Graduate and Degree Completion Admissions

How to Apply

Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Create an account with our online admissions system today. This will allow you to complete an application for the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program in the School of Professional Studies—or start one and save your progress if you need to finish it later.

Accepting Applications for the Upcoming Term

August 26, 2024

Apply Now

If you’re not quite ready to apply, you can also request more information about our program, or contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at gradadmissions@northpark.edu or (773) 244-4577.

Admission to programs in the School of Professional Studies is granted throughout the year. There are no strict application deadlines, but we encourage you to apply well in advance of the term during which you wish to start. Courses for the CMHC are offered in terms beginning in fall and spring.

Along with this convenient online, no-fee application, you’ll need:

  1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  2. An electronic copy of your current resume
  3. Two professional and/or academic recommendations are required as part of your application. Log in to the supplemental items list in your account at https://npu.force.com/app to send a recommendation request through our online system.
  4. An essay, as described on the application
  5. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended sent directly to North Park University:

North Park University Admissions
3225 W. Foster Ave., Box 19
Chicago, IL 60625

If you’ve already started an online application, you can log back into the system to complete it.

Application Review

North Park University does not require a GRE score for admission to the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. We will evaluate your application holistically, looking at your undergraduate and any other university coursework, your professional experience, your essay, references, and admissions interview together to make a decision on your admission. We recommend you have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), but a lower GPA does not exclude you from admission.

Interview

The admissions process for the CMHC requires an interview with a counselor education program faculty member. After all application materials have been received, you will be contacted to set up an interview.

A final admissions decision will be made following the interview.

Transfer Students

You may transfer up to six credits into the CMHC program from an accredited institution. They must be within the last 10 years and be a grade of B or higher. Transfer credits will be reviewed on an individual basis by the admissions team to ensure you are on track for your degree and to sit for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) exam.

International Students

In addition to the requirements listed above, international degree-seeking students must also provide the following:

  1. An official transcript evaluation performed by World Education Services or Educational Credential Evaluators. This evaluation should be a course-by-course report.
  2. A bank statement and a North Park Financial Resources Statement (complete the first column only) showing available funds and support of a minimum of USD $38,000, exclusive of North Park scholarship assistance.
  3. Copies of your passport and, if available, your visa and current I-20.
  4. An official TOEFL score in compliance with North Park University’s English Proficiency Requirement.

North Park does not offer teaching assistantships or fellowships. However, international students are eligible to receive North Park scholarships.

International students should also review details regarding Curricular Practical Training (CPT) policies and procedures, as well as general information about employment in the United States while on a student visa.

Financial Aid

Learn More about The School of Professional Studies financial aid options.