Application Requirements

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Mental Health Counseling - Application Requirements


Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis for the fall semester only and students will be accepted based on space availability. To apply, all students must submit:

  1. An online application
  2. Transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate academic work. This includes evidence of earning an advanced degree in counseling or designated equivalent showing a minimum of 48 graduate credits. Applicants must have previously completed coursework related to the following areas: counseling theory and practice, social and cultural foundations of counseling, group dynamics, research and program evaluation, consultation, and practicum or internship. Please note: applicants who are currently at UB or have studied at or graduated from UB do not need to request an official UB transcript. GSE's Office of Admissions can download and print the transcript.
  3. A personal statement outlining the reasons for interest in becoming licensed as a Mental Health Counselor. Include in this statement how you plan to meet the internship and additional Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) eligibility requirements. Lastly, describe your work experience in the counseling field.
  4. At least three (3) letters of reference regarding the applicant’s previous academic work, counseling related experience and moral character.
  5. A $50 non-refundable application fee in US currency, either by check, money order, or electronically along with the online application. If you choose to pay by check or money order, please make it payable to "State University of New York at Buffalo".
  6. GRE test scores are not required. However, if you have already taken the GRE please arrange to have the Verbal, Quantitative, and Writing test scores sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions and Student Services. The institution code is 2925. The department code is 2005.

Former/ Maiden Name:

Note to all applicants, please be sure to provide us with your former/maiden name if you have one. When requesting transcripts to be sent, please ask the sending institution to indicate your current name and former/maiden name.

International students also need to provide the following pieces of information:

  • TOEFL score report (must not be more than two years old from the time you begin classes) with a minimum of 213 for a computer based test, 550 for a paper based test and 79 Internet based test (institution code: 2925); IELTS minimum score of 6.5(with no subsection score below 6.0)
  • Passport Biographical Page- A copy of the applicant’s passport biographical page is required (the page that shows the holder’s full name, date of birth, nationality, etc.) in order to prepare the U.S. immigration I-20 form based on spellings and dates in the passport.
  • Financial documentation; international graduate applicants must document their ability to pay for all costs incurred while studying in the U.S. All financial forms and supporting documentation must be originals with original signatures, and must be dated within one year of the time the applicant intends to enroll at UB. No action will be taken on dossiers of applicants who indicate no financial support. The International Financial Form is located here

New Policies and Procedures Regarding the Application Process
Effective Fall 2013

All supporting documents must be uploaded and attached to your online application. This includes unofficial copies of your transcripts and any other documents required for review.

Recommendation Letters: On the application you will be asked to provide contact information about each individual providing you a recommendation. Please note that your recommenders will receive the electronic request to provide a recommendation letter only after you "formally submit" the application.

For questions regarding the application process, please contact:

Ms. JoAnn Laska
Office of Graduate Admissions and Student Services
Graduate School of Education
University at Buffalo
366 Baldy Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260
Telephone: (716) 645-2110
Fax: (716) 645-7937
Email

Affirmative Action
The program is committed to seeking and supporting the efforts of qualified individuals with disabilities or who are minorities wishing to enter the field of Rehabilitation Counseling. No person, in whatever relationship with the University at Buffalo - SUNY, shall be subject to discrimination on the basis of age, belief, color, disability, national origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, or military veteran status.

Required Skills and Knowledge
Students enrolled in the Mental Health Counseling Program are expected to have specific prerequisite technology skills. It is further expected that, if needed, early requisite skills will be developed individually. These skills are required for completion of assignments and are not covered in program courses. It is your responsibility to gain proficiency to successfully complete course objectives and assignments.

Financial Aid
Please note that financial aid for part-time students is limited. Sources of support and student loans may be available through the University Office of Financial Aid: Phone: (716) 645-2450 | Toll Free: 1-866-838-7257.