Counselor Education Program Admission
You’ll complete one application to apply to Winona State Graduate Studies and your desired Counselor Education program at the same time.
Learn about our application processes for students who are interested in:
- Applying as a regular student for a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Human Services Professional, or School Counseling
- Applying for the Addictions Counseling Certificate Program
- Returning to WSU for a second counseling focus area or for licensure
This timeline is for Priority Admission:
- Graduate Studies application due: Nov. 15
- Counselor Education application due: Dec. 1
- Interview: Jan. 23
- Graduate Studies application due: March 1
- Counselor Education application due: March 1
- Interview: April 10
Apply for a Master’s Degree Program
There are 3 master’s degree programs in the Counselor Education Department: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Human Services Professional, and School Counseling.
In addition to the information you’ll need to provide in your application, you must submit the following materials:
- Current resume. Include an overview of your education, work history, leadership experience, scholarships, honors and awards, volunteer service activities, and other relevant information.
- 2-5 professional references. Once you provide the contact information for your references, they will receive an email with a rating form related to professional behaviors and competencies needed for the counseling profession.
- Personal Statement questions. Complete the 5 short answer questions about yourself and your interest in counseling or human services professions. More information about the questions are found on the GradCAS application.
- Completed Statement of Understanding Form. To ensure all program applicants are aware of their rights and responsibilities, applicants must review and sign a Statement of Understanding Form. Applicants can agree to the Statement of Understanding Form in the online application form.
After your application is complete, department faculty will screen your materials to decide if you advance to campus interview stage.
If you advance to the next stage of the process, we’ll invite you to an in-person, individual/group interview.
During the interview experience, you’ll:
- Meet department faculty and staff
- Meet other prospective students
- Participate in an interview experience with faculty
- Interact in a structured group experience with other program applicants
- Receive information about the program and Winona State
- Engage in Q&A about the WSU Counselor Education programs
Candidates who applied by December and are invited to the interview experience may choose to attend the interview in January or April. Candidates who applied in the Spring will be invited to the interview in April. They are also eligible for priority admission.
Candidates will be notified via email if they’re invited to a screening or if they were not accepted this application cycle.
If students are not in the U.S. at the time of the campus interview, they may be allowed to attend the screening virtually. Please call 507.457.5335 if you need this accommodation.
Successful candidates from both campus interview experiences will start their program in the Fall semester.
How to Apply
Counselor Education master’s degree applicants should complete the general GradCAS application.
Learn more about how to apply to WSU Graduate Studies.
Admission Decisions
After reviewing all application files and results from the interviews, Counselor Education Department faculty will select qualified candidates for admission into the department.
Admission decisions will be sent to applicants via their email address within 3 weeks of the interview.
Apply for the Addictions Counseling Certificate
You’ll complete one application to apply to Winona State Graduate Studies and the Addictions Counseling graduate certificate program at the same time.
In addition to the information you’ll need to provide in your application, you must submit the following materials:
- Resume
- Personal Statement questions
- Complete the personal statement questions that cover why you’re choosing counseling, what makes you a good fit for the profession, what experiences you have working with marginalized populations, and what your area of growth is. More information about the questions are found on the GradCAS application.
- Transcripts from all educational institutions attended
Addictions Counseling applicants should submit the general GradCAS application.
Learn more about how to apply to WSU Graduate Studies.
Applicants will be notified via email if they’re admitted or denied admission to the program.
Returning for a Second Focus Area Post-Degree or Returning for Licensure
You can be admitted to WSU’s Counselor Education Department for a second focus area, or for licensure courses, after completing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Human Services Professional, or School Counseling.
In addition to the information you’ll need to provide in your application, you must submit the following materials:
- Resume
- Proposed start date
- List of courses you would like to complete for licensure
- Personal Statement that:
- Briefly explains why you’re seeking licensure
- Describes your professional or work experience since earning your master’s degree
- Transcripts that show your completed master’s work
Counselor Education post-degree or returning for licensure applicants should submit the general GradCAS application.
Learn more about how to apply to WSU Graduate Studies.
Recruitment & Admissions Assistant Director
WSU Graduate Programs & WSU-Rochester Transfer
Cell: 507.703.1894
Office: 507.535.3980
Office Manager
Helble Hall 352
507.457.5335