Counseling and
Educational Development
Admissions
The Admissions Process
Each year, cohorts of new students (i.e., doctoral students and master's or master's/educational specialist students) are recommended for admission into the counseling program by an Admissions Committee made up of program faculty. Admission is for fall semester only. Criteria for selection include GRE scores; undergraduate, and, if applicable, graduate grade point average; three references (at least one academic reference); work and volunteer experience; research background; and professional goals presented in a personal/professional statement. All students must submit GRE scores from a test taken within the last five years. This is a Graduate School requirement and cannot be waived for any reason. In regards to the personal statement, this essay is generally 2-3 pages in which students provide information regarding their reasons for pursuing the counseling profession, any relevant experience, personal career goals, and why UNCG would be a good fit for their educational aspirations. In light of the fact that we do not conduct admissions interviews at the master’s level, this essay is an important opportunity to allow the admissions committee to “get to know you.”
We are now implementing a completely elecronic application process. To apply follow these steps:
- Go to http://www.uncg.edu/grs/
- Click on "Prospective Students"
- Click on "apply online" and follow the instructions to create an account
Completed doctoral applications must be received at the Graduate School by November 15th.
Completed master's applications (MS, MS/EdS) must be received at the Graduate School by February 15th.
Applications that are not complete by the respective deadlines are not reviewed. Contact the Graduate School to determine all required information has been received there.
Applicants are notified of their admission status usually within two weeks of the Admissions Committee's decision; typically, students receive notification no later than April 15.
All applicants are encouraged to file their applications as early as possible so that they may be considered for a competitive University or School of Education award. The University-wide awards competition, conducted by the Graduate School, is based on exceptional scholarship. Examples of these awards include Excellence Fund Fellowships and Greensboro Graduate Scholar Awards. Of our current students, 4 have received Excellence Fund Fellowships and 12 have received a Greensboro Graduate Scholar Award. School of Education awards include the Marian Pope Franklin Scholarship; school counseling students from North Carolina are eligible for the award. Nominations for these awards are completed by Departmental faculty members. No further action is needed on your part.