Admissions for Counseling Degrees

Master's programs

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, usually with a minimum GPA. Many programs accept any major; some list psychology or human-development prerequisites.
• A personal statement, recommendations and a résumé are common. Many programs add an individual or group interview, because counseling is a relational profession.
• Some programs require or warn about criminal background checks, which practicum sites and licensing boards may also require.
• GRE policies are shown exactly as published. A program that does not mention the GRE is shown as not verified — never as “no GRE”.
• Deadlines are listed by intake (for example Fall 2027); many counseling programs admit once a year in cohorts.

Master's admission requirements · Applying without a psychology degree

Doctoral programs

Doctoral programs in counselor education and supervision usually expect a master's degree in counseling (often from a CACREP-accredited program), counseling experience and, in some programs, licensure or eligibility for it. Research fit and recommendations weigh heavily, and assistantship decisions are often tied to admission. Funding is shown only as the program states it.

PhD vs. EdD in counselor education · Doctoral programs

Bachelor's programs

Undergraduates usually apply to the university, then declare the major. A bachelor's degree in counseling or addiction studies does not lead to licensure as a professional counselor by itself; licensure as a counselor requires a graduate degree in every state.

Bachelor's programs · Bachelor's vs. master's vs. doctoral

Before you apply

Decide where you intend to practice. Check the program's licensure disclosure for that state, its CACREP status for your specialty and format, and how practicum and internship sites are found. These matter more for licensure than the admission checklist.

What is CACREP accreditation? · Practicum and internship placements