Admissions Decision

Application files are given to program faculty for review. After completing the admissions process, each program presents their admissions recommendations to the Graduate Admissions Committee. The Committee (whose membership includes department chairs, faculty, and the graduate school dean) reviews the recommendations and makes the final decision regarding each candidate’s admission.

Admissions decisions are based on a holistic assessment of an applicant’s potential to be a competent, ethical, and compassionate practitioner. The program faculty and the Graduate Admission Committee carefully and thoughtfully consider many factors when evaluating candidates: prior academic experience and record, writing ability, references, interpersonal skills, professional experience, and program-specific requirements. An individual’s personal integrity and professional fitness are also relevant to the admissions process. Meeting the minimum entrance requirements of a given program does not guarantee admission.

Meeting the minimum entrance requirements of a given program does not guarantee admission. Conditional admission may be granted to applicants who meet certain admission requirements at the minimal level if other indicators suggest probable success in the program of study.

Admission Notification

Each applicant will be notified of an admission decision via email. The decision letter will be posted on your application status page. No information regarding your admission status will be given over the phone.

Candidates denied admission to the Graduate School may not appeal the decision. Specific information regarding an admission decision is confidential and will not be discussed. Denied applicants may reapply to the same program twice and no additional applications will be considered.

Graduate Reply Process

If admitted to a Counseling, Therapy, School Psychology, School Counseling, Student Affairs Administration, Master of Arts in Teaching, or Educational Leadership (EdD) degree program, you will be required to complete a Graduate Reply form indicating your decision regarding the offer of admission. If you choose to attend, a $100 nonrefundable tuition deposit is required in order to hold a space in the entering class.

Deferral Information

The graduate school offers admission with the expectation that students will matriculate in the semester specified during the application process. We understand that extraordinary circumstances can prevent enrollment. In that case, you may request a deferral of your admission for one full year from your original intended start term (i.e. Fall 2023 to Fall 2024.) You may only request a deferral for the same program to which you were admitted. If you want to enter a different program, you will need to submit a new application and follow all admissions requirements and deadlines for the new program.

$100 tuition deposit is required to start the deferral process. All deferrals are subject to faculty approval. If approved, a space will be reserved in the future year and the deposit becomes nonrefundable and is applied to next year’s tuition. If your request for a deferral is denied, you may apply for admission for the next year. The $100 tuition deposit will be refunded.