Admissions Requirements

General Admission Process for Degree Seeking Students

Applications are accepted and reviewed throughout the year on a rolling basis and you may apply for entry into the program at any point.  It is recommended, however, that you begin with the late summer intensive course (Late Summer, Session A ), Professional Issues and Ethics for Counselors (COUN 501).

However, since students may be accepted into the program throughout the academic year, some students will be allowed to begin their classes at other points of the academic year.

Application information and materials can be found here.  As indicated on the application, as much as possible, materials should be emailed to GradPrograms@messiah.edu.

If necessary, documents may be mailed to:

Graduate Programs

One College Avenue
Box 3060
Grantham, PA  17027

Admission decisions will be made by the Graduate Counseling Program Committee upon review of the application materials, interviews (when applicable), and other relevant information that has been provided.  The decision to admit a student is based upon both quantitative and qualitative criteria that in combination lead the committee to believe that the applicant possesses 1) the academic drive to successfully complete the program 2) the potential to contribute positively to the counseling field, and 3) the desire to grow personally and professionally without impeding the progress of other students.

Admission Requirements for all Messiah College graduate programs

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Completed Application and Application Fee
• Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
• Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above
• Written admission essay (not to exceed 400 words)
• Two recommendations (professional and/or academic)
• Resume or Curriculum Vita
• Any additional material specified by your chosen program

Specific Admission Requirements for M.A. in Counseling Applicants

1. Completion of admission requirements for entrance to the graduate program at Messiah College
   
2. Brief prepared responses to the following questions on the application.
1. List your short-term and long-term goals (maximum of 100 words).
2. Explain your reasons for selecting the M.A. in Counseling program at Messiah College and what you hope to achieve by completing our program and earning this degree. (maximum of 200 words).
3. Below are four critical competencies by which students will evaluate themselves and be evaluated throughout the Counseling program at Messiah College. Briefly describe whether each of these is an area of strength or challenge for you. Then address how you intend to strengthen any of these that is a challenge for you while in the Counseling program at Messiah (maximum of 150 words on each competency).
1. Interpersonal and professional competence (e.g., the ways in which you relate to peers, faculty, professionals, the public, and individuals from diverse backgrounds or histories), as well as the way in which you  resolve problems or issues that interfere with professional development or functioning in a satisfactory manner  (e.g. by responding constructively to feedback from supervisors or program faculty; by participating in personal therapy in order to resolve problems or issues)
2. Self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-evaluation (e.g., knowledge of the content and potential impact of your own beliefs and values on peers, faculty, professionals, the public, and individuals from diverse backgrounds or histories),  as well as an openness to the process of supervision (e.g. the ability and willingness to explore issues that either interfere with the appropriate provision of care or impede professional development or functioning)
3. Written and oral communication (e.g. clearly articulating ideas, thoughts, and concepts at a professional level appropriate to the discipline), as well as knowledge and use of APA style format.
4. Quality of work (e.g. timely completion of all work at a satisfactory level, working collaboratively and cooperatively with others, and actively participating in discussion boards, synchronous experiences, and other class-related activities) as well as obtaining knowledge and understanding of content  and applicability and application of skills).
3. Meeting Pre-Requisite Requirements – Successful completion of nine (9) credits of behavioral science courses (e.g. psychology, human development & family science, sociology, anthropology, early childhood studies, social work, etc).  Undergraduate Statistics is strongly recommended. Provide a list of the courses that meet these requirements, when and where you took them, and the grade that you received.
4. SCHOOL COUNSELING ONLY: Meeting additional pre-requisite requirements Successful completion of:
• 6 credits in college-level mathematics and;
• at least 3 credits in college-level English composition and;
• at least 3 credits in college-level English/American literature.
• You must provide a list of the courses that meet these requirements, when and where you took them, and the grade that you received.
5. Completing at least one face-to-face interview – For those applicants who demonstrate potential for success in a program, at least one face-to-face interview (e.g. in person or via webcam, etc.) will be required.