IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FALL 2023 APPLICANTS
The Master of Arts in Counseling (School Counseling) program is nationally accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). In maintaining compliance with CACREP Standards, this program will transition to 60-credit as required and once approved by the Oakland University Senate for fall 2023 (pending).
Program description
The Department of Counseling offers a Master of Arts in counseling degree for individuals who wish to work in professional counseling roles with children, youth, adults and families in school settings. The program can accommodate both full-time and part-time students.
Accreditation
The Master of Arts in counseling with a school counseling emphasis is an accredited program determined by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and prepares students for Michigan counseling licensure.
Admission terms and application deadlines
Before an applicant’s file can be reviewed for full program admission, all application documents must be received in Oakland University Graduate School by the semester deadlines listed below. Incomplete applications will not be sent to departments for admission review.
Application requirements
To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must submit all Graduate Application Requirements and additional department requirements by the published application deadlines:
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- Additional department application requirements
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- Grade-point average of 3.0 in all undergraduate coursework is ordinarily considered the minimum standard for admission.
- All applicants must submit two essays as part of the application requirements::
Essay one: Applicants explain reasons for entering the counseling program and employment goals. Applicants should describe experiences and accomplishments in working with children, youth and/or adults. Additionally, applicants must describe their strengths and areas for growth from their perspective as well as the perspective of others.
Essay two: Applicants are asked to recall constructive feedback from past instructors and supervisors and describe a time when they were given constructive feedback and how they responded to it. The Counselor Competency Statement must be used as a guide and is available on the link (https://www.oakland.edu/counseling/).
The statements of purpose will be evaluated based on a) clarity of goals, b) whether or not the applicant’s goals are congruent with our program, c) experience and accomplishments, d) awareness of strengths and areas for growth, e) ability to receive and accept feedback, and f) writing skills.
- Requirements for recommendations
Recommendations are important to the application procedure. The two required references must be from professionals, professors, or employers who can attest to the applicant’s academic potential, readiness for graduate study, and interpersonal skills. All letters of recommendation will be rated on a case-by-case basis.
- Following a successful review of the above requirements, students will be invited to an interview to assess interpersonal skills.
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Admission review and assessment
Admission to graduate school at Oakland University is selective. In making admission recommendations to Oakland University Graduate School, each department assesses the potential of applicants for success in the program by examining their undergraduate records, goal statement, letters of recommendation, prerequisite courses and any other admission requirements established by the academic department.
Admission to the Master of Arts in counseling degree program is selective; meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the program. In addition to graduate admission general requirements, applicants must also satisfy the admission requirements established by the academic program.
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