Admissions

Admission Policies and Procedures

The Counseling Program admits new students at different points throughout the year. Admission selections are based on a comprehensive review using all required application materials and information submitted. Admission to the Counseling Program is competitive and reflects a holistic consideration of the full spectrum of the applicant’s qualifications, based on all evidence provided in the application, and viewed in the context of the applicant’s academic and personal circumstances.

Minimum Program Admissions Requirements

The established guidelines for admission are as follows:

1. A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university;

2. An overall minimum 2.75 undergraduate grade point average on a 4.0 scale;

3. An acceptable undergraduate statistics or research methods course with a grade of C or higher;

4. Those who have an undergraduate GPA higher than 3.0 or those who hold a conferred master’s degree or higher, are not required to take the GRE, MAT, or PLT. A GPA lower than 3.0 requires acceptable test scores from one of the previous standardized tests completed within the last 5 years;

5. Three letters of recommendations (at least two from professional references);

6. Successful completion of an interview with Counseling Program Admissions Committee; and

7. Recommendation for admission from the Counseling Program Admissions Committee.

Completing the Application Process

To apply to the Counseling Program, applicants must complete the Online Application found here: RMU Admissions

When completing the application, be prepared to:

• Submit a statement of professional goals, on the application, which should include an essay describing your reasons for wanting to become a professional counselor, any relevant experiences in helping others, and important events that have influenced your career goals.

• Submit test scores from GRE, MAT, or PLT (if required; standardized admissions scores are not required if UGPA is above a 3.0).

• Submit a Resume or CV. Tailored to graduate school, including detailed employment history, career history, extracurricular activities, and so forth.

• Submit the names and contact information for three people that can provide letters of recommendation. The recommendations are ideally from a former or current supervisor or professional colleague who is able to comment on your ability to apply evidence in practice.

• Submit official transcripts from each prior undergraduate and graduate institution from which a degree was earned. Official transcripts may be mailed or emailed. Official transcripts must originate from the institution’s Registrar’s Office. Any transcripts emailed from the applicant will be considered unofficial.

• Pay a $100 Non-refundable admissions deposit. This will be applied towards tuition per acceptance into the program.

PLEASE NOTE: It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all required materials are received by the admissions committee by the application deadline. Only complete applicant files will be considered for admission. The Counseling Program Coordinator can help facilitate the application process.

Transfer Credits

Students that have previously completed graduate work may be allowed to transfer in credits. Students must work with the Registrar’s Office (registrar@rm.edu) to submit appropriate requests and provide needed documentation and receive written approval before those credits will be counted towards the degree. The Counseling Program Coordinator can help facilitate the application process.

Associated Costs with Counseling Program

While there is a cost associated with developing and maintaining a high-quality program, every attempt will be made to keep this cost manageable. Students should be aware that there is a range of training fees, including:

• Application fee. (Currently $100. See here for Current Admissions Dates: Admission Dates)

• Tuition and student fees. (See here for Current Tuition and Fees: RMU Tuition and Fees. Also, see here for Financial Aid Information: RMU Financial Aid)

• Books and course fees. (The Counseling Program uses Cengage Unlimited for most, but not all, textbooks. The cost for this is $100 per semester. This also covers the first taking of the comprehensive exam and other course costs.)

• Professional membership dues. (Students will be required to join a professional counseling organization. Several options are available. For example, some might want to join, ACA, ASCA, AMHCA, or another. The cost of these varies. However, student memberships are fairly reasonable, around $100 per year. See Professional Organizations)

• Malpractice insurance premiums. (Students will be required to maintain Malpractice insurance while in practicum and internship. The good news is that this is included in most Professional Organizations' student membership. Make sure you check the organizations' benefits.)

• Licensure Testing fees. (The Counseling Program will provide information on licensure testing, e.g., NCE and Praxis. However, these will have to be taken in connection with state requirements.

PLEASE NOTE: The list above was created to help inform students accepted into the Counseling Program to prepare for additional costs related to the counseling field; it is not intended to be exhaustive.