FAQs and Resources

Generally, application packets are available on the FGCU Graduate Admission website and students are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the priority deadline of February 15 to ensure maximum consideration for admission and financial support opportunities.

The deadline for submitted an application is February 15th of each year although students are encouraged to start early. Applications will be considered for admission on a space available basis to qualified applicants beyond the deadline.

• View the application and instructions for the Graduate Studies Application
• Three Letters of recommendation are required 
• A personal and group interview is required for consideration.

• A four year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Any one of the following:
  1. a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester hours attempted accruing to the undergraduate degree; or
  2. a combined score of 1000 or higher on the quantitative and verbal sections of the GRE exam if taken before August 1st, 2011; or a score of 151-153 on verbal and 143-144 on quantitative if taken on or after August 1st, 2011; or
• 400 or higher on the MAT
  Note: All applicants must submit GPA and graduate admission (GRE or MAT) test scores regardless of which of the above criteria are met for admissions.
• Submission of three favorable recommendations from professionals in the field.
• Submission of a written statement of career goals will be reviewed for admission..
• Participation in a personal interview is required. Responses to the interview will be evaluated for admission.
• Performance in courses taken post baccalaureate will be taken into consideration for admission to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program.
• Counseling Criminal Record Policy Statement: All applicants are advised that in order to complete the program, they must complete internships. Most internship facilities do background checks and will not permit the placement of counselor interns with criminal records. The Department reserves the right to deny program admission to any applicant if it appears that applicant is unlikely to be able to complete the internship requirement due to a criminal record, thus inhibiting their ability to complete the program.

NOTE: Students should note that the program limits admission to the most qualified students based on admissions criteria and based on class and field experience capacities.

Yes, all applicants must submit graduate admission (GRE or MAT) test scores as well as all transcripts of higher education to date. If applicants have not achieved at least a 3.0 in the last 60 hours of the undergraduate degree or earned a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution, a combined score of 1000 or higher on the quantitative and verbal sections of the GRE exam if taken before August 1st, 2011; or a score of 151-153 on verbal and 143-144 on quantitative if taken on or after August 1st, 2011; or 400 or higher on the MAT.

Field placements for all full-time students begin in the spring semester after entry to the program with the Practicum course.

No, previous experience working in the field cannot be applied toward fulfillment of field education credit in the MA/MEd program. However, prior related experience is considered in the admission process.

Employment-Based Field Placements may be possible, but ONLY IF specific criteria are met. These criteria are described in the Graduate Internship Candidate & Site Supervisor's Manual.

Graduate assistantships are part-time hourly-waged or stipend employment opportunities for graduate students. They are available through academic departments and administrative units within the University. To find out if there are any assistantships available in the Counseling Department, contact the program directly. To find out about available positions in other departments on campus, contact Career Development Services at 239.590.7946

Each of FGCU's colleges is allocated tuition waiver funds that can be awarded based on need, academic promise, program goals, and available funds. A tuition waiver may cover the matriculation fees. The student is responsible for state and local fees usually totaling about $50 per credit hour. If approved, your waiver will be posted to your account through the Financial Aid and Scholarship office just prior to the start of the semester.

•  Students may download an application from the financial aid "Graduate Tuition Waiver Application". Complete the application and submit it to the Graduate Studies office prior to the posted deadline.
• The Counseling Department asks for supplemental information. Students must make certain that they meet all application requirements and deadlines.

Yes, in unusual cases students have credits as a post-baccalaureate non-degree seeking students. They must have earned a grade of B or higher and request that they be applied toward fulfilling course credit requirements for the MA/MEd degree