Application Requirements

Admissions standards for the online master of arts in School Counseling and Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness programs are the same as the requirements for the on-campus programs.

We look for candidates who are committed to the promotion of equity and social justice, and hold the appropriate education and experience to succeed in our rigorous online counseling programs. In order to apply, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university. To apply to the online program, you must have earned an undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (based on a 4.0 scale).

For applicants to the master of arts in School Counseling and Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness program it is helpful to have some experience in the mental health field. This can include paid or volunteer experience in settings such as suicide hotlines, psychiatric centers, crisis centers, etc.

January 2025 Cohort

DeadlineDate
Final Deadline
October 14, 2024
Classes Begin
January 2025

*School Counseling will only accept applications for the September start date

Application Items

completed application for Counseling@NYU’s graduate counseling programs includes the following items:

1. GRE scores

GRE scores are not required for admission.

2. Statement of Purpose

This statement is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions committee and demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the field. Let us know your goals, interests, and career plans as they relate to earning your degree. Specifically, how have your experiences – education, volunteer, and/or work experience – led you to pursue a career in counseling? The statement should be two to three double-spaced pages, and it should explain your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in counseling.

3. Current Resume/CV

Be sure to include all relevant work experience. Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness applicants should include any part- or full-time work experience, or volunteer experiences in clinical settings.

4. Transcripts

Upload copies of transcripts from every postsecondary school you have attended, including study abroad programs and community colleges, directly into the application. Please note that unofficial transcripts must include the following:

  • Full name of the institution (no abbreviations)
  • Student name
  • Student ID
  • Semesters
  • Course title and grade received
  • Grading scale (if different than 4.0 scale)
  • Level of study
  • Degree conferral date (if degree granted)

If the unofficial transcripts submitted do not meet the above requirements, you will be required to submit official transcripts. If admitted to the program, you will need to provide official transcripts. These can be emailed to applicationservices@mhcounseling.steinhardt.nyu.edu. If you need to mail any application items, use the following address:

New York University (NYU)
Application Processing Center
Counseling@NYU
PO Box 30096 010-002
College Station, TX 77842

Please note: To be considered an official transcript, the transcript must be sent directly from your institution(s) or through an electronic transcript vendor retained by that institution. Transcripts submitted by enrolled or prospective students are considered unofficial documents, even if they are in a sealed envelope provided to you by the issuing university.

If you have completed or are completing a degree at an institution outside of the United States or Canada, you are required to provide either a WES course-by-course or an ECE course-by-course evaluation.

5. Two Letters of Recommendation

These two letters should come from academic references who know you and can speak to your academic qualifications in relation to your field of study.

6. TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores

These scores are required only if your native language is not English and you did not receive the equivalent of a four-year US undergraduate degree in which the main language of instruction was English. In order to apply for the program, you must have a minimum TOEFL score of 100.
Please note: All applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents living in the United States for the duration of the program. Students living outside of the United States are not eligible for the program at this time.

7. Non-Refundable Application Fee

A $75 non-refundable application fee is required upon submission of your application and can be paid using any major credit card. If you submit by the priority deadline, the non-refundable application fee will be reduced to $45.

All students enrolled in Counseling@NYU agree to follow the Ethical Standards for School Counselors (American School Counselor Association, 2016) and the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics (2014) while in training.