MS in Counseling Admission & Application Requirements

1. Online graduate application

Submit the Graduate Online Application - This is only the first step in the application process.

2. $35 Non-Refundable application fee for all graduate applications

After you complete the Graduate Online Application:

• Log in to eServices with your StarID.
• Click on Bills and Payment, and you will be able to pay the application fee using a credit or debit card.

3. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended

Contact ALL the colleges and universities you have attended and have your transcripts sent to:

Graduate Studies Office, MSU Moorhead
1104 7th Avenue South
Moorhead, MN 56563

You do not need to order transcripts from MSUM or other Minnesota State system institutions. See Transcript Policy for more details.

4. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution; no specific major is required

This requirement will be verified by the Graduate Studies Office and the Counseling program.

5. Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or at least 3.25 for the last 30 semester credits

This requirement will be verified by the Graduate Studies Office and the department.

6. Resume

Prepare a resume that includes education, work experience, volunteer activities, etc. Put your name on all pages.

• Log in to the Self Service Center site (allow 24 hours after application submission before logging in).
• Select the “Applications” tab, where you will see your graduate application listed.
• Select “Summary” to see a list of all program requirements and corresponding statuses.
• Upload document by selecting the “Upload” link under the respective “Action” column.

7. Personal Statement/Essay

Prepare a 350 word statement on personal career goals. Put your name on the page.

• Log in to the Self Service Center site (allow 24 hours after application submission before logging in).
• Select the “Applications” tab, where you will see your graduate application listed.
• Select “Summary” to see a list of all program requirements and corresponding statuses.
• Upload document by selecting the “Upload” link under the respective “Action” column.

8. Three recommendations from professors, employers, supervisors, counselors, or other professionals

• Log in to the Self Service Center site (allow 24 hours after application submission before logging in).
• Select the “Applications” tab, where you will see your graduate application listed.
• If you have not submitted contact information yet, select “Continue” to go into your application and complete program app and recommender information.
• After clicking “Submit Application” you will need to contact the Graduate Studies Office for any recommender information changes.
• Your recommenders will receive an e-mail from the Graduate Studies Office asking them to fill out the recommendation form.
• To check the status of your recommendations later, select “Summary” in the Applications tab.

9. Criminal background check through CastleBranch

• Go to: https://portal.castlebranch.com/mx61
• Select: Place Order
• Select: Counseling and Student Affairs
• Select: I am a new student
• Enter all required information — it is important to disclose any charges that could potentially be on your record.
• Previous address information is necessary. If you do not know the exact address, please be sure to include the county of residence.
• Processing will take 48-72 hours, so place your order well before the application deadline.
• Information will be shared with the school.
• Cost is $55.50 for full Background Check.
• If there is a problem with the link above, contact Castle Branch Service Desk at 888.723.4263.