Psychology - Clinical-Counseling Psychology

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to a master's program must:

• Have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or prior to fall admission
• Send official transcripts from each college or university, other than Illinois State, where graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. Transcripts should be emailed from the school to Admissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Office of Admissions, Campus Box 2200, Normal, IL 61790-2200

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Office of Admissions.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

Complete your application by December 1.

Admission is offered only for the fall semester and is very competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Admission offers are sent in March. The Council for Graduate Schools stipulates that an applicant has until April 15 to accept or decline an admission offer. Some admission offers may be delayed until applicants notify the department that they are declining admission.

Individuals applying for the Clinical-Counseling Psychology program can not apply and be considered for admission for another Psychology graduate program or sequence.

Generally, students serving their Clinical-Counseling practicum placements must meet the requirements to qualify as an MHP (Mental Health Provider) in Illinois. This requirement typically is fulfilled by having "A bachelor's degree in counseling and guidance, rehabilitation counseling, social work, education, vocational counseling, psychology, pastoral counseling, family therapy, or a related human service field."

• Applicants with bachelor's degrees in other fields can consult the Illinois Department of Human Services Rule 132 for additional ways in which MHP requirements can be met.

To be considered for this program, you must meet the following requirements:

GPA

Have a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or 3.0 GPA for 9 hours of graduate coursework.

Undergraduate Coursework

You must have completed 15 hours of undergraduate psychology courses, including:

• General Psychology
• Psychological Statistics
• Psychology Research Methods 
• Abnormal Psychology (abnormal psychology; psychopathology) 
• Learning Theory (depending on the specific content, acceptable courses may include learning, cognition, behavior modification, memory, motivation)

You should have proficiency in math. This can be demonstrated by any of the following:

• A passing grade in finite math or Precalculus (MAT 120, MAT 144, or equivalent)
• A grade of B or better in Psychological Statistics (PSY 340 or equivalent),
• A score of 144 or higher on the Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE General Test

If you have not completed all of the required undergraduate courses, it is possible that you may still be admitted. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and competitive applicants will be advised accordingly. Missing courses will be added to your curriculum and, depending on the specific missing courses, must be completed either during your first year of graduate study or prior to beginning the program.

GRE Scores

The GRE is not required for Fall 2025 admission and will not be used to evaluate applicants. The GRE Quantitative Reasoning scores may be submitted only to establish math proficiency if that has not already been met by earning required grades in designated courses in math or psychological statistics. (See the notes on math proficiency under Undergraduate Coursework.) If you wish to submit GRE scores, use institution code 1319.

Application Materials

In addition to meeting general requirements, a complete application will need to include the following items:

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Writing Sample
• Personal Statement
• Three Letters of Recommendation

Curriculum Vitae or Resume

Ensure your curriculum vitae or resume lists your experience. This can be paid or unpaid experience, internships, volunteer work, etc. Include the following information.

• Dates
• Employer or organization
• Business addresses
• Nature of the experiences that are relevant to being admitted to the graduate program
• Received academic honors and awards
• Date received
• Explanation of what the honor or award recognizes
• Research experiences, skills, and accomplishments

Writing Sample

Provide a scholarly writing sample (5-15 pages long). Typical examples have involved papers written in APA format by individuals for a class or a research project. Please submit the writing sample in its entirety - it is permissible to upload a paper that exceeds 15 pages.

Personal Statement

In 3-4 double-spaced pages, address the following:

• Your professional interests and career goals and how these fit with the Clinical-Counseling Psychology program
• Your qualifications for admission to the Clinical-Counseling Psychology program
• Clinically relevant interests and experiences
• Research interests and experiences and how these fit with faculty interests in the Psychology Department
• How your identities, background, and lived experiences have contributed to your interest in pursuing Clinical-Counseling Psychology

Letters of Recommendation

Include in the application the names and email addresses of at least three professional or academic references from persons qualified to assess your potential to succeed in the CCP program. Your recommenders will receive instructions to complete and upload their recommendation letter as well as this reference form. Both are required.

Applicant Interviews

Selected applicants will be invited to participate in required interviews and program informational meetings, which will be held via Zoom. The Applicant Interview and Meeting Schedule includes interviews with faculty members and meetings with current graduate students and other invited applicants. Selected applicants will be contacted and provided with more information about the interview and meeting schedule.

Application Deadlines

• Fall (August) Term — December 1
• Spring (January) Term — No spring admission
• Summer (May/June) Term — No summer admission

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