Professional Counseling Certificate Admission & Application Requirements

Admission Eligibility Requirement

Admission to the Professional Counseling Graduate Certificate is restricted to graduates of Minnesota State University Moorhead. Applicants from outside institutions are not eligible to apply for this certificate.

Professional Counseling Certificate Application Dates & Deadlines

  • Fall 2026: July 17, 2025 - April 1, 2026
  • Spring 2027: December 15, 2025 - November 15, 2026

Consult Your Advisor Before Applying

Eligible applicants are encouraged to speak with their faculty advisor or the Counseling Program Coordinator before beginning the application process to confirm eligibility and discuss next steps.

Application Steps for Eligible Alumni

Access to the application steps for this certificate are available be logging in to myMSUM for eligible MSUM alumni.

Professional Counseling Admission Requirements

  • Graduation from Minnesota State University Moorhead’s MS in Counseling program.
  • A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  • A master's degree in counseling.
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or at least 3.25 for the last 30 semester credits.
  • Note: International students are not eligible to apply for the Graduate Certificate in Professional Counseling.

Professional Counseling Application Requirements

  • GradCAS application
  • A current resume.
  • Unofficial transcripts are required from all institutions you list on your application.
    • If you attended MSUM or other Minnesota State system institutions, you can retrieve your unofficial transcripts from eServices.
    • Upon admission, you must request official transcripts from your degree-conferring institutions and any other transcripts listing possible graduate transfer coursework. Official transcripts can be requested through Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse and sent directly to processing@mnstate.edu.
    • MSUM or MN system institution students do not need to request official transcripts. The admission team will do this on your behalf.
  • An essay detailing your personal career goals (approximately 350 words).
  • An informational interview is required.

For questions about the program or the application process please contact the Admissions Office at 218.477.2161 or email admissions@mnstate.edu.

Visit the GradCAS Applicant Help Center for detailed application instructions.

Questions about completing the application:
Call | GradCAS Customer Service at 857.304.2086
Email | support@gradcas.myliaison.com
Chat help for applicants is available.
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