Frequently Asked Questions

 

The counseling cohort begins every year in the fall. Return to top

What is the application deadline?

The deadline to apply for fall quarter is February 1 of that year. We do not admit during the winter or spring quarters. Return to top

How long does the Counseling Program take to complete?

The program takes 3 years to complete. The first two years includes classroom-based courses, both content courses and skills courses. The final year includes practicum and internship. Return to top

Can I complete the program in less than 3 years?

Because of the sequence of classes and cohort system, it is not possible to complete our program in less than 3 years. Return to top

What is the course schedule like?

Each class session is between 3-4 hours long and meets once per week. Most students take three courses per quarter and are thus on campus three nights a week. Courses are offered starting at 4 p.m. or at 5 p.m., Monday-Thursday only. Course start times vary; the start time depends on the specific course. Students take courses all four quarters each year (fall, winter, spring, and summer). Return to top

Is there a summer break?

Although students do take summer courses, there is a 6-week break between summer and fall quarters. There is also a 3-week break between fall and winter quarters. Return to top

Do I have to have a social services/human services degree to apply?

We do not require that applicants have an undergraduate degree in any particular field.  Applicants with any undergraduate degree are encouraged to apply. Return to top

Can I apply before the deadline?

We accept applications at any time; however, decisions are not made until after the deadline passes. Return to top

Can I apply to both the School and Clinical Mental Health programs?

No – not in the same year.  The applicant will need to choose which counseling program to apply to at the application stage. Return to top

What classes are part of the degree?

See our list of Clinical Mental Health Counseling courses hereReturn to top

Where can graduates work/practice?

Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduates can practice upon graduation in mental health agencies and clinics, private practice, mental health programs in schools, hospitals, and other settings looking for masters-level counselors. Graduates must practice under supervision until they are licensed. Licensure requires an additional 3000 hours of experience and the successful completion of a state exam. Due to our CACREP accreditation, the State of Washington Department of Health credits Seattle University Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) applicants with 500 hours toward the 3000 hour post masters supervised experience requirement for independent licensure. Return to top

I already have a master's degree. Can I get my school counseling certificate without completing the entire degree?

We do not have a certificate-only option or a post-master's option. All students must complete the entire 90-credit program. Return to top

Do you require the GRE?

This program does not require the GRE. However, if your undergraduate degree was non-graded (i.e., you have no GPA), Seattle University requires that you take a standardized test in order to apply. You may choose either the GRE or the MAT (Miller Analogies Test). Return to top

What is the cost of the program?

Our program cost information can be found hereReturn to top

Do you offer scholarships or graduate assistantships?

The College of Education offers scholarships based on financial need, academic history, and fit with the College. We occasionally have opportunities for graduate assistantships, which are posted for current students as they become available. Return to top

Can I specialize in a particular area of practice such as infant mental health or DBT during my Master’s degree program? 

The graduate counseling program at Seattle University is a generalist program grounded in social justice principles.  Graduates are prepared to work with a diverse base of clients using multiple methods of counseling intervention.  Students will be introduced to a broad variation of counseling interventions.  Specializations may be developed during the post masters supervised experience toward independent licensure as mental health counselor.  Specializations are usually certified by professional organizations, not degree programs. Return to top