Graduate Program in Mental Health Counseling

Admission Requirements for the Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling

  Please note, to be considered for admission into the entering class in the Fall of each year, you must complete Step 1 of the application process as outlined below (complete the online application form and pay the application fee) by January 15th of each year. Any applications received after that point will only be considered if space is available. 

 Admission Criteria 

• Earned bachelor's degree in a human service or social sciences discipline and have completed Prerequisite Coursework in: 
  • General psychology 
  • Behavior Disorders/Abnormal Psychology 
  • Research Methods, and/or Statistics  
  • Students with deficits in coursework/demonstrated competencies may be conditionally admitted prior to fulfilling these requirements and may, in some cases and with the program Admission Committee’s approval, take graduate courses concurrently with their completion of the prerequisite competencies.  
   
• Undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (Applicants with a lower GPA may be considered, however, they must submit a letter with their application materials outlining special circumstance, explaining why they believe their undergraduate GPA does not reflect their potential, and describing their readiness for graduate studies). 
• Applicants must have acceptable scores on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).    
• Completed background check. While the findings from this background check may not preclude program enrollment, problematic findings are likely to restrict practicum and internship placements, complicating successful completion of the program. In addition, such issues may preclude state licensure. 
• Suitable disposition for graduate work in counseling as indicated by letters of recommendation and a program interview. 

 Application Procedures for Admission to the Degree Program

First Step   

• Complete the online application form for admission to the Viterbo University School of Graduate, Professional, and Adult Education, at http://www.viterbo.edu/applyonline/, and submit the application fee.
   

 Subsequent Steps (these can occur concurrently)  

• Submit the following materials to the Program Director:
• A personal statement outlining academic interests, career goals, reasons for pursuing graduate education, and relevant life and professional experience. The personal statement should be a typed, double-spaced document no longer than 500 words.
   
• Official transcripts from the institution granting the applicant’s undergraduate degree and from any graduate coursework the student has completed. (Twelve credits of related graduate coursework earned at another accredited institution within the past five years may be transferred and, if appropriate, applied to degree requirements; students must have earned a grade of B or higher in the courses accepted as transferred credits, as well as meet other criteria outlined in the Graduate School Catalog.  Students wishing to transfer credits must seek permission in writing from the program director prior to registering.)
   
• Official scores from the Miller Analogies test. Again, the test code for Viterbo University MSMHC program is #2709 .
• Arrange for three (3) recommendations from individuals familiar with the candidate’s educational and/or vocational history and potential. The recommendation form and submission directions are available on the website.
• Candidates whose application materials support their readiness for graduate study in this field will be contacted to schedule a personal interview with program staff as part of the application process.
• Candidates will be notified of admittance decisions, and those accepted into the program will then register for course work and attend a program orientation session.