How do I apply? Online! Right here.
What are the requirements for your program? An undergraduate degree and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 for CMHC, CCSA, and CSP and a 3.0 for School Counseling. We also request at least a year working/volunteering a field or with a population related to the program to which you are applying.
What else do I need for the application? The online application will walk you through everything that you need. Our program requires a few auxilary forms and question prompts that will be provided. We also require three written reccommendations--printed, signed, and sealed in individual envelops. (Again, the online application will explain this as well so don't worry!)
How far in advance of the enrollment deadline should I submit my application? Generally, the admission procedure requires two full academic semesters for processing applications, credentials, references, etc. Students are encouraged to begin this process at least two full semesters prior to the desired starting date. However, do not hesitate to apply within a shorter timeframe (knowing that there can be no guarantees of expediting the process).
My GPA is less than the 2.75 or 3.0 that I need; can I still apply? If you are pursuing the Clinical Mental Health, CCSA, or CSP specialization, you will be required to take the GRE or MAT exam if your GPA is under 2.75. Then, life experiences portion of your application will be taken into consideration alongside these scores, and you may be conditionally accepted. If you are looking to pursue a PK-12 School Counseling degree, you will not be accepted into the school counseling specialization.
I am interested in this program, but I am not a U.S. Citizen. Can I still apply? Shippensburg University will consider applications submitted by U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Permanent residents will be required to submit a copy of their passport and green card as a part of their application. You will need to contact the office for International Students for more information.
Each program requires applicants to have a minimum of one year's experience prior to admission. What counts as experience? It is recommended that you have a minimum of one year of experience, either paid or volunteer, with the age group of people you ultimately wish to work with, for example, children, adolescents or adults. Some common experiences include volunteer work with a crisis line or Hospice, internships completed at the undergraduate level, and working as a Therapeutic Support Staff. Faculty members in each specialization will make the final determination as to what counts as relevant experience for that particular program.
How will I be notified of my acceptance into the program? You will be notified of your acceptance via a letter sent to you electronically from the Graduate Admissions Office.
Is it possible to complete this degree online? Typically, the entirety of the graduate coursework is completed at Shippensburg University or amongst our latest doctoral cohort (meeting in Harrisburg). Classes run between 4pm and 9:15 pm, dependending on your courses. Your academic advisor will help you create a plan of work for course completion. Fall 2021 classes are running on a hybrid model alternating time in face to face classes and through distance education. With the changing health and safety landscape of the COVD-19 pandemic, course instruction methods are being regularly evaluated and adjusted for the wellbeing of our students, faculty, and their families.
What is the rule regarding transfer credits? We will accept a maximum of 9 transfer credits with a grade of “B” or better. Courses that will be accepted for transfer must be graduate classes, and must have the student's advisor's approval. Generally, the credits should not be more than five years old.
Do I need to know which of the four specializations I plan to pursue to apply for the counseling program? You are permitted to take up to nine credits in the program without declaring a particular specialization. Students who need particular courses to prepare them for licensure will also be allowed to take the courses they need with permission from the director of the program.
What constitutes full-time status? Six (6) credits per semester are considered full time for graduate school. Anything less than six (6) credits constitutes part-time status.
What if I start full-time but then need to drop to part-time? Once you are admitted to the program you will have up to 7 years to complete the course work. Once you have declared your intention, your advisor will work with you on scheduling your courses. You do have the ability to change the length of time it will take you to complete the program and you will be able to change your academic plan once admitted.