications are due January 2nd. Admissions decisions are finalized in March and successful applicants are usually notified by mid-March by phone and letter. If your address, e-mail address, or phone number changes, please be sure to notify the admissions office of the best way to reach you.

Admissions Interviews

In late February, a selected group of applicants will be invited to campus for a day-long group interview. This offers an opportunity for applicants to ask questions of the faculty and current students. This also gives faculty a chance to observe applicants' interpersonal skills. Applicants who are invited to these interviews are encouraged to attend, if at all possible.

Fall Orientation

Before classes begin, new School Counselor Education students will participate in an orientation to the program. Students will receive more information about this during the summer.

Required Materials

• Online Application
• Resume
• Detailed personal statement 
• 3 letters of recommendation
• GRE is not required

In your personal statement, write clearly and concisely about why you want to enter the program of study, how the program of study fits into your career goals, and how your previous work and life experience relate to your professional development and readiness for graduate study. If you do not believe your undergraduate transcripts reflect your current academic abilities, please explain why there is a gap. One of our clear program priorities and strengths is the promotion of school counseling for diverse populations. Remember, your personal statement is the primary way we evaluate your knowledge of school counseling, your commitment to the field, and your fit with our program of study goals. We look carefully at both the content and the writing of your personal statement. Ideally, your admissions application should include three letters of reference. At least one of these should be from someone qualified to comment on your academic potential.

For more information, please contact the program at schoolcounseling [at] umass [dot] edu (schoolcounseling[at]umass[dot]edu).

Degree Status: Students admitted as fully qualified to undertake a program of study toward a graduate degree are termed degree status students. The vast majority of our students are in this category.

Provisional Status: Students admitted on a probationary basis to a program of study are on provisional status. Students may enroll for a maximum of 12 credits or two consecutive enrollment periods (including Summer Session), whichever comes first. This status may not be renewed beyond the credit/time limitation regulation as stated above. At the conclusion of the provisional status period, students are either admitted to degree status or terminated depending upon the recommendation of the graduate program of study and subject to the Graduate Dean’s approval.

Non-Degree Status: Students who have a bachelor’s degree and wish to take graduate courses are admitted on a limited basis for a period (fall and/or spring semester) through the following Summer Session. Enrollment in any course is subject to the instructor’s approval, and on a space-available basis. This status may be renewed upon completion of another application. Applications for this status do not require the supporting documentation specified above for degree and provisional status. Up to six graduate credits may be applied toward a graduate degree if a student is later admitted, subject to approval.