How to Apply

Admission is open year-round with no strict deadlines, though we recommend applying well in advance of the term you wish to start. To apply, you’ll need the following:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 2.75 GPA.
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities you’ve attended. Have them sent directly to:

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

You’ll receive a confirmation email once your application is submitted. After all required materials, including official transcripts, are received, the admissions committee will review your application and make a decision, typically within two weeks.

Application Deadlines

Admission to the CMHC program is open year-round, with courses starting in the fall and spring. We recommend applying well in advance of your desired start term.

Application Requirements

Along with the online, no-fee application, you will need to submit the following:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Résumé (electronic copy).
• Two professional or academic recommendations. Request these through the online system by logging into the supplemental items list at https://npu.force.com/app.
• Essay as outlined in the application instructions.
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities you’ve attended, sent directly to:

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

If you’ve already started your application, simply log in to complete it.

Application Review

The CMHC program does not require a GRE score. We review your application holistically, considering your academic history, professional experience, essay, recommendations, and interview. While a GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended, a lower GPA will not automatically disqualify you from admission.

Interview

As part of the admissions process, you will be interviewed by a faculty member from the Counselor Education program. After your application materials are submitted, you will be contacted to schedule your interview. A final admission decision will be made after the interview.

Transfer Students

You may transfer up to six credits into the CMHC program from an accredited institution, provided they were earned within the last 10 years and with a grade of B or higher. Transfer credits will be reviewed on an individual basis by the admissions team to ensure they align with your degree and eligibility for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) exam.

Application Deadlines

Admission to graduate programs in the School of Education is open year-round. While there are no strict deadlines, we encourage you to apply well in advance of your intended start term. Program start terms are as follows:

• Teacher Endorsements: August, October, January, March, May, July
• Master of Arts in Education: August, October, January, March, May, July
• Master of Arts in Literacy, Language, and Culture: August, October, January, March, May, July
• Master of Arts in Educational Leadership: August

Admission requirements

All programs in the School of Education require the following:

• A completed online application
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, typically with a GPA of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Two professional or academic recommendations (required for master’s and licensure programs). Request these through the online system at https://npu.force.com/app
• Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, sent directly to:

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

Admissions Decisions

After all required materials are submitted, your application will be reviewed by the admissions committee. You will be notified of the decision within two weeks by U.S. mail and either phone or email. Please note, all documents submitted become the property of North Park University and cannot be returned.

There is no application fee, and you can apply anytime for classes starting in January or August.

In addition to your application, please upload the following materials:

• Two recommendations
• Personal statement
• Resume (including repertoire studied)
• Official transcripts from all schools you’ve attended. You may upload them in the application portal, email them to Megan Kerwin, or mail them to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
North Park University
Attn: Megan Kerwin
3225 W. Foster Ave., Box 19
Chicago, IL 60625

Please review the full entrance requirements, prerequisites, and exam information in the Academic Catalog.

Audition and Interview Dates

• Saturday, February 22, 2025

• Sunday, March 1, 2026 (electronic submission due)
• Individual appointments are available upon request through May 1.

Note: Pre-recorded accompaniment tracks are allowed.

Contact Megan Kerwin for more details or to schedule your audition.

Singer Audition Requirements

Singers should prepare three pieces as follows:

• One art song of your choice
• One aria (from an opera or oratorio)
• One vocal piece of your choice, such as a 20th- or 21st-century piece or a legit musical theatre piece suitable for classical style.

Selections should be sung in English and at least one other language.

Collaborative Piano Audition Requirements

Pianists should prepare:

• Four art songs (each in the high key)
• A solo piano work of your choice (memorization optional)
• When possible, please collaborate with a vocalist on recorded auditions.

The required songs are:

• “Ständchen” by Johannes Brahms (G major)
• “Il pleure dans mon coeur” or “Mandoline” by Claude Debussy (choose one)
• “Morgen” by Richard Strauss (measures 1 through the downbeat of measure 16)
• A 20th- or 21st-century vocal art song

Scholarships and Tuition

To be considered for available graduate music scholarships, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) along with your application and audition.

For more details, visit the School of Music, Art, and Theatre’s graduate tuition and payment options.

Contact Megan Kerwin, Admission Recruiter, for more information.