What's next, graduate school?

Posted by Kimberly McCoy-Blauser on May 19, 2021 at 11:02 AM

You've graduated and you're thinking about continuing your education.  Let us help you navigate the application process and prepare you to succeed at the graduate level.

Ask the Right Questions

Why this graduate program?  Don’t go to grad school just to go to grad school.  Even in career fields that require a graduate degree, it is a necessary, but not a sufficient condition for breaking into that field.  Why graduate school now?  You need to weigh the pros and cons of going straight from your undergraduate to earning your graduate degree or getting some work experience first, and then going back to school. What will be the likely return on this investment?  Weigh the total cost of tuition against the average salary for your anticipated career field.

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Topics: Preparing for College, Admissions

Watch one of our program webinars and save $50

Posted by Kelly Norris on October 27, 2020 at 12:23 PM

Are you interested in returning to school to complete your bachelor's degree or to earn a master’s degree, but can’t find the time to make a phone call during the work day? We’ve got you covered during webinar week!

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Topics: Events, Admissions, Webinars

Why Should You Attend a Transfer Tuesday?

Posted by Kelly Norris on February 4, 2020 at 8:43 AM

Navigating the college application process can be difficult, especially if you are hoping to transfer. Policies can differ from school to school and there are so many options. This is why we created  Transfer Tuesdays at Fitchburg State.

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Topics: Admissions

Top Admissions FAQs for the Graduate Application Process

Posted by Kelly Norris on December 13, 2017 at 1:31 PM

You’ve overcome application anxiety and decided to apply to a graduate program at Fitchburg State University. Congratulations on taking the first step! Do you still have questions like "What are my next steps to complete my application?" and "Do my transcripts have to be official?"

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Topics: Admissions

Why Attend a Transfer Tuesday?

Posted by Andy Cunningham on November 7, 2017 at 1:38 PM

We know navigating the college application process can be difficult, especially if you are hoping to transfer. Policies can differ from school to school and there are so many options. This is why we created Transfer Tuesdays at Fitchburg State.

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Topics: Admissions

Rolling admissions: how you can benefit from it!

Posted by Kelly Norris on May 18, 2017 at 10:35 AM

Fitchburg State University accepts graduate applications on a rolling basis; meaning, as your application becomes complete, it is forwarded for a review.  The turnaround time for a decision is approximately 3 weeks from the time the application becomes complete.  The sooner your application becomes complete, the sooner you will have your decision.  Also, to make things even easier for you, you can check the status of your application online!

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Topics: Admissions

I attended the Information Session. What's next?

Posted by Andy Cunningham on April 11, 2017 at 9:35 AM

Thank you for attending the Graduate and Continuing Education Information Session!

We appreciate you taking the time from your busy schedule to learn more about our programs. If you’re interested in taking the next step, follow the to-do list below to get started on attaining your educational goals.

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Topics: Admissions

Applying to grad school at Fitchburg State? 4 things you need to know now!

Posted by Kelly Norris on March 8, 2016 at 3:39 PM

You’ve made the decision to apply to a graduate program at Fitchburg State. Congratulations on taking the next step in reaching your goal! After all of your research about graduate schools, you may be asking yourself “what now?” We’re here to tell you what you should be doing right now to get started in the summer or fall semester.

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Topics: Admissions

Admission FAQs for the Graduate Counseling Program

Posted by Kelly Norris on September 24, 2015 at 12:02 PM

Fitchburg State offers two options for the graduate 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 this take?
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 2-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 start in the fall, spring, or summer terms. Students who wish to follow the accelerated sequence must start in the summer.  Summer and spring starts area also ideal to help students spread their courses throughout the program.  We recommend completing an application at least 6 to 8 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). We know 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 on these courses this spring with

  • MATH 1700 1/22 – 3/11/18 Online (with an on campus or proctored final)
  • PSY 2010 Child Development 1/22 – 5/14/18 Online

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 programs 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.**

Can 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 for assistance in navigating the course schedule.

Graduate students may complete 12 graduate credits within 1 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 pre-requisite course is received.

 

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Topics: Admissions

Graduate school admissions testing. Which test will you need to take?

Posted by Kelly Norris on June 29, 2015 at 3:39 PM

Why should you apply to a school that requires the GRE/MAT/GMAT instead of a school where graduate school admissions testing is not required?   This is definitely a good question and one we hear a lot.

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Topics: Admissions

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