Admission Requirements

For Admission into the Graduate School

1. Submit a graduate school application directly to the Graduate Admissions Office located in Davidson Hall Room 116.
2. Arrange to have official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate courses (except Central) sent directly by your college or university to the Graduate Admissions Office.
3. Additional required materials (essay, three letters of recommendation) must be uploaded to Graduate Admissions during the application process.

Admission requirements differ for the various programs within Counselor Education and Family Therapy. The following information describes the different program requirements.

M.S. in Counselor Education with Specialization in Clinical Professional Counseling, School Counseling, and Student Development in Higher Education

The School Counseling, Clinical Professional Counseling, and Student Development in Higher Education programs admit students only one time per year. The deadline for receiving admissions materials, including official transcripts, is February 1.

Admissions decisions will be made on the basis of the following factors:

1. Grade point average for all undergraduate courses. Minimum requirement is a 2.70 grade point average (GPA) based on a 4.00 point scale where A is 4.00. Official transcripts must be mailed to Central by the college or university the applicant attended. The deadline for official transcripts is February 1.
2. Three recommendations from individuals able to testify to the student's suitability as a prospective counselor.
3. A 2-3 page typewritten (double spaced) essay describing the following:

• Reasons for entering the counseling profession.
• Personal and professional experiences that influenced you to pursue the counseling profession.
• Personal characteristics you believe will contribute to your success as a counselor.
• A personal interview by the program's faculty admissions committee. The committee will assess the student's personal attributes and life experiences that might contribute to the student's potential for success as a professional counselor.

Additional Requirements for School Counseling:

All candidates to the school counseling program must provide test scores from one of the following with their test scores: Praxis Core, SAT, or ACT.

More information about the PRAXIS CORE TESTS may be obtained by calling (609) 771-7395 or by accessing the PRAXIS web site.

Effective July 1, 2010, Connecticut law requires all students in teacher/educator certification programs to undergo state and national criminal history background checks before participating in school-based field experiences. The procedures for obtaining the background checks and the length of time they are valid will be established by the State Department of Education and cannot be changed. You will be responsible for the cost of the background check and will be provided with the necessary consent forms and other documents needed to conduct it. As part of the background check, you will need to be fingerprinted. If you fail to pass the background check, you may be unable to complete your chosen degree program at Central Connecticut State University. The University will not be responsible for your inability to complete your chosen degree program.

Admission requirements for the Marriage and Family Therapy Program:

Admission to the MFT program is made on a competitive basis one time per year. All applications must be completed with all required materials and received by February 1 for fall only admission. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

Candidates for admission will be selected on the basis of the following criteria:

1. Grade Point Average (GPA): Minimum 2.70 grade point average (GPA) for all undergraduate courses and a 3.00 for all graduate courses, based on a 4.00-point scale where A is 4.00
2. Two recommendations from individuals who know your academic competence, character, or professional work. Note: Personal references from family members, friends, neighbors, or personal therapist will not be accepted.
3. Personal essay regarding your motivation and readiness to pursue a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Please include the following (three pages maximum, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font):
   1. Personal and professional experiences and reasons that influenced you to pursue the field of Marriage and Family Therapy.
   2. Personal characteristics you believe will contribute to your educational success in the Central Marriage and Family Therapy program as well as your success as a Marriage and Family Therapist after graduation.
   3. Comment on your definition of family.
   4. Comment on any personal and/or professional experiences you have had with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
4. Resume: Submit a current resume
5. Interview: After reviewing application materials, qualified applicants will be invited to interview with the Marriage and Family Therapy Faculty.

The online graduate application, application fee, and official transcripts from each institution attended except Central Connecticut State University are to be submitted directly to Graduate Recruitment and Admissions Office.

Instructions for uploading the personal essay and resume and for submitting the recommendation letters will be found within the online application.