Counseling Psychology Program Curriculum & Admission Requirements

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Coursework

The academic coursework includes 60 credit hours and is designed to develop the knowledge base necessary for effective counseling and to prepare students to become licensed professional counselors. Our programs do not have an online option. They are mostly classroom based, with classes offered during the day in Lawrence, while a few might be in the evening or at the Edwards campus.

Project, thesis, or comprehensive examination

As one goal of the master's program is to provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate skill in the integration of scientific and practice-related knowledge, students elect to complete one of three research options: 1) Master's Project; 2) Master's Thesis; or 3) Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE).

Practicum

In accordance with our MPCAC accreditation, the program includes significant supervised experiences, a minimum of 600 hours across at least two years. At least 240 of the supervised experiences must be direct contact hours. Most students will need to be enrolled in summer practicum for at least two years and they should be prepared for their program to extend into a third year (or more if part-time) in order to obtain the required hours. Prospective students are encouraged to review specific licensing criteria in the state(s) they may want to get licensed to be sure of specific requirements in those states.

Field Experience

Students who wish to gain experience in an area not afforded them through their practica will typically enroll in EPSY 895: Field Experience.

Graduate Admission

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in counseling, psychology, or a related area (or a minimum of 15 undergraduate credit hours in the behavioral sciences) with at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited institution or a foreign university with substantially equivalent bachelor’s degree requirements. International applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the application process well in advance of the application deadlines in order to ensure adequate time for processing of visa-related paperwork. Meeting minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission to the program.

Criminal Background Check

To enroll as a student in good standing and to be placed in clinical practice sites (e.g., practicum, internship, field experience), students in the program must complete and satisfactorily clear a criminal background check with Validity Screening Solutions. Refusal to undergo the background check will result in denial of admission. The program faculty reserves the right to request additional background checks should issues arise and the faculty deems it necessary.

Application Deadline

Jan. 6, 2026

Summer or fall terms only (spring admission not available)

Program Curriculum

Students will establish specific course and program plans and requirements at the new student orientation during the first fall semester of enrollment. The program curriculum provides a broad and general introduction to counseling psychology theory, research and clinical practice. Program curriculum offers students a M.S. terminal track for those who want to get licensed after graduation and also offers a Ph.D. aspirant track for those who may consider pursuing a doctoral program after graduation. The program includes a required practicum in a counseling setting. Students enrolled full-time can typically complete the program in two and a half to three years but it can also be completed on a part-time basis.

Course Requirements

Please note: This is only a potential plan of study. Consult with your academic advisor before enrolling.

Additional Requirements

Elective and additional coursework depending on the choice of capstone and track.
Total credit hours: 60

Student Admission, Outcomes, and Other Data

Counseling Psychology MS Program at the University of Kansas

Counseling Psychology MS Program - Student Admission, Outcomes, and Other Data
Academic Year of Entry	2025	2024	2023	2022
Number of applicants	104	110	82	69
Number offered admissions	40	36	21	18
Number accepted offer of admission	19	20	12	9
Total enrolled in the program	19	20	12	9
Number graduated	14	9	10	10

Application Checklist

M.S. in Counseling Psychology

Applicants are required to submit the following materials and meet the following requirements before the application deadline:

Online application
Complete through the KU Office of Graduate Admissions. If you are planning to apply to both the doctoral level and MS level, you can save on application fees by submitting only one application to the doctoral level. Then, indicate your interest in the MS level on the “Are you interested in our MS program if not admitted to the PhD program?” question. At the discretion of the admission committee, those with strong credentials, but not qualified at the doctoral level, can be recommended to the MS pool for consideration.
Transcripts
One official copy of academic transcripts from each college or university attended. Official KU transcripts are not required; they will be obtained internally.
English translation of transcripts
Official transcripts from an international university must include an English translation
Resume or CV
Statement of intent
1-2-page statement outlining one’s background, professional objectives, and specific interests in our program. No formatting requirements. The best personal statements tell us about you and why you'd like to come to KU, why you're a good fit for the program and field, and what your career goals are/interest areas of research and practice. You may also address deficits (e.g., low GPA) in the personal statement, as needed.

Online letters of recommendation
Names and email addresses of three people who can attest to your potential as a graduate student in a rigorous graduate program and a future counselor. We typically get letters from college instructors, lab professors, supervisors/bosses from work, etc. While the system only allows for three recommendations, if you have additional letter writers, they can email those directly to fritts@ku.edu.
Proof of English proficiency
Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency
Financial document (international students only)
Required by U.S. government in order to issue the I-20 or DS-2019
Application fee
$65 for U.S. residents; $100 for international applicants.

Admission & Curriculum Resources

The online application is designed to give applicants the ability to submit all supporting documents in one form. We invite you to explore our graduate degree information, review our student resources, and learn more on our knowledgeable faculty and the vibrant community of Lawrence, Kansas.

Apply Online request info