Admissions
Admissions
Please see the general statement of admission requirements for all graduate studies programs in the “Admissions” section of the University of Massachusetts Boston Graduate Bulletin. Also refer to the description of admission requirements listed under “Professional Preparation Programs for Education” in the “Regulations, Procedures, and Degree Requirements” section of the University of Massachusetts Boston Graduate Bulletin. The University admits students regardless of sex, race, cultural background, religion, ethnic group, sexual orientation, or disability status.
Counseling Program faculty recommend admission of applicants who present evidence of potential both to complete a graduate course of studies with distinction and to become thoughtful and responsive practitioners. Such evidence normally includes:
- five social science courses (courses in psychology, sociology or anthropology).
- A distinguished undergraduate transcript with at least a 3.0 cumulative average. (Please explain in a personal statement if your GPA is below 3.0)
- Strong scores on Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
- Three strong letters of recommendation indicating the potential to become an empathic and responsible counselor as well as to succeed academically on the graduate level. Letters from former professors are particularly important.
- A two-part letter of intent. For specific details, please How to Apply for graduate applicants.
- A group interview with other candidates and faculty members.
- One year of paid or volunteer work in a mental health, human services or equivalent setting is recommended.
- Please indicate in your statement whether you are applying to the online program or the on site program.
- Applicants for the online program should indicate that they will be starting Summer Session rather than Fall.
Fall 2012 interview schedule: Please be aware that the Mental Health Counseling program will interview prospective on-campus students on March 7th, March 22nd, and April 5th.
OPPORTUNITY FOR A “HEADS UP- I’M APPLYING”! Please be aware that we must wait until your file is complete at Graduate Admissions before we can officially invite you for an interview. This often takes some time. But we are interested in getting to know you in a preliminary way. If you want to send us a preliminary look at you, send the department administrative assistant an email that has in the SUBJECT LINE “Heads Up – I’m Applying to the MH Program” or “Heads Up – I’m Applying to the MH ONLINE Program”. In that email, state your name, address, other email addresses, phone number, any information about colleges and universities you’ve gone to and your GPA at each, your GRE scores, and also, if they are ready, attach your personal statements. Also tell us if you are applying to the state or the online program. You can send this to Dan Torres at csp.admissions@umb.edu. Thanks so much. And we look forward to hearing more about you!
Applications for the fall semester must be completed by January 2nd
For on-line applicants only: If you are applying to the online version of the program, please be aware that your start term should be summer (e.g. Summer 2012). If you put start term fall (e.g. Fall 2012), you will be taking summer courses as a non-degree student which means you will not be eligible for financial aid until the fall semester. The starting term and program cannot be changed once the application has been submitted. Thank you.
