Admission Criteria
1. Academic Background
a. It is expected that applicants will have completed a master’s degree in counseling or a related field that includes eight (8) core areas of concentration required by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The eight areas are: Professional Identity, Social and Cultural Diversity, Human Growth and Development, Career Development, Helping Relationships, Group Work, Assessment, and Research and Program Evaluation. Applicants who have not graduated from a CACREP master’s program, and who have not completed courses in the CACREP 8 core areas, or who have a master’s in psychology, social work, or a related field are to mail or e-mail an unofficial copy of their master’s transcript to the Doctoral Director, Dr. Jered Kolbert at koblertj@duq.edu. He will review your transcript to identify what additional coursework you would need to satisfy this CACREP requirement.
b. Applicants should have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.25 or better for all relevant graduate work completed.
c. Students must submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). These scores are one factor in the admissions decision; however, an applicant’s overall academic record will be considered. You can register for the GRE here.
2. Personal Characteristics
Applicants will be able to demonstrate a personal fitness for the counseling profession including evidence of accurate self-awareness, emotional stability and good mental health.
3. Counseling and Supervision Career Goals
The Ph.D. program emphasizes training in counselor education and supervision. The stated career goals of applicants are reviewed to determine if they are an appropriate match with the goals of the Program.
4. Verbal and Written Communication
a. Applicants may be asked to participate in a group and/or individual interview where they will have an opportunity to demonstrate their verbal communication abilities and cognitive complexity.
b. Applicants will demonstrate appropriate written communication skills through the submission of a writing sample as part of the application process.
5. Technological Competence
a. Applicants are expected to have competence in applying technological application to the study and practice of teaching, supervision, and research.
b. Applicants should, at a minimum, be familiar with the basic application of Microsoft Office and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).
6. International Student Requirements
In addition to the previously listed requirements, general graduate admission standards for international students require a transcript from the home country indicating an equivalent of a grade point average of 3.25 or higher. International students must also submit either Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. The minimum score for the TOEFL paper based is 550, and 80 for the internet version. The minimum score for the IELTS is 7.0. Further information is available from the International Student Office, 412-396-6113.
