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Counseling Graduate Programs FAQ

The following are questions commonly asked about the Counseling Graduate programs.


How do I apply for admission into the Graduate Counseling Programs?

The entire application packet is available to you online.  Click on graduate applications to access the page. All required material can be completed via the application process, except the recommendation letters and resume.  You will submit these via email separately. Please view the FAQ/Recommendation letter submission question for full instructions.

Resumes should be sent to the following emails depending which emphasis you choose. mentalhealthcounseling@ewu.edu or schoolcounseling@ewu.edu

Please note that the department application is now included in the online submission provided by the graduate school.  Instructions for the personal statement are now with the application and will be submitted online during that process.

Contact person for the department: Debbie Moradi (509) 359-6886. Contact Keely Hope (509) 359-2439 for questions regarding the Mental Health Counseling Program or Marty Slyter (509) 359-7439 for questions regarding the School Counseling Program.

The application deadline date is February 1.  Fully completed applications have first priority.  If there are still slots to be filled, late applications might be considered.

What should I include in my application?

The application requirements include official undergraduate transcripts (and graduate transcripts, if applicable), two letters of reference, General GRE scores, resume, and a personal statement including the following: (1) the reasons you want to become a professional counselor AND (2) your primary professional objectives once you attain your training and degree.

We recommend you write your personal statement prior to completing the online application. Take your time and create a well thought out answer to these questions. Create this as a Word Document so that you may copy into your application at the appropriate time. Make sure to answer both questions in your statement.

Application to the university and department are completed online.

Can I apply to both the Mental Health and School Counseling emphasis?

No. Professionally these two fields are very different. While there are many classes that the students share, the specialties are unique. To understand the difference, we recommend you spend a bit of time researching what settings each of the degrees would ultimately afford you. That will help guide you in your decision to apply for one of the tracks.

You require a personal statement. What should I write about?

We recommend you write your personal statement prior to completing the online application. Take your time and create a well thought out answer to these questions. Create this as a Word Document so that you may copy into your application at the appropriate time. Make sure to answer both questions in your statement.

Address the following topics: (1) the reasons you want to become a professional counselor AND (2) your primary professional objectives once you attain your training and degree.

When should I take the GRE in order to have it sent to you before the deadline?

Although the GRE is now commonly taken online at a testing site and the student learns his or her unofficial scores almost immediately, the scores do not get sent to the university quite as fast.

Official GRE scores are not send to the chosen university until approximately 10 to 15 days after the original test date. In addition, these scores are mailed to the graduate studies office.

In order to assure that your scores are in the hands of the committee by February 1st (deadline), you should plan to take the GRE by December 31st of the year before the application deadline. For example, if you were applying for the February 1, 2012 deadline, ideally you would have taken the GRE prior to December 31, 2011.

How do I submit my recommendation letters?

1. You will download the form. Click here to access the page. 2 Fill out the top portion with your information. 3. Save your changes and name the document: RecLetter YOURLASTNAME.pdf  4. Then, you will email the form to your referral source to complete. Please make note that you do not need to print out these forms. 5. Once he or she has completed the form and written a supplemental letter, he or she may email it directly to either mentalhealthcounseling@ewu.edu or schoolcounseling@ewu.edu. 6. Follow-up with the department to see if the letters have arrived.

This form is in pdf format. Please note you need to use Adobe Reader (a free download) to view AND save. Please inform the individuals who are making the recommendation that the form must be opened using that program.

Download Adobe Reader here.

Can I take classes part-time or is this a full time program?

Currently there is no part-time option. Our program is run using a cohort model.  Academic and clinical courses are presented in a structured sequence that requires full time attendance for both years of the program.  A new entering class begins each fall quarter and proceeds through their two-year program together. 

How long does it take to complete the program?

Two full academic years.  This includes the 600 or 900 hour internship requirement. Length depends on program emphasis.

How are classes scheduled?

First year students have classes Monday through Thursday of each week, generally from 8:00 a.m. to noon.  Occasionally, a class may be scheduled for early afternoon.  Second year students have classes on Monday and Tuesday and are at their internship sites Wednesday through Friday.  The only weekend courses are one-credit electives that usually meet Friday evening and all day Saturday for just one weekend.

Can I work while studying in the Counseling Programs?

Some students are able to work part time during their first year, but it is very difficult to work while attending classes and successfully completing the internship the second year. The answer may rely on the student and the student's needs outside of school.

How many applicants are admitted each year?

Currently, twelve to fifteen students are admitted per program each year.  Because our programs are nationally certified by CACREP, we maintain a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio.  We routinely have more academically qualified applicants than we can admit.

How many credits will I complete during my course of study?

93 or 95 credits depending on which emphasis you choose.

How are new students selected from among the pool of applicants?

Strong consideration is given to demonstrated academic excellence.  We want students who will be competent in a graduate level course of study.  In addition, the faculty focuses on the applicant's maturity, interpersonal skills, and prior experience in a helping role with others.  Each applicant's file is reviewed by each member of the Counselor Education faculty using a weighted scoring sheet that considers GPA, GRE scores, strength of letters of recommendation, prior experience, and professionalism of the applicant's written personal statement.  Faculty members then decide collectively on which students will be further considered for admission.  Each applicant still in consideration is interviewed by the faculty and completes a writing sample as part of the interview process.  A final decision on members of the next cohort is reached by early March.

Do I have to have an undergraduate degree in psychology to be admitted?

No. While many of our students have a degree in psychology or a closely related field, each year, students are admitted with undergraduate degrees in such disciplines as communication, education, business, nursing, or social work.  However, most of those students must complete pre-requisite courses that prepare them for graduate work in the counseling field.  If you have any questions about whether or not you have taken the equivalent of a pre-requisite course, check with a member of the Counselor Education faculty.

Are there any specific undergraduate courses required for admission?

Yes. The following courses (or the equivalent from another department or university) must be completed prior to beginning the program:

CEDP 319-This is a statistics course offered by our department

CEDP 468-Tests, Measurements, and Evaluation (a survey course about psychological testing)

CEDP 444-Introduction to the Counseling Profession (includes development of basic dyadic communication skills)

CEDP 483-Group Dynamics (an overview of group communication, stages of group development, conflict resolution, and teamwork principles).

If you have questions regarding an equivalent course, please contact a Counseling faculty member.

What if I cannot get the pre-requisite courses completed prior to the application deadline?

Students do not have to complete all the academic pre-requisite courses in order to apply, but they must have a feasible plan for completing the pre-requisites to be considered.  If selected for admission to the program, all pre-requisites must be completed before the applicant may enroll in fall counseling graduate courses.

I'm already studying in another counseling graduate program. May I transfer courses if I am accepted into your program?

With rare exception, courses can be transferred in only from other CACREP programs.  The maximum number of credits that can be transferred into our program is 12 quarter credits or 9 semester credits, and this requires approval of the faculty.

What is the job placement rate for graduates of the Counseling Programs?

Very high, even in economically difficult times.  Because of the strengths and reputation of the program, graduates routinely find full time positions in their field within a few months of completing the program.
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