Counseling Program Admission Requirements

Admission Eligibility

DePaul offers three concentrations within its Counseling master's degree program: College Counseling and Student Affairs, Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. To be eligible to enroll in the Counseling program, students must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

A School Counselor Licensure program is also available. To be eligible to enroll in it, students must hold a master's degree in a Counseling-related discipline.

Application Requirements

A complete application to one of the Counseling programs will include the following materials:

• Graduate admission application
• $40 domestic application fee, $75 international application fee
• Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
• Résumé
• Letters of recommendation from professors or work supervisors; applicants to the master's degree program are required to submit three letters.
• Personal statement* answering all of the following questions (the entire statement should not exceed 1,500 words or approximately 300 words per question):
  
  • Discuss why you want to enter the counseling field. Demonstrate in your response that you have researched the field and have a basic understanding of what counseling professionals do.
  • Given what you have researched about the profession, discuss your short-term and long-term goals should you eventually graduate from our program. Integrate into your response why DePaul's counseling program will help you achieve your goals. 
  • Discuss why self-awareness, self-reflection and self-care are important skills for counselors. Explain ways in which you would attend to all of these should you be a student in our program. 
  • Explain how your personal values and ethical beliefs will be an asset to you as a future counselor, and explain any challenges you may face in future practice. Provide concrete examples from your personal or professional life to help illustrate your points.
  • Discuss your understanding of "multicultural proficiency" and "social justice". Explain how you believe they play a role in the work of counseling professionals as well as how they fit with your own beliefs and values. Provide concrete examples from your personal and professional life to help illustrate your points.

*Please note: All personal statements must include the following statement:

I attest that this essay is an accurate reflection of my writing ability. This personal statement is my original work and has been written by me, [insert your name].

Applicants who have earned a degree outside of the U.S. or who will be considered international students must submit additional materials. Visit our International Students page for more information.

Applicants can upload supplemental application materials, send requests for letters of recommendation, and pay the application fee through our online application system.

Application Deadlines

The Counseling program admits new students every fall quarter. It has set admission deadlines; prospective students must complete an application by the following dates to be considered for admission:

Information Sessions

Learn more about the Counseling graduate program and meet with program faculty at an upcoming information session.

Ready to apply?