ADMISSION CRITERIA AND APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE
MASTER’S PROGRAM IN COUNSELING (M.Ed.) at OHIO UNIVERSITY
The Ohio University Master’s program in Counseling offers three specializations. Program areas of
specialization are nationally accredited by the Council for Accreditation for Counseling and Related
Educational Programs (CACREP) and the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). A minimum of
60 semester hours is required to earn the M.Ed. in Counseling.
Applicants are advised to apply as soon as possible.
The deadline for applications is February 15 each year for summer or fall admission. However in order
to be considered for financial assistance applications should be received by January 15. Students are
admitted to begin the program in the fall semester each year, and may begin taking coursework in the
summer preceding fall admission. Students cannot begin the program in spring.
Students in the Master’s program in Counseling at Ohio University must choose a primary specialization
area in:
 Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Code: ME 6278)
o Eligible to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Ohio after passing an
examination required by the Ohio Counselor Social Worker Marriage and Family Therapy
Board.
 Rehabilitation Counseling (Code: ME 6279)
o Eligible to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor nationally after passing a national
examination required by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.
 School Counseling (Code: ME 6274)
o Eligible to become a Licensed School Counselor in the State of Ohio after completion of an
examination required by the State Department of Education.
Note: Students may choose to complete a second area of specialization by taking additional courses.
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
Applicants for the M.Ed. Program in Counseling must apply online to Ohio University’s Graduate
College http://www.ohio.edu/graduate/apply/
Questions about how to apply can be directed to Graduate College – graduate@ohio.edu or
740-593-2800. Additional information on the Graduate application process at OU may be found in the
Graduate Catalog: http://www.catalogs.ohio.edu/content.php?catoid=41&navoid=2624#app_and_admit
The following materials are required to be submitted:
 Transcripts showing a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 2.9 or higher
o Students with a GPA lower than 2.9 may apply by submitting Verbal and Quantitative
scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
 Three letters of recommendation written by current or former professors or supervisors, or others
in the field who can address the applicant’s suitability for a graduate program in counseling.
o Note that letters of recommendation must be submitted online by the authors of the letters.
However if your references prefer to submit hard copies please contact Graduate College
to check on how to submit hard copies. Program faculty may contact your references for
further information.
 Personal Statement of approximately 5 double-spaced typed pages from the applicant addressing
specific questions including:
Applying to the Master’s program in Counseling at Ohio University
1
o
o
o
o
o
o
What are your career goals? What experiences and/or persons in your life have influenced
your career goals?
What experiences have you had that you believe would help you be successful in a
graduate program in counselor education?
Describe your personal characteristics that will be assets and challenges to your study in
counselor education. What qualities do you possess that you think would enable you to
become an effective counselor?
Describe your culturally relevant interpersonal experiences with individuals or groups who
are different from you (race, gender, age, disability status, etc.).
Counselor preparation involves a great deal of self-exploration and discovery. How will
you manage your personal and professional boundaries in this process?
What distinguishes you from other candidates for the counselor education program?
Upon completion of the online application process, applicants must send an email to
ceadmission@ohio.edu (a) stating the date the application was submitted, (b) listing all the materials
submitted, and (c) listing the names and contact information of your references.
NOTE: Incomplete applications will not be forwarded by Graduate College to program faculty for
review.
REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS AND COMMUNICATION OF ADMISSION DECISIONS





Applications will be reviewed by the Counselor Education faculty as they are made available.
Applicants who are short-listed by faculty will be invited for a one-hour group interview.
After the group-interview applicants will be informed if they are being recommended for
admission into the program.
Official notices of admission are sent by Graduate College by email. Students are required to
respond in a timely manner and inform Graduate College if they will be accepting the offer of
admission.
Students who accept an offer of admission and then change their minds about attending must
inform the Program Coordinator and Graduate College immediately.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS


International students must submit all required materials outlined above. In addition, the Ohio
University Graduate College provides guidelines and English Language proficiency requirements
for international student applications (http://www.ohio.edu/graduate/apply/international.cfm)
Interviews with international students are likely to be conducted on Skype
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Students interested in applying for financial assistance through graduate assistantships or other forms of
tuition waivers should apply before January 15. http://www.ohio.edu/education/academicprograms/counseling-and-higher-education/counseloreducation/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&PageID=2150676
QUESTIONS?
Contact Dr. Christine Suniti Bhat
Counselor Education Program Coordinator
(bhatc@ohio.edu)
Applying to the Master’s program in Counseling at Ohio University
2