Master's Degree in Counseling

The M.S. in Counseling program prepares graduates for counseling professions in a variety of settings, including independent practices, substance abuse treatment centers, hospitals, schools, and many more.  Students choose a concentration in Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling. Students learn a variety of counseling theories and are supported to create their own style and theory of counseling.

 Prospective Students: Save the date, annually, the first Friday of February for on-campus interview day.

Program Details

The master's degree program is 61 credit hours.   Full-time students can complete their chosen specialty in a 2-year period, beginning courses during the summer of their initial year (6-9 credit hours each summer and 9-12 credit hours each spring and fall).

Actual counseling sessions with clients begin in our on-campus Counselor Education Training Clinic during the fall of the first year with practicum courses continuing throughout the spring semester, followed by supervised internships at various field sites. Clinical work is complemented by academic content courses which assist students in developing their own counselor identity and professional role to empower and advocate for their clients as well as be leaders in our global society. Our programs are fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Mental Health Counseling Program

Mental health counseling is a helping profession with national standards required for education, training, and clinical practice. Graduate education and clinical training prepares counselors to provide a full range of services for individuals, couples, families, adolescents and children. Our mental health program prepares counselors to practice in a variety of settings such as  independent practice, community agencies, integrated delivery systems, hospitals, and addictions treatment settings. Mental health counselors are  uniquely skilled professionals who provide a full range of services. Learn more.

School Counseling Program

The school counselor is a school leader who consults and collaborates with students, teachers, administrators, parents, and other members of the community to promote culturally relevant P-12 student growth in personal/social, career and academic domains. On a daily basis, school counselors may offer a variety of direct services (e.g., classroom guidance, small groups) as well as systemic interventions (e.g., advocacy, consultation) to enhance student development. School counseling programs often encompass character education, conflict resolution, career planning and much more to build on students' strengths. Learn more.

Tuition and Fees

The University of Wyoming was ranked 10th in the nation for best value!

    Resident Tuition: $210/credit or $3780 full-time/year
    Non-resident Tuition:  $629/credit or $11,322 full-time/year
       Additional fees for all students: $582/semester for health insurance, library usage, etc.
       Outreach course fees:  $20/credit for video, audio, onsite; $40/credit for online

    >>Click here to learn about funding opportunities

Relevant Scholarships

• Elnora Brooks Memorial Scholarship

• Margaret "Peggy" Cooney Scholarship (especially for those receiving the ECMH certificate)

• John K. Corbett Memorial Scholarship

• Patricia B. Ferris-Hawley Scholarship

• Leona S. and Jeanette Heptner Scholarship

• Evelyn Milam Scholarship

• Arden White Student Excellence Scholarship Fund

How to Apply

The deadline for this program is January 8. Download the printable version of this process.

Step 1: Apply to UW and Professional Studies through the online applicant portal

1. Click here to access the UW graduate applicant portal
2. After completing the initial information page, you will receive an email from the system including a link and your temporary username and password
3. Please complete the contact, academic, residency information, etc.
4. Submit the $50 application fee
5. Submit ALL required documents to the online document portal (applications with missing documents will not be considered)
   1. Required documents for this program application
      1. Unofficial copies of transcripts (official copies should be sent to UW admissions)
      2. Summary of academic background
      3. Three letters of recommendation (use the attached form)
      4. A personal statement (four page maximum), including:
         
         1. The primary reasons for your desire to become a professional counselor
         2. Your attributes as well as possible challenges in pursuing a counseling career
         3. How your life experiences have prepared you for a career in counseling
         4. What kind of student you are and how you manage stress
         5. How your personal values and experiences prepare you to meet the ethical obligation of the counseling profession and practice with respect, knowledge and skills related to client diversity and multicultural issues
         6. Other factors that you believe may be helpful in evaluating your application
      5. A current academic resume
6. Use the applicant portal to request three letters of recommendation (use the attached form)
7. Agree to admissions terms and submit your application

Step 2: Submit official copies of transcripts to UW Admissions

1. Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions should be requested and sent to UW Admissions
   1. Address: University of Wyoming Admissions – 1000 E. University Ave. – Laramie, WY 82071

Please hold the date (annually the first Friday in February) to visit UW for a personal interview. Applications are reviewed, and faculty members invite the qualified applicants to attend the required Interview Day. Any invited applicants who cannot attend the required Interview Day must submit their GRE scores (291 or 900 minimum).