Students - Graduate Students
Can I stop by to meet with someone about the program?
Program coordinators schedule their own appointments. Most of the essential information needed to apply for the various programs is included at our web site. Please read the departmental and program information carefully and if you have specific questions after reading all the materials, contact the program coordinator via e-mail.
Can I defer my admission to next year?
Due to the high demand of our programs, we will not defer admission from one year to some time in the future. All prospective students are reviewed in light of a cohort model. This requires each year’s applicants to be reviewed as a group and decisions are made about admission from that perspective. Anyone who is admitted to any program in our department and decides not to attend can reapply to that program if they seek admission at a later date.
Do I need a master’s degree prior to applying for a doctoral program in the department?
All students applying for doctoral programs must have a master’s degree.
Can I fax or email my application to the department?
Due to new University of Georgia security procedures, the department can no longer accept faxed or e-mailed copies of any part of the application.
What if I turn in my application after the deadline?
You are responsible for assuring that all materials are received by the deadline. First consideration is given to completed applications that meet the program deadline. A committee will review all the information in your file. Decisions are made on a combination of factors (test scores, GPA, references, statement and work/activities, histories) and no one single factor will either eliminate or qualify one for admission. Applications submitted after the deadline could be considered if the class is not filled.
Is there an interview process?
Some of our programs require an interview. Interviews for programs in Professional Counseling (Community & School) will take all morning, as you will be seen by several of the faculty members. You will also take a writing test. Students in the College Student Affairs Administration master’s program are interviewed over a period of two days and includes faculty at assistantship sites of interest. Students in the doctoral program of Counseling Psychology will interview a full day with faculty and interact with students currently enrolled in the program. A diversity session is also included.
Who should write my letters of recommendation?
Letters of recommendations should come from persons familiar with your academic performance, your potential for serving in a professional role (e.g., teachers, a counselor, psychologist or student affairs leader) or special abilities you bring to the program.
How should letters of recommendation be submitted?
You no longer have the option of submitting them through the online graduate school application. Submit them to the department using the recommendation form. Please make sure that your recommenders have indicated that they are willing to fill out a reference form for you in advance. Please keep in mind that it is your responsibility to ensure that your recommender has submitted the form by the appropriate deadline. Letters ( 3 ) should be included in your packet along with your department application, resume and statement.
Can I be recommended for a provisional admission?
At this time, the Department of Counseling and Human Development Services does not recommend students for provisional admission.
What should I include on my resume/vita?
Should include education (all colleges and universities attended), internships and practical experience, research experiences (Publications, Professional Presentations [APA 4th Edition]), service, instructional, and leadership experiences, awards and honors, related professional work experience.
What is a statement of purpose?
A statement of purpose is a brief essay (limited to four double-spaced typewritten pages) where you identify your purpose for applying to graduate study in the Department of Counseling and Human Development Services. In your statement, please describe your personal and professional goals, and the most salient life experiences that have contributed to the development of your short and long-term goals. Also, include such information as the following: (1) life experiences beyond formal academic courses that contribute to your ability to function as a helping professional, (2) past experiences serving in the role of helper, (3) specific reasons for applying to the program of you choice, (4) important personal attributes or qualities that uniquely qualify you for your desired field of study, and (5) the most important characteristics you seek in a graduate program. You may organize your essay in whatever fashion you desire. Your statement will be reviewed in terms of content and as an example of your writing proficiency and style.
What official transcripts do I need to send?
- Domestic – Submit two (2) official transcripts in sealed envelopes from each institution of higher education where a degree was earned to the University of Georgia Graduate School.
- International – Submit two (2) official transcripts (official academic records and certified English translations, if applicable) from each institution of higher education attended to the University of Georgia Graduate School.
What is the difference between an M.A. and M.Ed. degrees?
The M.A. degree requires additional research hours and a thesis.
If you do not find the answer to your question(s) on this page, please contact the Department of Counseling and Human Development Services at 706-542-1812 or email at chds@uga.edu.
