Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS)

Admission Requirements for Applicants for the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS):

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution
• Completed Application and Application Fee
• Written admission essay
• Two references (professional and/or academic)
• Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. (The Graduate Program will secure Messiah College transcripts for all Messiah College graduates who sign a release. Applicants are responisible for securing all other transcripts.)
• Cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above at the highest level of degree earned
• Resume or curriculum vita
• An interview/meeting with the Program Director or his/her representative as requested to review your transcripts and identify the courses that will be necessary for your Certificate
• Additional information as requesed

Admission Requirements for All Applicants for the CAGS who will be taking part in a field experience:

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.