Counseling

Kristi Lee, PhD, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director
Jennifer Gess, PhD, Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director
Mary Amanda Graham, PhD, School Counseling Program Director

Overview

The counseling program offers in-person and online degree programs. The in-person program includes the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) and School Counseling (SC) Programs. The in-person CMHC and SC counseling programs are offered on the Seattle University campus and accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The online program offering is in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and can be completed anywhere in the United States. The online CMHC degree mirrors the in-person CMHC degree program in curricular content and is seeking CACREP accreditation. All three counseling programs offer flexible scheduling that allows students to integrate graduate studies with work and home commitments.

Curricula incorporate theoretical perspectives with practical applications. Instructional approaches encourage an equal emphasis on direct and reflective learning experiences. The result for the student is a learning environment that respects the life experiences of the adult learner, along with an ethical sensibility that emphasizes personal and professional accountability. Program graduates work in K-12 schools and mental health settings, institutional environments, and private practice. Public and private schools, colleges, social services, and mental health agencies, correctional facilities and youth service bureaus have all become venues for graduates of these programs.

Admission Requirements

Application for Graduate Admission with non-refundable $55 application fee. (Note: fee waived through fall 2022)
Evidence of four-year equivalent bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Minimum GPA of 3.00 as calculated from transcripts of all post-secondary educational institutions attended in the last 90 quarter/60 semester credits of the bachelor’s degree, including any transfer credits earned during this time, and any post-baccalaureate course work. Applicants with less than a 3.0 GPA may be considered for probationary admission. Applicants from non-letter graded bachelor’s degree programs must submit GRE scores.
Using only College of Education forms, two recommendations are required from employers, administrators, professors, or supervisors who are familiar with your work and your interpersonal skills. Do not choose peers, friends, or therapists.
Two-page (maximum) letter of intent (including goals for the program and professional goals, plus a response to the Seattle University mission statement).
Two-page (maximum) résumé documenting education, volunteer and professional experience.
College of Education Self-Evaluation Form.
Screened applicants will be invited to a group interview with faculty members and other candidates. Admission decisions are sent by letter within 30 days after the group interview.

Refer to Graduate Admission policies in this catalog for information on Probationary and Provisional Admission and Readmission.