1. Application deadlines on The Graduate School Web site seem to conflict with the rolling admissions process detailed in this brochure and I want to know which one is correct?

 

The Graduate School Web site contains application information for both Masters and doctoral program candidates and different programs have different deadlines. Any reference made to the December 31st deadline for applications does not refer to the Master’s Program in Counseling Psychology. Applicants to the Masters program may submit an application at any time; students are accepted on a rolling admissions basis until all available slots are filled.

 

2. What are the minimum eligibility requirements for admission to the program, such as GRE scores and grades? 

 

All elements of the application are given equal consideration and viewed together, so that weaknesses in one area may be offset by strengths in another. It is recommended that applicants use the essay to explain any elements that do not accurately reflect his or her actual potential to succeed in the program. Some type of prior human service/social service experience is highly valued for applicants to the Standard Curriculum.

 

3. Does the program offer evening and weekend classes?

 

With few exceptions, most classes are during weekday hours.

 

 

4. Can I begin the program at some point other than Fall Quarter? 

 

Students must  start in the Fall Quarter for three important reasons: 1) all field training experiences begin in the late Summer or Fall Quarter 2) starting the program with a cohort of other students provides a valuable support system and 3) most courses offered during Fall Quarter of the first year are prerequisites for Winter and Spring Quarter classes.

 

5. Will this program prepare me to work with children in a clinical capacity?

 

The Child Assessment and Intervention specialization, in combination with a child-focused externship,   provides students with the necessary skills and experience to work with children in a clinical capacity.

 

6. Can I become a school counselor with a degree from this program? 

 

As a result of a recent change in the Illinois statutes, Masters-level counselors can now become school counselors by taking some additional specified courses.

 

 

7. What kind of jobs and salaries are possible with this degree? 

 

A vast range of jobs are available with this degree. Depending on a student’s area of specialization, possible job opportunities include direct counseling or staff positions in such settings as community mental health centers, inpatient/outpatient clinics and hospitals, and independent practice as well as administrative positions; research positions; human resources personnel and  corporate management positions; and university student services, career services and student affairs positions. See pages 18-19 for “Some Representative Jobs of Recent Graduates.” Salaries vary with position, geographic locale, work setting and amount of experience.

 

8. Can I qualify for doctoral programs with this degree? 

 

Approximately 30-40% of our graduates apply and are admitted to top-quality, highly competitive Clinical or Counseling Ph.D. or Psy.D. programs immediately upon graduation or after some work experience.

 

9. How do I know if my application has been received?

 

After you have completed your on-line application and submitted it properly, you will be given a confirmation message that your application has been received. If you do not receive a confirmation, you should check with The Graduate School for further information. In addition, it is your responsibility to submit official GRE or TOEFL scores directly from Educational Testing Service to Northwestern University using institution code #1565 and object code 01 and to submit supporting documents to the Counseling Psychology program (letters of recommendation, essays, resume and transcripts). While there will be no official confirmation of receipt of these supplemental materials, you may request a confirmation of receipt at: counseling-psychology@northwestern.edu.

 

10. Are there different applications for the Standard and Two-Plus Curricula?

 

All applicants apply to the Master’s Program in Counseling Psychology. All applicants may indicate the curriculum preference in the essay. However, upon reviewing the candidate’s application, the Admission Committee will determine the curriculum for which the applicant is best suited. Before recommending an applicant for admission, the committee will contact the applicant first to ensure that the applicant is in agreement with the selected curriculum. 

 

11. How do I know if counseling psychology best suits my particular skills and career goals or if I am better suited for clinical psychology, social work, or marital & family therapy?

 

Those who are currently considering this question should fully explore career options through sessions with a career counselor, informational interviews with professionals in these fields, an in-depth literature search, etc., and should conclude that counseling psychology and obtaining a license as a professional counselor (LCPS) is the career of choice BEFORE applying to this program. The Program Director is available to answer questions that pertain to the candidates’ application process.