Fitchburg State offers two options for the master of science counseling program:
We've listened to you and we're providing this list of FAQs to help answer some questions you may have about admission into our programs. If you'd like to speak with the chair of the program, attend our upcoming information session, and as an added bonus for attending, we'll waive your application fee!
What is your minimum required GPA? 
The standards for the graduate counseling program through Graduate and Continuing Education at Fitchburg State specify a minimum GPA of 2.8. However, we evaluate your entire submission and exemplary performance in one area may offset a weaker showing in another area.
How long will it take to complete this program?
Most counseling students who are also employed full-time complete the program in three to four years, including the one-year internship/practicum. There is an accelerated two-year sequence for students who wish to concentrate full-time on their studies. This accelerated sequence must be started in the summer to ensure that students can take courses in the required sequence.
How long does it take to complete the internship?
Students are required to complete a 600 clock hour/12-credit Internship in Mental Health Counseling or Practicum in School Counseling. This is completed in the final year of the program, beginning in September and running through May of the same academic year. These 600 clock hours (300 in the fall and 300 in the spring semesters) must be completed in this timeframe, and can’t be sped up or stretched out into another semester.
What is your deadline for admission?
The counseling program has rolling admission and admits students to begin classes in the fall, spring, or summer terms. Students who wish to follow the accelerated sequence must start in the summer. Summer and spring starts are also ideal to help students spread their courses throughout the program. We recommend completing an application at least six to eight weeks prior to your desired start date to ensure proper time for processing.
If you plan on applying for financial aid, be sure to submit your FAFSA when you submit your application. Visit our financing your graduate education page for more information on all your financing options.
Whom should I ask for a letter of recommendation?
You should have at least one academic reference (i.e., from a professor). That can be daunting if you have not taken a recent class, but a professor can provide important information about your academic behavior. If you have worked in the counseling field, a letter from a clinical supervisor can also be very helpful in showing your abilities in working with others.
Do you require prerequisites?
Yes, students must complete the following undergraduate prerequisites with a grade of C or higher:*
- Developmental Psychology (or equivalent)
- Statistics, Psychological Statistics or Applied Statistics for Counselors
Get started with this course this summer. There's still time to register!
- MATH 1700 Applied Statistics
Do I have to take the MTEL®? If so, when do I need to submit the scores?
Students applying for the M.S. in Counseling: School Counseling program need to pass the MTEL®: Communication and Literacy Reading and Writing subtests as part of the application process. Visit the MTEL website for registration and practice test information.**
May I take graduate courses before applying?
Students may begin this program in the fall (September - December), spring (January – May) or summer (late May) semesters. Suggested courses include COUN 7030 Introduction to Professional Counseling and COUN 7010 Counseling Theories. Contact the Graduate and Continuing Education (GCE) Office at (978) 665-3182 or email gceadvisor@fitchburgstate.edu for assistance.
Graduate students may complete 12 graduate credits within one year while preparing an application for admission.
Taking courses prior to applying doesn’t guarantee admission into the program. Financial aid is only available to admitted students.
Do you offer a payment plan?
Yes, a payment plan is available for fall and spring GCE courses. Please visit our website for more information.
Do you need answers to questions we haven't covered here? Email a Graduate and Continuing Education advisor at gceadvisor@fitchburgstate.edu or attend an upcoming GCE Information Session and get all of your questions answered!
*Applications to the M.S. in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling programs won’t be considered complete until an official transcript with a grade of C or higher in each prerequisite course is received.
**Applications to the M.S. in Counseling: School Counseling program won’t be considered complete until a passing score on the MTEL®: Communication and Literacy Reading and Writing subtests (O1) are received