Counseling and
Educational Development
Admissions Process Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I enroll in the counseling program at UNCG part-time?
- We offer a full-time/day-time program at UNCG. Students are not admitted on a part-time basis and courses are generally offered between 9am and 5pm. The program adheres to the cohort model where students begin in the fall semester and progress in developmental sequence courses, practica, and internship requirements as a unit. The model is extremely effective for creating group cohesion and fostering a supportive learning environment.
2. What does an average week in the master's program look like?
- Along with coursework, students in the master's program also are involved in practicum experiences, supervision, and clinical work .Students generally are on campus four to five days each week to fulfill their various program responsibilities. Each class is three hours long and meets one time per week. Most classes also have a practicum which generally involves an out-of-class, clinical application assignment. Finally, students meet with practicum supervisors at various times to process their experience in the practicum courses.
3. What is the difference between the M S. and the M.S./Eds?
- We offer a dual degree program, the M. S./Eds, in which students can obtain a master's degree as well as a "specialization in education" (Eds). The M. S./Eds program lasts two and a half years, while the M. S. which lasts two years, and requires the completion of additional courses. All students in the couple and family track are required to complete the M.S./Eds, but students in the other three tracks also have the option of obtaining the additional specialization. Students who make this choice typically either 1) are seeking more depth and breadth in their preparation and/or 2) are seeking a dual track endorsement (i.e., meeting both school counseling and community counseling degree and licensure requirements).
4. Do I have to take the GRE in order to apply?
- The GRE is a requirement for all UNCG graduate students. The Department requires general GRE scores from a test taken within the last five years. Visit www.takethegre.com to find a testing center near you.
5. Are the deadlines for admission flexible?
- Due to the large volume of applications received each year, the deadlines are final. (November 15th for doctoral applicants and February 15th for master's applicants).
6. Can I start the master's or doctoral program in the spring?
- Our program is very sequential and developmental. Each semester's coursework assumes successful completion of the coursework in the previous semester(s). Thus, we admit one time each year for the master's and doctoral program. Both begin in the fall semester and we do not admit students in the spring.
7. Can I take courses before I am admitted into the program?
- Students can take counseling courses as a non-master's student through the UNCG Visions program. This program is available for non-degree students who currently hold an undergraduate degree and are seeking graduate-level information in a particular area of study. There are 3 counseling courses offered to non-master's students: women's issues (CED 574), stress management (CED 574), and helping skills for non-majors (CED 610). If later admitted into the master's program, Visions' students potentially can transfer one of these courses as an elective, but it is not guaranteed. The CED 610 for non-majors, however, cannot substitute for CED 610 for majors (due to the different requirements) and cannot count as an elective or toward any other program requirement. The Visions program is designed to give potential applicants an inside look into the counseling field rather than a head-start in their graduate program. If you would like more information about the Visions program, including application information, please call the Graduate School at 336.334.5596.
8. Who is able to apply for the post master's certificates?
- The post master's certificates are offered to individuals who have a master's in counseling and would like additional coursework in another track. Applicants with counseling degrees from schools that are not CACREP-accredited may need to fulfill co-requisite course requirements. PMCs are generally completed in two to four semesters. PMCs are offered in the following specializations:
- Couple and family counseling (21 hours)
- Gerontological counseling (18 hours)
- School counseling (24 hours)
Deadlines for the PMC program are as follows:
- Fall-- July 1
- Spring--November 1
- Summer--April 1
Admission requirements include the Graduate School application, GRE scores (general), two official copies of all transcripts from colleges and universities, a personal statement, complete resume, and three letters of recommendation.
9. Who can apply for the post master's certificate in advanced school counseling?
- Applicants for the PMC in advanced school counseling (S level license) must have completed a 48 hour master's program in school counseling, have an active M level license, and at least two years of school counseling experience. Courses for the advanced school counseling post master's certificate are offered online, but students are required to come to campus two times each semester.
10. Can I apply to the PhD program if my master's degree is in something other than counseling?
- The doctoral program is built upon the equivalent of a CACREP master's degree, so it is assumed that students already have a broad foundation and successful clinical experience in the field of counseling. On occasion, we do consider applicants who have a master's degree in disciplines other than counseling (but closely related). These applicants, however, need to meet all internship, practica, and course requirements of the master's in counseling. Otherwise; they have pre-or co-requisites beyond the requirements of the doctoral program.