Requirements:
Prerequisites
- A bachelor’s degree is required preferably in psychology, rehabilitation sciences, human services, social sciences or a related field. Students can submit an application while they are finishing their degree.
- A minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (based on 4.0) is suggested.
- If the student’s GPA falls below 3.0, the application may still be considered. Students will be considered if their GPA is below a 2.8 and they have taken graduate studies/courses.
- Verification of English Language Proficiency (ELP)
- Submitting ELP scores are required for all international applicants, even if they attended an institution in the U.S. (unless citizen of a country whose official language is English).
- Duolingo English Test: 130. Duolingo sub-score of 140-145 conversation and 130-135 comprehension are required.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 7.0. IELTS sub-score of 8.0 speaking and 7.0 listening are required.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 100. TOEFL sub-score of 26 for speaking and 24 for listening are required.
- Applicants must:
- Possess strong interpersonal and professional skills.
- Be committed to developing clinical skills through clinical practice and supervision.
- Be open to feedback, self-assessment and self-reflection.
- Communicate in a clear, organized and logical fashion both verbally and in writing.
Transcripts
Applicants are required to provide transcripts from all U.S. universities, colleges or other higher education institutions attended.
Admitted students will need to submit official transcripts to the SHRS Admissions Office prior to enrolling in classes.
Personal Statement
- Upload a personal statement that demonstrates evidence of graduate-level writing skills and discusses career goals, strengths, skills and experiences that will contribute to success in the program and in the counseling profession. The essay should also include a brief statement discussing professional interest in the field of counseling and reasons for applying to the University of Pittsburgh Clinical Mental Health Counseling program (2,500 character limit).
- Answer two short essay prompts (2,000 character limit).
Letters of Recommendation
Three (3) professional letters of recommendation are required for the application.
These letters should be from individuals who can describe your potential for graduate-level work and may include professors, supervisors or employers.
Application Review Process
- Applications are reviewed by the admissions committee after the deadline.
- Application material received after this deadline will only be reviewed in the unlikely event that the program is unable to fill the slots for the incoming class.
- While undergraduate GPAs are important, equally important are applicants’ responses to essay questions and letters of recommendation. The admissions committee carefully considers all evidence supporting applicants’ potential for being successful in a graduate program. Applicants from historically under-represented backgrounds in the counseling profession are particularly encouraged to apply.
- The program aims to notify students of their admissions decision by the end of February at which time the program will also administer a waitlist.
- A selective group interview will be conducted via video conference in mid-February. The program will reach out to students with additional instructions if they are invited for an interview.
Other Requirements
Resume or CV must be submitted through the GradCAS application.
Clinical Participation and Background Check
To participate in clinical education activities, students are required to obtain a variety of documents attesting to health and vaccination status, criminal background checks/Act 33/34 clearances, and training associated with the provision of health care services. Many of these documents and trainings must be renewed annually while in the program. Students who do not complete these requirements prior to designated deadlines will not receive clinical assignments as typically sequenced, potentially extending the program duration. Specific information on these clinical requirements and deadlines is provided shortly after acceptance. Additionally, in order to become licensed, many states will inquire as to whether the applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor, a felony, or a felonious or illegal act associated with alcohol and/or substance abuse.
International Student Information
The following requirements are necessary for applicants from outside of the U.S.
For questions about the international student requirements, please reach out to the SHRS Admissions Office.
Academic Credential Evaluations
Students who have completed the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree or higher at an institution outside of the United States are required to provide an academic credential evaluation from Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. or World Education Services (WES), Inc. with their application.
- A course-by-course evaluation with GPA conversion is required.
- Evaluations are not required for degrees earned in the United States. If you have attended an English Canadian institution, please contact the SHRS Admissions Office.
- Individual SHRS programs may have their own specific Academic Credential Evaluation requirements.
