Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Online Application:

• Submit the University of San Diego Graduate School Admission Online Application with $45 application fee

  • Upload the following to submit your online application
    • Statement of Purpose
    • Resume
    • Recommenders’ Contact Information

Transcripts:

An official transcript from the university where you earned your bachelor’s degree is required at the time of application.

Note:

• Official E-Transcripts are acceptable only if emailed to grads@sandiego.edu.
• Transcripts from study abroad courses and transfer credits are not required.

Degrees Earned Outside of the United States:

• Students who earned their bachelor’s or master’s degree from an institution outside the United States must submit a course-by-course degree evaluation conducted by World Education Services (WES) at the time of application.  
  • Applications for students educated outside the United States will not be considered complete nor can an admissions decision be made until this degree evaluation has been submitted.

Letters of Recommendation:

• Two letters of recommendation are required at the time of application. If possible, one letter should come from a professor who can speak to your academic strengths, while the other should come from an employer or professional mentor. Letters should not be submitted by a family member or friend. The letters of recommendation should share how they know you, how long they’ve known you, and how they are familiar with your work. We encourage recommenders to share specific anecdotes that help explain how they think you will be successful in a program and in your career. 

Résumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV):

• Your résumé or CV should be a summary of your qualifications and transferable skills related to the program. You are encouraged to highlight your professional accomplishments and relevant experiences, including volunteer experiences. In addition, you can submit a cover letter with your resume to provide context to your relevant experiences and share their connection to the program. 

Statement of Purpose:

• A 500-word maximum statement of purpose: Please include a brief narrative describing yourself, your career goals, and the importance of graduate study in clinical mental health counseling at this point in your life. You may discuss influences on your intellectual development, educational and cultural opportunities (or lack of them) which have been available to you, and the ways in which these experiences have affected you. This should not be a recording of facts already listed on the application; it should give the Admissions Committee a better sense of who you are and why you are applying to the clinical mental health counseling specialization at the University of San Diego.

English Proficiency Exam for International Applicants

• International applicants only:
  • Official score reports for the  Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)or the  International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required of all international applicants.
    • TOEFL minimum scores:
      • Internet-based test: 83
      • Computer-based test: 237
      • Paper-based test: 580
    • IELTS minimum score:
      • Band score 7

1. Have submitted your online application and 
2. You meet one of the following: 
   • English is your primary language
   • You completed a 4-year bachelor's degree or 2-year master's degree, and obtained (or in the process of obtaining) a bachelor’s or master's degree in the U.S. with a minimum 3.0 GPA. 
     
     • Or from a university outside of the U.S. that is regionally accredited. 
   • You obtained your bachelor's degree in Great Britain, Canada, or Australia with an equivalent minimum 3.0 GPA. 

Be sure to promptly order official transcripts or official transcript evaluations, as they are also required to determine waiver eligibility.

If you believe you are eligible for an EPEX waiver, please email the SOLES Admissions and Outreach Office at solesadmissions@sandiego.edu. Each request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Education Requirements:

• Applicants must complete a bachelor’s degree prior to beginning the program. Applicants may apply prior to completing their bachelor's degree. In this case, please submit your most up-to-date transcripts, and if admitted, submit a second set of official transcripts after your degree is conferred.
• The minimum cumulative Grade Point Average is 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
• This program does not have any specific prerequisite courses, but undergraduate coursework in psychology and/or other social science fields is recommended.

Experience Requirements:

Experience in a related field is recommended, but not required for admission.

Interview Requirement:

After an initial review of applications to the Counseling program, the most qualified candidates will be invited to USD for a group interview with the Counseling faculty.