Admissions

Application Process

The Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology program admits students at the post-baccalaureate (Bachelor's degree) or post-Master's level. Some courses in the doctoral program may be waived if similar courses have been taken in a Master's program.

The CEP department processes doctoral applications once a year. Applications must be complete by December 15th to be considered for the following summer enrollment. Students are expected to begin the program in Summer Session II (around July 4th).

Use the links provided to access NMSU webpages that contain crucial information regarding admission to the Graduate School (a requirement), and for other important details. Use the Admissions Checklist to make sure you send the appropriate materials to the CEP department or to the NMSU graduate school.

Applications may be strengthened by submitting additional evidence of aptitude for graduate study (for example, reprints or other publications, grant proposals, relevant work samples, or additional support letters).

At least one interview will be required of finalists. This could include individual and/or group interviews. While students are encouraged to come visit the campus in order to get a better sense of the area and program, applicants may request to be interviewed through a series of conference calls.

Various non-objective admissions criteria are weighed as follows:

Recruitment of Culturally Diverse Applicants

NMSU is committed to increasing the enrollment and professional representation of culturally diverse students. A wide variety of cultures, nationalities, and ethnic groups are represented at NMSU; minority students make up one-third of the student body. Faculty and staff value the university's diverse student population and strive to promote both academic and personal growth in every student.

International Student Applicants

Applicants from other countries or non-citizen applicants living in the US are required to first apply to the International Student Admission Program of NMSU. The required form, "International Applications for Admission," may be obtained either online or from the following office:

Center for International Programs
MSC 3567/Box 30001
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001

Telephone: (575) 646-2017

Students for whom English is not their native language are required to submit an official score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of 500 or above, and a score on the test of Spoken English.

Financial Aid

It is strongly advised that applicants file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available either online or at NMSU's Financial Aid Office (and at most college or university financial aid offices). This application will determine eligibility and aid availability. It is important to apply for financial aid as soon as possible after January 1st and before March 1st to increase the likelihood of available funds.

Additional NMSU financial aid information is available online, at the Office of Student Financial Assistance homepage.

Additional Information

Further information regarding NMSU and CEP department facilities, campus and community life, and other facts are available within the Doctoral Program Information Packet. The department is housed in the College of Education, Suite 205, O'Donnell Hall. For any questions that can't be answered in the information packet, or through the links provided on the NMSU Links page (accessible using the menu above), please email Dr. Holcomb, the Co-Training Director and Coordinator of Doctoral Admissions, at dholcomb@nmsu.edu or use the Ask a Student link - Ask a Current Student

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