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Admission to the Counseling and Student Affairs Programs
The Department of Counseling and Student Affairs offers a Master in Education (MAE) degree in the following areas:
- Degree Programs:
- Certificates:
Note: Non-degree seeking students who wish to enroll in Practicum and/or Internship through the Department of Counseling and Student Affairs must also be formally admitted to the Counseling Programs.
Application for admission to these programs requires two steps:
Step 1 - Apply to, and be admitted to WKU Graduate Studies
Complete form A (Admission to Graduate Studies), and send this to the Graduate Studies Office. All candidates must meet the entrance criteria to pursue graduate studies at Western Kentucky University. Current standards for admission to graduate studies are contained in the current catalog, or you may call the graduate office directly. Admission to graduate studies does not guarantee admission to any master's degree program administered by the counseling faculty.
Step 2 - Apply to, and be admitted to the Counseling Programs
Submit your application after you complete two CNS classes, but before you complete five classes. One of your completed classes must be CNS 550, 560 or 571.
A complete application includes a Letter of introduction, picture, KSP background check and signed statement. It also requires two recommendations. All of the forms and information necessary to complete your application are available at the bottom of this page.
The application requires attention to detail, thought and effort. You should allow at least one month to complete the various parts of this application, including time to get recommendations to and from the individual making the recommendation.
General Program Information
A. Advising
Each student is assigned an advisor before acceptance into the program. You may ask this advisor about the admissions process. You must meet with this advisor to create a planned program of study (Form C) PRIOR to enrollment in the second semester of your studies.
B. Orientation Meeting
All students enrolled in CNS 550, CNS 560 or CNS 577 are required to complete an online Blackboard Orientation to the Counseling and Student Affairs programs. This interactive assignment is designed to familiarize students with issues such as the comprehensive exam, practicum and internship requirements, graduation requirements. Participation in the Blackboard Orientation Component of these classes is mandatory.
C. Committee Action
When the applicant has supplied the necessary materials, the Admissions Committee will then evaluate your file. The admissions committee consists of all full-time faculty in the Counseling and Student Affairs Department. You will be accepted, rejected or be asked to appear before the committee for a personal interview. Meetings are held at least eight times per year.
D. Due Process
Students may appeal a decision of the Admissions Committee with the Head, Department of Counseling and Student Affairs. If sufficient redress is not obtained, an appeal may be made to the Assistant Dean for Graduate Education, College of Education. The decision of the Assistant Dean's office is final.
E. Retention Criteria
In order to remain in good standing in the program, the student must meet the current academic requirements established by the Office of Graduate Studies. In addition, your behavior inside and outside the classroom must reflect professional competence and development of professional skills. Students who do not maintain these standards are subject to review and possible removal from a master's program of study.
If you have any questions about this process, contact your advisor or the Department of Counseling and Student Affairs directly:
Department of Counseling and Student Affairs
Western Kentucky University
Tate Page Hall 409
1906 College Heights Blvd. #51031
Bowling Green, KY 42101
(270) 745-4953, fax (270) 745-5031
Explanation of Items Required in the Application
Picture - Affix a head and shoulders picture to the lower right hand corner of the front page of the application. Please note that there is a backside to this application.
Letter of Introduction - The purpose of this letter is to demonstrate how you express yourself in writing and allows the faculty to learn about you as a candidate.
Begin with an autobiographical statement that introduces you to the faculty. Include a summary of work experience relevant to the degree you wish to receive, the reasons for seeking the degree, relevant certificates, professional memberships and your GOALS for the program. The statement should also address what you want from the faculty, and what you expect will be different for yourself when you complete the degree.
This letter should be typed. An acceptable letter is about two, double-spaced pages, approximately 450 words. This letter is not a vita -- it is a personal statement. If you have questions about the task, contact your advisor. Sign the letter and attach it to your application form.
Recommendations - Two recommendations are required from people who are able to comment on your professional competence. Two copies of this two-sided recommendation form are attached to this admissions packet. Professors, adjuncts and instructors of Counseling and Student Affairs classes are NOT accepted as referrals.
AFTER you fill out the first side of the recommendation form with your name, program of study and signature, give the form to your referent. Also, give this person an envelope in which they will seal the recommendation.
Ask each referent to sign his or her name across the sealed flap, indicating a completed recommendation is inside the envelope. The referent returns this sealed, signed recommendation TO YOU. When you have these completed forms from two referents, attach them to the rest of your application.
Signature Required - Read the statement on the admission form carefully before signing it. You are attesting to the fact that you have never been convicted of felony, and finally, you are attesting that you have never been charged with a crime involving abuse or personal harm. If you have been charged or convicted of such felonies, attach a statement that explains the circumstances. (Remember that you must attach a KSP background check with your application.) Falsification of the information in this statement or another part of the application is grounds for immediate dismissal from the program.
When you have completed the application page, letter of introduction, and have two recommendations in sealed envelopes as well as your KSP background check, submit these materials to the department. Do not submit a partial application; it will be returned and will delay your admissions process.
Forms
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