Application Requirements CMHC
Due to the large number of applications we receive every year, the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program has a highly competitive application process. Below are the minimum eligibility requirements for the program.
An Undergraduate Degree in a Related Field
Although we do accept applicants with undergraduate degrees in other disciplines, preference is given to those applicants with undergraduate degrees in the social sciences and related arts and humanities fields.
Minimum 3.0 GPA
A minimum undergraduate GPA of a 3.0 is required for admission. Occasionally candidates with an undergraduate GPA below a 3.0 are admitted. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 should explain the circumstances that led to a lower GPA in their personal statement.
Prerequisite Course Work
Both Abnormal Psychology and Personality Theory are required for admission. An applicant who has not completed these prerequisite courses will rank lower than other applicants; however, the program does accept candidates who have not completed their prerequisites at the time of application. In such cases, admitted students must complete the prerequisite courses by the end of their first semester in the program.
Work or Volunteer Experience
Applicants should have a minimum of one year full-time (30-40 hours per week) or two years part-time (approximately 20 hours per week) of related professional experience in the human service industry. Strong applicants apply with a wide range of experience, including (but not limited to) case management, applied behavioral analysis, special education, group home milieu work, crisis hotline, and paraprofessional counseling. Related work experience, and the ability to articulate how this experience has confirmed your interest in becoming a mental health professional in your personal statement, is essential.
Essay
We seek candidates who demonstrate the personal characteristics consistent with attributes of professional counselors, as evidenced in the application and interview process. Some of these characteristics include psychological mindedness, reflectiveness, maturity, awareness of one’s varied identities and their intersection, and interpersonal skills. Evidence of this will be found in your essay.
Note
Please keep in mind that each year the pool of applicants is different. Each application is compared to other applications in the pool, so to be competitive, we recommend that your application demonstrate a high level of accomplishment on each of the above requirements. Receiving as many applications as we do means that many qualified applicants will not be interviewed and/or admitted to the program. And while we recommend applicants re-apply, doing so does not grant any priority to an applicant.