M.S. Counseling Admissions Requirements

In addition to general admission requirements, applicants to the graduate counseling programs must have:

An undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher (4.0=A).
An individual interview with a Graduate Counseling faculty member (in person or via Zoom) to assess their potential success in forming counseling relationships, interpersonal effectiveness, and dispositional attributes related to the counseling profession.

*Please note: A background check is NOT an admissions requirement for the Counseling program. However, students in the Counseling program must pass a background check before being eligible for clinical work in a Practicum/Internship or obtaining professional licensure.

Special petition for admission

You may petition for conditional admission if you do not meet the minimum undergraduate GPA qualifications. To petition, applicants should submit a letter to the graduate admissions office via email or upload it to their application portal. Please address your letter to:

Dr. Chris Hull, Program Director
JBU Graduate Counseling
2000 West University Street
Siloam Springs, AR 72761

Applicants who are granted conditional admission will be allowed to enroll in 12 credit hours of courses specified by the Counseling department. Conditionally accepted students must maintain a 3.0 GPA across the 12 credits to be given regular admissions status in the program. Students who do not have a 3.0 GPA at the end of these 12 credits will be removed from the program with the option to petition to the department chair to remain enrolled if there are extenuating circumstances.

Credit fulfillment track

If you hold a master's degree from a regionally accredited university but have licensure deficiencies, the credit fulfillment track will enable you to complete licensure requirements for the state of Arkansas and will be tailored to your individual needs. Practicum/internships are excluded from this option.

Academic standards

As a student in a post-master's program, you must meet the same academic standards as those pursuing graduate degrees. Post-master's programs are governed by the same policies and procedures regarding probation, dematriculation, readmission, drop/add, refunds, etc.

It is the student’s responsibility to identify the specific courses or course equivalents required for licensure or credentialing from the appropriate agency, board, or authority.

Admissions requirements

Admission to JBU's Graduate School (GRE requirement waived, unless below 2.75).
A minimum of a master's degree in a mental health field from a regionally accredited university.
Approval from the Graduate Counseling Program Director.

Once official transcripts are reviewed, your individual deficiency plan will be created by a department faculty member.

Disqualifying Offenses for Professional Licensure

A background check is NOT an admissions requirement for DGC program admission. However, students accepted into the MS in Counseling program will have to pass a background check prior to being eligible for clinical work in Practicum/Internship or obtaining professional licensure. Each state has formally adopted a list of criminal offenses that substantially relate to the practice of behavioral health counseling and pose a reasonable threat to the public or others working in the same occupation. State licensing boards can deny the licensure application of any person with a conviction of any of these offenses according to "Licensing restrictions based on criminal records" (Senate Bill 451; 17-2-102)

The DGC Diversity Commitments (see attached document)