Admission Requirements

Applying for Admission

For consideration, applicants must submit the following:

1. A completed online application with supplemental materials (ccsu.edu/apply):

   • Three letters of recommendation attesting to your suitability as a prospective counselor
   • Essay describing your:
     • Reasons for entering the profession
     • Experiences that influenced your decision
     • Personal characteristics you believe will contribute to your success
   • Personal interview by the program’s faculty admissions committee
   • $50 application fee
2. Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (GPA of 2.7 or higher) 
   • Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.00 in all post-baccalaureate coursework

Official transcripts may be sent directly to the Graduate Recruitment & Admissions Office:

NOTE: Because admission to the Master of Science in Counselor Education: School Counseling is a highly competitive process, meeting the minimum graduate and program specific application criteria and requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

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.

Graduate students who are not currently employed in a public school will need to complete the background check before being placed in field experiences or doing research in schools. Current school employees with background checks in place but who are placed in field experiences or do research outside of the district where they are employed may also be required to complete a new background check.