Counselor Education: Doctoral Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will I be able to study part-time?
- While we prefer students who will study full-time, and admit about one-third
of our students who complete their requirements on a part-time basis. Master
of Science and Ph.D. students must complete residency requirements. All graduate
students at North Carolina State University must be continuously enrolled
in their programs. Internships at the close of the master's program will require
full-time participation. Students in the College Counseling concentration
who hold graduate assistantships (for example, Resident Directors) will keep
their part-time assistantships and will work in an additional counseling or
student affairs agency to makeup the full-time internship requirement.
- 2. When are courses offered?
- Almost all of our courses meet one day per week in the evening from 4:10
p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A required Psychology class is offered in the day time during
the summer.
- 3. How many students are admitted each year? How many apply to the program?
- We currently admit 24 students to our master's programs, with around eight
admitted to each concentration. Numbers of applicants for master's programs
range from 80 - 100 each year. We currently admit around six students to the
doctoral program each year from about 25 applicants.
- 4. Is the January 15 deadline absolute?
- Yes, we must receive all application materials by the deadline, except for the candidates for College Counseling track who apply for Resident Director (assistantships) in University Housing. The deadline for these applicants for the College Counseling concentration is March 15. Other candidates must send in all their application materials by Jan 15. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that the application is complete.
- 5. Do you have a preference for either the GRE or MAT?
- No. Both are equally acceptable.
- 6. How much does the test count in the application process?
- The test counts about five percent in the total weight of the application.
- 7. How recent must the GRE or MAT scores be?
- The score must be no more than five years old.
- 8. I do not believe that my undergraduate work fully represents my ability. Would it help to take courses as a PBS student?
- Many of our students have completed post-baccalaureate courses before they
are actually admitted to the program. While courses may help, it does not
substitute for your previous undergraduate record.
- 9. I have been out of school for quite some time. Who should I use as references?
- We require that at least one reference be submitted from someone who can
speak to your academic work. Other references may come from work supervisors.
We do not encourage applicants to use personal acquaintances [friends,neighbors,
ministers, etc] as references.
- 10. What are my chances for being admitted?
- We cannot give applicants any indication of acceptability without the entire
application packet. Applicants are rated in comparison with all applicants
in the particular pool of applicants.
- 11. Do I have to choose one concentration? Can I major in more than one concentration?
- Each applicant is screened for and admitted to one of our three concentrations.
A student may pursue only one concentration at a time. Once admitted,
students are not allowed to change concentrations.
- 12. What is the shortest time in which I can complete a master's degree?
- Two years is the shortest duration. Because some courses are offered only
once a year, and because of the prerequisites for some courses, students should
expect two full years of study.
- 13. What are the possibilities for financial aid? An assistantship?
- We actually control very few assistantships. However, our students have been successful in getting assistantships in other units on campus. We keep a book of opportunities in our office. Students should contact the Office of Financial Aid and the Graduate School for other opportunities. For further information, check out our Financial Aid information. If you want to become a Resident Director (graduate assistant position), please contact University Housing.
last updated 1/16/08
