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 January 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.

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
• Research Methods
• Abnormal Psychology
• Learning Theory

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 2023 applicants and will not be used to evaluate applicants. The GRE may be submitted to establish math proficiency. 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.

Personal Statement

In 2-3 pages double-spaced, address the following:

• Your professional and career goals
• Research interests and experiences
• Qualifications for admission to this graduate program
• How your interests and goals fit with this graduate program

Letters of Recommendation

You will enter into the online application system the names and email addresses of three individuals who will write your letters. Your recommenders then will be contacted about uploading their letters into the system. 

Applicant Interview Day – Friday, March 3, 2023

Selected applicants will be invited to participate in required interviews and program informational meetings, which will be held on campus. The Applicant Interview Day schedule includes interviews with faculty members and meetings with current graduate students and other invited applicants. Invited applicants will be contacted by the graduate coordinator.

Application Deadlines

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

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