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Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MSMHC) Admission Requirements

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Admission Requirements

Admission to the program is based on an evaluation of demonstrated academic ability and potential for success in therapeutic counseling settings. Students enter the program at the beginning of the Fall semester only.

The application deadline is November 3, 2025, for the class beginning in August 2026. Late applications may be considered on a space-available basis.

A candidate for admission must submit the following materials to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

  • Application
  • $50 application fee (participation in an online or on-campus visit waives this fee).
  • Official college or university transcripts from all colleges or universities attended showing proof of baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. Transcripts are considered official when sent directly from the school or transcript service.
  • Professional statement. Address the following prompt in approximately 2 pages, double-spaced:
    • Share your motivation, preparation, and commitment to the field of mental health counseling. And how do you see yourself making an impact in the field?
  • Professional résumé detailing professional work experience, including relevant job titles, work experiences, responsibilities, and related activities.
  • 3 letters of recommendation from academic and professional colleagues who can address the candidate's academic and interpersonal skills relevant to practice as a professional counselor.
  • Academic Writing Sample* (waived for applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher).
  • Statement of Academic History* (waived for applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher).

*These additional materials offer applicants the opportunity to demonstrate their academic potential and readiness for graduate-level coursework. The review committee will carefully review these materials alongside other components of the application to assess the applicant's qualifications and suitability for admission.

  • Academic Writing Sample: Applicants must provide a sample of their academic writing, typically a research paper, thesis excerpt, or essay that demonstrates their ability to engage with complex ideas, conduct scholarly research, and communicate effectively in written form. If the applicant does not have an academic writing sample to share, they may email the Office of Graduate Admissions at gradadmissions@westminsteru.edu for a writing prompt.
  • Statement of Academic History: This statement should provide context for the applicant's academic performance, including any challenges or extenuating circumstances that may have influenced their GPA. Applicants should use this opportunity to explain any fluctuations in grades, gaps in their academic record, or other relevant factors that the review committee should consider when evaluating their application.

Once accepted to the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, applicants must submit a $250 non-refundable  enrollment deposit.

When an individual's application file is complete with required documents and according to application dates, the application materials are evaluated by the MSCMHC Admissions Committee. An interview with mental health counseling faculty will be arranged by the School of Nursing & Health Sciences. Once accepted into the program, the applicant must submit a $250 tuition deposit within 3 weeks (21 days), which guarantees a place in the entering class. Students admitted from the waitlist have 2 weeks (14 days) to pay the $250 tuition deposit. To preserve the faculty to student ratio, space availability in each class is limited. Westminster University reserves the right to close the class earlier than dates specified if enrollment goals are met before those dates.