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Graduate Counseling Admission Requirements

The Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling (MSMHC) and the Master of Science in School Counseling  (MSSC) programs have a two-pronged admission process. Students initially apply for admission to the degree program. Those admitted to the program must later apply for admission to the Professional Sequence for the Mental Health or School Counseling Program.

All materials required to support the student application process for the degree program will be uploaded into the application portal.  Access to view and upload the required supplemental items will become available after the application has officially been "submitted" allowing the candidate to log back into the application portal.  

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Admission Requirements for Degree-Seeking Applicants

The following are the admission requirements for applicants for the MS in Mental Health Counseling (MSMHC)  and the MS in School Counseling programs (MSSC):

  • Must have earned a bachelor's degree (typically in a human service or social science discipline) and have completed prerequisite coursework in general psychology and research methods/statistics. Applicants who are seeking admission but have not completed the prerequisite coursework must develop and submit a plan for completing the prerequisites. The plan submitted to the Admissions Committee should include provisions for demonstrating competencies in prerequisites through either completing coursework at Viterbo University or another accredited college or passing the appropriate CLEP examination. Students with deficits in coursework/ demonstrated competencies may be conditionally admitted prior to fulfilling these requirements.

 

  • An undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale is eligible for admission. Applicants with a lower GPA must submit a letter with their application materials outlining special circumstances to explain why they believe their undergraduate GPA does not reflect their potential and readiness for graduate studies. These applicants will be considered for admission on an individual basis for provisional acceptance into the program. 

 

  • Submit an essay, personal statement, outlining from the lens of the program you are applying into your academic interests, career goals, reasons for pursuing graduate studies, and relevant life and professional experience.  Candidates applying to the School Counseling program should also include a paragraph discussing prior employment or volunteer experiences working with children.  The essay should be a typed, double-spaced document, written in APA format answering questions clearly and concisely in approximately two pages (approximately 500 words).

 

  • School Counseling Candidates:  Must complete a formal background check as part of the application process and again, before internship/practicum placements. While the findings from this background check may not preclude program enrollment, problematic findings are likely to restrict practicum and internship placements and complicate the successful completion of the program. In addition, such issues may preclude state licensure.  Clinical Mental Health Counseling students will also be required to complete a background check before any internship/practicum placements.   If you have questions or concerns surrounding offenses that would impact licensing, please review your licensing board requirements. 

 

  • Submit two letters of recommendation supporting your candidacy for the Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling degree submitted by individuals familiar with the applicant’s educational and vocational performance and potential. Please complete the recommendation request forms on the supplemental items page in your application portal and an email notification will be sent to your recommenders.
 
  • Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions must be submitted directly from the school to Viterbo University.  Transcripts can be sent electronically to transcripts@viterbo.edu or mailed to Enrollment Operations, Viterbo University, 900 Viterbo Drive, La Crosse, WI 54601.  Candidates with International credentials, please review the information below for International Students or Degrees. 

 

  • Read and sign the Student Financial Responsibility Agreement which provides you with Viterbo institutional Business Office policies surrounding late fees, interest rates, the refund schedule, an electronic signature release form, and other information. The link to complete the online form will be available on your supplemental items list inside your application portal after the application is submitted.

Applicants must submit all required materials (i.e., application, personal statement, transcripts, test scores, background check information, and recommendations). Completed applications are accepted each year depending on space availability and reviewed by the Admission Committee.

  • Qualified applicants will then be scheduled for a personal interview with program staff and complete experiential activities.

 

 

International Students or Degrees | Additional Requirements

In addition to the above admissions requirements, international candidates seeking an F-1 Student Visa, or those who are on an immigration status allowed to study in the USA, or citizens who earned a bachelor's or master's degree outside of the USA, please follow these additional instructions.  International applications are processed in conjunction with International Admissions  (international@viterbo.edu or phone 608-796-3171).

English Language Requirements

International applicants who are non-native English speakers will need to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language.  These are the approved testing agencies and scores necessary for Graduate programs at Viterbo.

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test or 79 on the Internet-based exam. 
  • International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) score of at least 6.5
  • Duolingo English Test with a score of 115 or higher
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of at least 53

 English language (ESL) courses are also offered at Viterbo University and may be required as a condition to acceptance into the MBA program.

Viterbo University reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant it deems unfit to participate in its MBA program.

Transcript Evaluations

Candidates applying for admission to a graduate program may submit official transcripts/marks for evaluation by the institution.  Alternatively, Graduate Admissions highly recommends seeking a course-by-course evaluation with GPA from an approved National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) organization.  The evaluation must be submitted directly by the Evaluation Agency to Viterbo University.  They can be sent to transcripts@viterbo.edu or graduateadmissions@viterbo.edu.  Many of these agencies also offer Document Translation services, so you do not need to seek a separate agency if your transcripts are not written in English. 

Below is a list of a few agencies that candidates have utilized in the past with positive experiences. 

Internationally Educated but not an International Student

You are only considered an International Student if you will need an F-1 Visa to enroll at Viterbo University.  However, if you obtained your undergraduate degree outside of the U.S.A., please see the Transcript Evaluations information above.  We highly recommend that you submit your marks/transcripts for an official evaluation to an evaluation agency listed above.  Please contact your graduate admission representative for guidance. 

Admission Requirements | Non-Degree Seeking Applicants

On a space-available basis, the program will occasionally allow students to enroll to take up to six hours (two courses) as a non-degree, Student-At-Large.  Candidates interested in this path should contact the Director of Graduate Admissions at GradAdmissions@viterbo.edu or call 608.796.3011 to explore this option.  Approval to apply is granted by the program based upon space availability.

Once approved to proceed with the application processes candidates must submit the following items:

  • Submit an application for admission to the M.S. in Mental Health Counseling Program as a non-degree, no-program student.
  • Submit official transcripts from the degree-granting institutions (must be sent directly to Viterbo University from the College/University to transcripts@viterbo.edu or Graduate Admissions, Viterbo University, 900 Viterbo Drive, La Crosse, WI 54601.
  • Read and sign the Student Financial Responsibility Agreement providing you Viterbo's institutional Business Office policies, fees, and refund schedule and electronic form, and signature information. The link to complete the online form will be available on your supplemental items list inside your application portal, after the application is submitted.