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Admissions

The University of Pittsburgh’s Counseling Program, starting in Fall 2023, will enroll students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. This change will create a more personalized educational experience by offering a greater selection of elective courses, while maintaining the opportunity to specialize in clinical rehabilitation counseling.

To view past program information, click here: Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Program Admission page.

Admission Requirements 

  • A baccalaureate degree is required, preferably in psychology, rehabilitation sciences, human services, social sciences or a related field of study. 
  • A minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (based on 4.0) is suggested. If your GPA falls below 3.0, your application may still be considered. In such cases, please describe factors that may have negatively impacted your GPA as one element of your professional statement. A minimum GPA of 2.8 is required.
  • Applicants should possess strong interpersonal and professional skills, must be committed to developing clinical skills through clinical practice and supervision, and be open to feedback, self-assessment, and self-reflection. Applicants must communicate in a clear, organized, and logical fashion both verbally and in writing.
  • Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion is a major emphasis in our program and in the counseling profession. Those with knowledge, experience, skills, interest, and dedication to advancing these values are strongly encouraged to apply and to convey this through their application materials. 
  • Verification of English Language Proficiency. Verification is required unless the following apply: 
    • the applicant is a citizen of a country whose official language is English 
  • A group interview conducted via video conference will be required on February 15, 2024 or February 16, 2024. We will reach out to you with additional instructions if you are invited to an interview.
  • Admission is available for fall semester start only.

Application Requirements 

  • Complete the GradCAS application. 
  • Submit the application fee of $50 (U.S.). 
  • Three professional letters of recommendation. These letters should be from individuals who can describe your potential for graduate level work and may include individuals such as professors, supervisors, or employers.
  • Upload a personal statement that demonstrates evidence of graduate level writing skills and discusses career goals, strengths, skills, and experiences that will contribute to success in the program and in the counseling profession. The essay should also include a brief statement discussing professional interest in the field of counseling and reasons for applying to the University of Pittsburgh Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. (2,500 character limit).
  • Answer two short essay prompts (2,000 character limit). 
  • Curriculum Vitae or Resume.
  • A course-by-course evaluation with GPA conversion for all higher institutions attended outside the U.S. The evaluation may be from World Education Services (WES), Inc. or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), Inc.
  • All admitted students will be required to provide official transcripts and/or credential evaluations to the SHRS Admissions Office prior to enrolling in classes. ​

If applicable:

  • Request official English Language Proficiency test scores from one of the following options. Minimum scores accepted follow:
    • Duolingo: 130. Scores should be made available electronically to "University of Pittsburgh - Health and Rehabilitation Sciences."
    • IELTS: 7.0. Scores should be made available electronically to "University of Pittsburgh Health and Rehabilitation Sciences."
    • TOEFL: 100. TOEFL sub-scores of 26 for speaking and 24 for listening are required. Submit electronically to institution code "2927." 
    • Unofficial scores may be provided via GradCAS (in addition to the official scores required).

Application Deadline 

The Fall 2024 application will open September 15, 2023. For full consideration, a complete application, including all supporting materials, must be received by the February 1 deadline. Applications received after this deadline will only be reviewed in the unlikely event that we are unable to fill the slots for our incoming class.

Additional Information 

To participate in clinical education activities, students are required to obtain a variety of documents attesting to health and vaccination status, criminal background checks/Act 33/34 clearances, and training associated with the provision of health care services. Many of these documents and trainings must be renewed annually while in the program. Students who do not complete these requirements prior to designated deadlines will not receive clinical assignments as typically sequenced, potentially extending the program duration. Specific information on these clinical requirements and deadlines is provided shortly after acceptance. Additionally, in order to become licensed, many states will inquire as to whether the applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor, a felony, or a felonious or illegal act associated with alcohol and/or substance abuse. 

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