If I have other questions, whom do I need to contact?
For general questions, please contact Susan Buckbee, Administrative Assistant for Counselor Education at buckbees@newpaltz.edu
Questions or need help completing you application?
You can contact the Office of Graduate Admissions: https://www.newpaltz.edu/graduate/contact-us/
When is the Application Deadline for the Counselor Education Program?
The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling Programs only admits students for the fall semester. Application review begins February 1 and continues until the class is filled. (Advanced Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling admits in both spring and fall semesters).
What Kind of Careers Does Counselor Education Prepare You For?
You can find out more information here: https://www.newpaltz.edu/counselor-education/careers-in-counselor-education/
What should I include in my admissions essay?
In general, your statement of purpose should be approximately 500 words and should state your goals and objectives for graduate study overall. It is very important to write a clear and concise statement that expresses your interest in the program, and what you hope to gain from, or bring to, the program of study. You may address special features of the program that made it the right fit for you, or you may address specific topics that you are interested in studying. You may wish to address aspects of your personal, academic, and work-related experiences that would make effective contributions to the Counselor Education Program or would showcase your knowledge and interest in your chosen area of study.
Is the GRE Standardized test required to apply to the Counselor Education Program?
No, the GRE is no longer required.
Can I get financial assistance in the graduate program?
Find out about your options here: https://www.newpaltz.edu/gradstudies/funding/
Can I take course as a non-degree student?
Yes, but only some classes are available for non-degree students to take. Most of our classes are limited to matriculated students.
You need to do the following:
(1) Complete the application via Records and Registration:
https://www.newpaltz.edu/registrar/course-registration/nonmatriculated.html#d.en.21122
(2) Complete the Counselor Education Department Non-Degree Registration Request form found here: https://www.newpaltz.edu/media/counselor-education/Counselor%20Education%20Program%20Non%20Degree%20App%20Fillable.pdf
You can take up to 3 classes (9 credits) as a non-matriculated student.
Is the Counselor Education Program offered online?
The Counselor Education Program is a primarily in-person campus-based program with a selection of online courses offered.
What are the Practicum and Internship requirements for the Counselor Education Program?
You can find information about Practicum and Internship here: https://www.newpaltz.edu/counselor-education/practicum--internships/
How many applications are received each year? How many students are accepted into the program each year?
You can find statistics about the program here: https://www.newpaltz.edu/media/counselor-education/Counselor%20Education%20Fast%20Facts.pdf
How much will it cost to attend the Counselor Education Program?
You can find information about tuition and fees on the Student Accounts website: https://www.newpaltz.edu/student_accounts/tuition/
Can I work?
Yes, we do have students who complete the program while also working full-time; however, it can be challenging, especially if you do not have flexibility in the hours that you work. While we typically offer two sections of most classes providing students some flexibility in creating their own schedule, we are not able to offer all our classes at 5pm or later. So, to make it work, you will have to have some flexibility in your work hours. This is especially true when it comes to completing the 100-hour practicum (avg 10 hours per week) and 600-hour internship (avg 20 hours per week) requirements. Typically, students who work full-time take all their academic classes first and save their practicum and internship for the end when they can take them by themselves.
