Admissions

The Counselor Education program faculty thank you for your interest in counselor education.  We are very proud of our offering in the Ed.S. degree specialization areas of school and marriage, couples, and family counseling.  In addition, we offer the Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision.  The following information outlines the requirements for admission and offers a brief description of the focus for the different areas.  We encourage you to find more specific information on the Academics page of our website and when ready, apply through the graduate school at http://www.gradschool.sc.edu/future students/OnlineApplication.html.

Ed.S. in Counselor Education

The Ed.S. degree is a 66-hour minimum degree in either the specialization area of school counseling or marriage, couples, and family counseling.  When applying, applicants are asked to state which area they are interested in pursuing within the program.  Until recently, we have offered a fall and spring admission.  This will cease to exist after the admission deadline of February 1, 2008. 

Beginning in 2008-2009, we will be offering a summer admission where a cohort of students will begin and take a set rotation of classes together.  The admission deadline for students to begin Summer 2009 will be on December 1, 2008.  Subsequent deadlines will be only one time a year on December 1.  The following information will need to be submitted through the graduate school:

• GRE or MAT scores
• Undergraduate and graduate work (if applicable) transcripts
• 2 letters of reference
• Personal letter/essay of intent (no longer than 3 double-spaced pages) that should include the following:
• Long-term goals in terms of benefits (to self and society)
• Rationale for goals
• Barriers to achievement of those goals
• Resources available to you for achievement of those goals
• Resume/Vita

We are looking for students who will demonstrate leadership and the ability to excel as scholar-practitioners in order to advocate for clients and the profession of counseling.

Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision

The Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision specialty area prepares future counselor educators and supervisors.  We are looking for individuals who have counseling experience but are ready to pursue an education that will prepare them to educate and supervise counselor education students in higher education settings as well as provide supervision in the profession.  This program will provide Ph.D. students with opportunities to pursue scholarship, teaching, and service through strong mentoring relationship with the counselor education faculty.  Preference is given to those who are dedicating themselves full-time in pursuing their Ph.D. at the University of South Carolina.  The following information will need to be submitted through the graduate school by December 1:

• GRE or MAT scores
• Graduate and Undergraduate School Transcripts
• Resume/Vita (with at least 2 years of counseling experience documented)
• 2 letters of reference
• Personal letter/essay of intent (no longer than 3 double-spaced pages) that should include:
• Long-term goals in terms of benefits (to self and society)
• Skills or competencies needed to achieve the goals
• A timeline for completion of your degree
• Barriers to achievement of those goals
• Resources available to you for achievement of those goals
• A statement clarifying when you expect to meet the residency requirement (if applicable)
• Research interests in counselor education and supervision

Interviews

After the faculty have read and evaluated the materials submitted for Ed.S. and Ph.D. applications, individuals will be selected to be invited for an interview with faculty and other program representatives.  Selected individuals will be sent information about the details of the interview that will also include an orientation to the specific program areas.  If not selected for an interview, applicants will be sent a letter with this information.

Over the years, we have had numerous questions about the program and admissions.  We have compiled a list that is somewhat comprehensive but not inclusive.  Please feel free to email us if you do not see an answer to your question at the following link of Frequently Asked Questions.

Graduate School Application

Frequently Asked Questions