FAQ

• What materials are required for application?

  You will need to submit, in addition to the application, a personal statement, official transcripts from all colleges attended, and 2 letters of recommendation. Please note that the GREs are NOT required for entrance into this program.

  You can download the application at http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/graduate_admissions/

• How do I go about taking a class pass/fail?
  Students have the option to take up to 25% of their required courses (not including Lab I & II or Internship I & II) on a pass/fail basis. Pass/Fail option forms may be obtained from the Office of the Associate Dean for Students Services and Public Affairs, Pless Hall, 4 th Floor, and must be filed in the Office of the University Registrar prior to the end of the fifth week of the term for fall and spring term courses. For more information, please see the Steinhardt School of Education Bulletin.
• What are the requirements for New York State licensure as a Mental Health Counselor?

  The requirements for licensure are:

  Education: Master's or higher degree in counseling from a program registered by the State Education Department (SED) or determined by SED as equivalent. The Program in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness at NYU is registered as Licensure Qualified by New York State.

  Experience: 3,000 hours of post-master's experience in mental health counseling under supervision that is acceptable to the SED, completed under a one-year limited permit (renewable twice; each permit is $70); or in an exempt setting (such as: state-run facilities, rape crisis counseling centers, etc.).

  Examination: Pass National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination given by NBCC.

  Fee: $345 Comparative Education (review of transcripts, credentials, etc.)

  Also Required:

  • Child Abuse Identification Course or Exemption
  • Good moral character determined by SED based on application, investigation, and Board review
• Will the program prepare me for mental health licensure or school counseling certification?
  Requirements for licensure and certification vary from state to state. NYU's programs will prepare you for New York state licensure or certification. If you know that you will be moving to another state after graduation, we will work with you to ensure that you complete all the educational requirements for that state.
• Will the programs prepare me for a Ph.D. program in counseling or clinical psychology?
  The program will prepare you to continue your education in a doctoral program.
• What do graduates of the School Counseling Program go on to do?
  Graduates of the School Counseling Program have been successful in obtaining positions as School Guidance Counselors through the New York City Department of Education and within school systems on Long Island and throughout the tri state area. In addition, many have obtained positions in agencies that provide services to youngsters. Program requirements meet most state standards.
• What do graduates of the Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness program go on to do?
  Graduates of the Program in Counseling for Mental Health & Wellness will be competitive with other mental health service providers in both public and private agencies including community mental health programs, university counseling centers, substance abuse treatment among others. In addition, New York State Licensure allows graduates to engage in private psychotherapy practice under this new license. Many graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees including doctoral study.
• If I get accepted to the program at a later time, will my non-matriculated credits transfer into the program?
  Yes.
• Can I apply to both the School Counseling and the Mental Health and Wellness Programs?
  You may only apply for one program each year.
• Are there any pre-requisites or required coursework for admission into the program?
  There are no prerequisites. Most students have an undergraduate major in psychology or a background in psychology, counseling, or human services. If you do not possess these, it is highly recommended that you take a class or two before you apply, but it is not required.
• What is the required GPA for admission?
  There is no minimum requirement. Students typically have a 3.0 or higher, but a student with a lower GPA could be admitted if his/her other areas are strong.
• When can I enter the program?
  Students are accepted into the program only for the Fall semester. The deadline for application is February 1.
• On average, how many students are in each class?
  Class size varies greatly. Clinical courses such as Counseling Labs or Internship seminars will have only 6-10 students in them. Others will have as many as 45. Generally, classes are restricted to about 25 students per section, but this varies according to the specific course.
• How many students apply for the programs each year?
  The figure varies each year, but the program is quite selective.
• How many people are in the counseling programs?
  Each year we admit a total 40 new students into each of the counseling programs.