Psychology : Prospective Counseling Student Information

Welcome to the Mental Health and School Counseling Student Page!

So much is happening in our programs, it's difficult to sum up the changes. Most of what you need to know is in the student handbooks. These contain information about the application process, classes in the programs, advice from current and past students, how the internship process works, and just about anything else related to the program

Our programs continue to gain national and international recognition. We have become a selective program (i.e., only able to admit a small percentage of our applicants), but we are striving to admit students who add the diversity of our current students and faculty. All of our faculty conudct research in multicultural and diversity issues, and students can expect to learn more about this as they move through the program. For example, Jeff Penick focuses on gerontology issues; Jennifer Cates addresses social justice and advocacy; Scott Schaefle works with Gear Up and other need-based groups; Rob Brammer publishes on gender identity, ethnic immigration issues, and spirituality; and Breyan Haizlip works on Social Class Disparity, African American issues, and sexuality.

A strength of our CACREP-accredited program is its unique balance between field experience and research. All of our students complete a research project or a thesis. We strongly advocate students to tie this research to work they are doing in their internship or with their faculty advisors, but students are free to do whatever interests them. Central also provides funding for students to present their research at national conferences.

Practicum at Central is also unique. During your first or second quarter, you will start working with clients. This applied work will continue until you graduate. Every quarter, you will do more in-depth work as your skills progress. You start with a one-session intake. The next quarter, you complete a full intake and start a treatment plan. In the third quarter, you see community clients for the entire quarter. After this, you start a half-time internship, then progress to full time. The process should develop smoothly over your time and Central. You may also complete this internship in whichever geographical location you desire (provided we find a site there). We've had students from across the state and across the world.

Students come to the programs with a variety of backgrounds and training. However, we do have two prerequisites (PSY 362 and 363), both of these are statistics courses. We also recommend undergraduate students take the following: personality or abnormal; social or developmental; learning; physiological; and a course in history and systems of psychology. Students not having these courses should expect to do additional work when background material is needed.

Application Process

Step one: Examine your background. We usually accept eight students into mental health and four-five students in school counseling (all of whom start in the fall). Some of our students also elect to complete a dual program and seek certification as a school counselor. This additional work can be completed in two-three additional quarters. To be admitted into the program, students must apply to the graduate and be reviewed by the department’s Graduate Admissions Committee. Students must write a personal statement, submit three letters of reference, take the Graduate Records Examination, and submit their undergraduate GPA from their last 90 hours of undergraduate work. Applicants are screened by GPA (usually requiring 3.0 or higher), GRE (usually 900 or higher), and their fit for the program. We are looking for applicants who will contribute to the diversity of their cohort, have the background and experiences appropriate for a future counselor, and appear well suited to the training program. International students must receive one of the following scores from the TOEFL: 550 on paper version, 213 on computer version, or 79 on internet version. Students seeking exemption from a departmental requirement based on completion of similar graduate work elsewhere discuss this with departmental faculty after enrolling. Where appropriate, the faculty will determine whether earlier graduate work may be substituted for Central Washington University departmental requirements.

Step two: Start the application process. Click here when you are ready to apply. There is a fee associated with applying. Review of applications will begin the first week of March and will continue until the available openings for the next class are filled. Applicants are therefore encouraged to complete their applications by mid-February, although applications received after this date will be actively considered.

Step three: Gather your references. Three letters of recommendation must be included in your application to the Graduate School. The university supplies a standard form for recommendations.

Step four: Consider an Assistantship or Financial Aid. Those interested in assistantships may download the application. Currently, a limited number of research and teaching assistantships are available for qualified students. These assistantships offer a monthly stipend and a tuition waiver. For Federal Financial Aid information (e.g., student loans), contact Central Washington University's Financial Aid Office at 509-963-1611. Catalog: The Central Washington University Catalog may be obtained from the Admissions Office (509-963-2194) or you may access the Catalog and other Graduate School documents via their web page.

Step four: Find a Place to Live. Many of our students rent appartments or houses. (You can find a partial listing of such opportunities from the Daily Record Newspaper). Some students share rent or rent rooms. For students wanting to live on campus. Please contact the University Housing Office.

For more information, please use the navigation menu on the left to select the desired information.