Counseling - Master of Science

The MS in Counseling is a 60-credit program. This program can be started in the summer or fall terms, and at a pace that works best for you. Full-time students can finish in as little as three years, with two years of coursework, including summer terms, and an internship during the third year. 

For a comprehensive overview of the program structure and required courses, please refer to the Graduate Catalog. 

State-specific Professional Licensure information for this program can be found on the university's Institutional Research & Planning website.

To qualify for admission to the degree program, students must have sufficient background in the behavioral sciences, including a course or courses in human development and abnormal psychology, and meet graduate admission criteria.

The initial application deadline for the MS in Counseling program is October 1st and the final deadline is February 1st. The next application cycle opens on March 16th. All deadlines are subject to change without notice. Accurate and up-to-date admission deadlines can be found on the graduate admission deadlines website.

Additional requirements for admission to the MS in Counseling program:

• Upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the program.
• Upload a resume documenting your professional experience.
• Upload a personal statement containing all four (4) sections. Section 1 - Autobiography: Tell us about the life events that are bringing you to the counseling profession; Section 2 - Future Career Goals: Tell us about your future career goals in the counseling field and how the University of Wisconsin Whitewater Counselor Education Program can support you in meeting these goals; Section 3 - Ability to cope with ambiguity: Reflect on a time when you experienced uncertainty in your life, how did you cope, what was that like for you (Address all 3 areas); Section 4 - Ability to cope with transitions and change: Reflect on a time when you had to cope with a significant change and/or transition in your life. What were your strengths and what were your challenges (Address all 3 areas)
• Sufficient Coursework Background: Three courses must be completed prior to enrollment in the program or completed prior to enrollment in coursework beyond the first nine credits. Indicate how you have met these couses by providing title of course taken, credits earned, and date completed for statistics, abnormal psychology, and human development
• Provide contact information (name, organization, position/title, relationship, telephone and email address) for two (2) individuals that are knowledgeable about your potential to do graduate work and function successfully as a counselor.
• Complete a background check through ViewPoint. Instructions can be found in the  background checks under the graduate program application process admission information. 

All requirements can be submitted during the application process.

If you do not meet the graduate admission criteria, please email us to determine if you could be admitted on a contingent basis.

International students must meet additional criteria and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact us for information and assistance.

State-specific Professional Licensure information for this program can be found on the university's Institutional Research & Planning website.

This program at UW-Whitewater is a superior value at $585.74 USD per credit as a resident and $1,200.20 USD per credit as a non-resident for the 2024-25 academic year. Visit the Tuition and Fees webpage for complete information.

Financial aid

Students completing a degree program may be eligible for financial aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, or employment. All of these make up a “Financial Aid Package” and may be offered singly or in various combinations. Since funds are limited, priority for aid is based on financial need and how promptly applications are filed. To find out if you qualify, or if you have other financial aid questions, contact the financial aid staff person assigned to you or try uwwfao@uww.edu or 262-472-1130.

Interested in taking a tour of UW-Whitewater campus? You can visit in person or virtually. Visit our tours website to select your option.

Like to learn more about degree options through UW-Whitewater School of Graduate Studies? There are a few ways you can get the information you need. Visit our information sessions website to select a virtual information session related to the program you are interested in. You can also fill out a request for information to connect with an advisor who can discuss your goals and help guide you to the right program to pursue your dreams.

For a comprehensive overview of the program emphasis structure and required courses, please refer to the Graduate Catalog.

For a comprehensive overview of the program emphasis structure and required courses, please refer to the Graduate Catalog. 

The Athletic Counseling graduate certificate is designed for students pursuing the Association for Applied Sport Psychology's (AASP) Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) credential. 

More information on this certificate program can be found on the School of Graduate Studies website.

The graduate certification in clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) is designed for individuals who have a Master's degree in Counseling from a CACREP-accredited institution (or equivalent). This certificate program provides post-graduate training in clinical mental health counseling for students who have completed a Master's degree with another emphasis (e.g. Community, Higher Education, School).

More information on this certificate program can be found on the School of Graduate Studies website.

The UW-Whitewater Educator in School Counseling Certificate program is an innovative program designed for individuals who have completed a master’s degree and who are seeking School Counseling licensure in Wisconsin. 

More information on this certificate program can be found on the School of Graduate Studies website.

The graduate certification in School Counseling is designed for individuals who have a Master’s degree in Counseling from a CACREP-accredited institution (or equivalent) in an emphasis other than school counseling. 

More information on this certificate program can be found on the School of Graduate Studies website.