Admissions

Applicants seeking graduate admission must have a bachelor’s (undergraduate) degree with an acceptable grade point average from an accredited college or university. The degree may be in any discipline.

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Application deadlines

Spring- September 30, Fall- Feb 1

Contact us

Have any questions about applying or the admissions process? Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 678.547.6417 or copa.admissions@mercer.edu.

Application checklist

Submit all of the following items to complete your application to the program:

  • $35 Non-refundable Application Fee ($100 for International Applicants)
    The application fee is nonrefundable and cannot apply toward tuition. Former or current students of Mercer University need not submit another application fee.
  • Official Transcripts from All Previously Attended Institutions
    Request an official transcript from each college and university previously attended be sent to Mercer University. Transcripts are required for both undergraduate (including summer school and studies abroad) and graduate course work, regardless of length of stay or if the grades are listed on another school’s transcript. Former and current Mercer University students need not request a Mercer University transcript.
  • Background Check
    Applicants must complete a background check through DISA Healthcare Technology. To begin, click “Place Order” and enter Mercer’s assigned package code of MG58. After submitting, you’ll be guided through the process. Once your application is complete, the background check will be processed, and the results will be sent directly to Mercer.
  • Two Professional Letters of References
    Submit two (2) professional references who can complete a recommendation form and an optional letter of reference that speaks to the candidate’s potential as a counselor and the candidate’s academic promise.
  • Current Résumé
    Applicants must submit a résumé that highlights any relevant vocational or volunteer experience.
  • Goal Statement
    Applicants must submit an autobiographical statement outlining personal and professional experiences that have led to your decision to pursue a career as a clinical mental health counselor.
  • Interview

University policy requires identity verification for applicants to College of Professional Advancement online and blended graduate programs, as part of the application process.

Additional Requirements for International Applicants

A. Evaluation of Foreign Credentials: Applicants who completed all or part of their education abroad are required to have their foreign educational credentials evaluated by an independent evaluation service. A Course-by-Course and Grade Point Average Equivalent Evaluation is required for graduate admission. Contact the Office of Admissions for information about evaluation services if your foreign credentials have not been evaluated. If an evaluation has been done, you must submit an official sealed copy with your application.
B. Official Translations: Official college or university transcript with a certified, notarized English translation or apostille conducted by an accredited translation service. The Office of Global Engagement will establish the US Equivalency of foreign transcripts to determine an admissions decisions. The Office of Global Engagement maintains certification under The Association of International Credential Evaluation Professionals (TAICEP) and follows industry standards and practices set by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO). Alternatively, foreign credential evaluations certified by either the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (ACCRAO) or the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) are accepted.
C. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): The TOEFL or IELTS is required for international applicants whose primary language is not English. The scores may not be more than two years old. Official score reports must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions by the Educational Testing Service. The Educational Testing Service institution code for submission of official score reports is 5025. Unofficial copies of the score report may be included with the application for initial review and evaluation. This does not replace the requirement of an official score report for those applicants who are offered admission.
Exception: The TOEFL is not required of international applicants who have attended another U.S. institution and completed freshman English Composition I and II with grades of “C” or higher.
D. Financial Guarantee: International applicants who wish to obtain an I-20 for F-1 visa must include financial documentation showing ability to finance tuition and living expenses for one year. Financial documents must have a current date and indicate available funds of US$25,000.
E. Visa Status: International applicants who are currently in the United States, must choose from one of the following categories to prove their current visa status:
  • Copy of I-20 and I-94 if on an F-1 visa
  • Copy of visa stamp and I-94 if on another type of visa
  • Copy of Resident Alien card (front and back) if classified as a Resident Alien

Learn more about our Clinical Mental Health Counseling program

Ready to take the next step?

Schedule your personalized admissions counseling appointment, or contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 678.547.6417 or copa.admissions@mercer.edu for more information.