Application Procedures

The Master’s Program in Counseling Psychology has a rolling admissions process, meaning that the program begins to review applications in early January for the following Fall Quarter matriculation, and continues to accept and review applications and make admissions recommendations to The Graduate School until the program slots are filled. During the review process, the Admissions Committee may request a personal interview with applicants. Applicants may also request a campus visit. Applicants are urged to submit applications early, as slots tend to be filled quickly. Applicants admitted to the Standard Two-Year Curriculum by May 1st are guaranteed a field placement for the first year in the program; applicants admitted after May 1st are not guaranteed a field placement for the first year in the program, and may therefore be required to remain in the program for three academic years in order to complete the two years of required field training.

To apply to the program, applicants must complete the following steps: 1) submit an Application for Admission completed through The Graduate School Online Application, paper copies are not accepted; 2) pay a non-refundable Application fee of $75 by credit card at Application submission; 3) submit official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores or Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores, if English is not applicant’s native language, directly from Educational Testing Service to Northwestern University using institution code #1565; 4) submit supporting documents (detailed in step 4 below) directly to the Counseling Psychology program.

The Family Institute at Northwestern University requires all applicants who have received conditional admission to either the Master of Arts Program in Counseling Psychology or the Master of Science Program in Marital and Family Therapy to complete an online background check to determine criminal history. Having an adverse criminal history finding does not necessarily preclude admission.  Determinations are considered on a case-by-case basis. In the event that information from the background report is utilized in whole or in part in making an adverse decision with regard to an applicant's admission, before making the adverse decision, the Institute will provide the student with a copy of the consumer report and a written description of his or her rights under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act.

1. Submit an Application for Admission completed through The Graduate School Online Application
   
   The Graduate School Online Application is accessible worldwide via the Internet 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using standard browsers such as Netscape and Internet Explorer. Please follow this link and click on "apply online" or follow this secure link directly.
   
   Under the program section of the application, please be sure to indicate "Counseling Psychology: MA (C50MA)." Applicants may work on an application over multiple sessions. However, once the application is submitted no changes may be made. While the on-line application is downloaded to The Graduate School within one business day following submission, it is not processed by The Graduate School until the application fee is received.
2. Pay a non-refundable Application fee of $75 by credit card at Application submission
   
   The online application will prompt you to pay the application fee after all required questions have been answered. The application fee is $75 and must be paid via credit card at the time of application submission. Your application will not be processed without payment of the fee. The application fee cannot be waived.
3. Submit official GRE or TOEFL scores directly from Educational Testing Service to Northwestern University using institution code #1565 and object code 01.
   
   If applicable, official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) taken within the last two years. Official Verbal and Quantitative scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the past five years; the psychology, analytic and written tests are not required.
4. Submit supporting documents together in one package or send as separate items as they are available to the Counseling Psychology program.
   
   The supporting documents listed below must be sent to:
   
   Deidre Hicks
   Education Coordinator
   Master of Arts Program in Counseling Psychology
   Center for Applied Psychological & Family Studies
   618 Library Place
   Evanston, Illinois 60201
   
   • two official transcripts from each institution(s) attended since secondary school (you must send a transcript from each institution listed on your Application for Admission);
   • a minimum of two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant's ability to do scholarly work. There is no official form to accompany this letter. For letters submitted by mail, each letter should be sealed in an envelope with the recommender's signature across the envelope flap. For letters submitted electronically, follow the procedure on The Graduate School Web site for submitting letters of recommendation online.
   • a resume or vita
   • in addition to the purpose/personal statement that is part of the on-line application, applicants must submit four additional supplementary essays* of a minimum of one page each; these essays can be written separately or combined into one essay with sub-headings, and consist of the following:
     
     • a brief autobiographical statement;
     • a clear and thoughtful statement of professional interests and goals;
     • a summary of prior clinical training, work experience and direct experience with professional psychology or counseling;
     • a thoughtful statement answering the question, "Why do I think I am suited to the field of professional counseling?"

*Applicants may choose to include/repeat information from the Personal Statement in the Application for Admission in the supplementary essays. To apply for an assistantship, please include a statement with your application explaining the need for funding and any other considerations the committee should take into account when considering an award. The completed assistantship application form, along with the decision to matriculate into the program, must be received no later than March 1, 2010.  Requests from applicants who have not indicated their intent to matriculate IN WRITING by March 1, 2010 cannot be guaranteed consideration for funding and may be placed on a wait-list to be reviewed pending the availability of funds.

Applicants admitted to the Master of Arts Program in Counseling Psychology program will first be informed of conditional admission.  The Family Institute requires all applicants who have received conditional admission to either the Master of Arts Program in Counseling Psychology or the Master of Science Program in Marital and Family Therapy to complete an online background check to determine criminal history.  Having an adverse criminal history finding does not necessarily preclude admission.  Determinations are considered on a case-by-case basis.  In the event that information from the background report is utilized in whole or in part  in making an adverse decision with regard to an applicant’s admission, before making the adverse decision, the Institute will provide the student with a copy of the consumer report and a written description of his or her rights under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act.  If the report indicates no criminal history, the applicant will receive formal notice of admission to the program.

For further program information contact:

Deidre Hicks
Education Coordinator
Master of Arts Program in Counseling Psychology
Center for Applied Psychological & Family Studies
618 Library Place
Evanston, Illinois 60201
Telephone: 847-733-4300, ext. 205
Fax: 847-733-0390
E-mail: dhicks@family-institute.org

It is the policy of Northwestern University not to discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or handicap in matters of admissions, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities which it operates, in accordance with civil rights.