M-1
SCHOOL COUNSELING
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY
PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF COUNSELOR EDUCATION
AND FAMILY THERAPY
CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY
Telephone 860-832-2154
“Grow with us.”
Admissions Packet
Dear Applicant:
Thank you for your interest in the graduate programs offered by the Department of Counselor
Education and Family Therapy.
The counseling programs at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) prepare students for
professional careers in Marriage and Family Therapy, School Counseling, Professional
Counseling, and Student Development in Higher Education. The Professional Counseling
program includes tracks in Mental Health Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, and
Addictions Recovery Counseling. In addition to its Master degree programs, the department
also offers advanced graduate training through a post-master’s program and a certificate
program in advanced counseling. All of these programs are briefly described in this booklet.
The graduate courses in counseling and family therapy are designed to develop student
competence in the application of theory-based counseling and therapy models, to understand
the concerns of diverse client populations, to enhance students’ personal and professional
development, and to promote the dignity and welfare of all individuals and families. The
practicum and clinical internship provide students with valuable opportunities to apply their
skills in a field-based setting under close supervision.
Programs are accessible to full and part time students, offering flexible advising hours and
classes in the late afternoons and evenings.
Once accepted into the Graduate School each student will develop a planned program of
study with the assistance of her or his academic advisor. The advisor serves as a guide
while the student is in the program.
Please note that the admission requirements and application due dates differ for each
program. You may find additional information about our programs on the department
website at:
/>Sincerely,
Dr. Cherie King
Professor and Chair
Department of Counselor Education & Family Therapy
Henry Barnard Hall, Room 2210000
Revised: September 2017
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Admissions Packet
Master of Science Degree Programs
School Counseling – A 48-51 credit program that prepares students for professional careers as
counselors in elementary, middle, and senior high schools. The program meets the certification
requirements of the Connecticut State Department of Education, and is accredited by the Council
for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). A strong
emphasis is placed on a developmental model of school counseling that is reflected in the
National Standards for School Counseling of the American School Counseling Association and
Connecticut Best Practices in School Counseling. Students must be prepared to commit to both a
100 hour practicum and a 900 hour internship.
Coordinator:
Margaret Donohue, Ph.D.
860-832-2264
Marriage and Family Therapy – A 51 credit specialization designed to provide students with a
solid theoretical background as a foundation for intensive clinical training in systemic
approaches to human problems. The program is nationally accredited by AAMFT’s Commission
on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education. The curriculum is designed to
meet the academic requirements for Connecticut Licensure for Marital and Family Therapists
and AAMFT Clinical Membership.
Coordinator:
Ralph Cohen, Ph.D., LMFT
860-832-2122
Professional Counseling – A 60-63 credit program designed for students interested in the
practice of counseling in Rehabilitation Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, or Addictions
Recovery Counseling. The program is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education
(CORE). Counselors assist individuals with emotional, mental, social, and physical challenges
in attaining their life goals. This program provides the necessary academic background for
students interested in pursuing licensing and a variety of advanced certifications in counseling.
Coordinator:
Cherie King, Ph.D.
860-832-2407
Student Development in Higher Education – A 42-45 credit program designed to prepare
students to work in a counseling capacity in a variety of higher education settings including
student advisement, career counseling, residence life, and student affairs office.
Coordinator:
Jelane Kennedy, Ph.D.
860-832-2119
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Admissions Packet
Advanced Graduate Study Programs
Post-Master’s Study: School Counseling & Professional & Rehabilitation Counseling
Candidates who complete a master’s degree in counseling may be able to continue their
education at CCSU by applying for admissions to a post-master’s program. Once accepted the
student and advisor will develop a planned program of study that is completed within a six year
period. Post-master’s applicants must go through the same admissions process as master’s
degree applicants. Applicants are accepted in the spring semester.
Official Certificate Program in Advanced Counseling
The Official Certificate Program in Professional Counseling and Rehabilitation Counseling is
designed for graduates who already hold a master’s degree in counseling or psychology of 42
credits or more and are preparing for state licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) through
the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health. A certificate in advanced graduate work
is issued upon completion of a combination of any 12 credits of selected graduate level courses,
with a grade of B or better, designated for the program. Applications are accepted in the spring
semester.
Admission Process
For Admission into the Graduate School
Submit a graduate school application directly to the Graduate Admissions Office.
Arrange to have official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate courses (except CCSU)
sent directly by your college or university to the Graduate Admissions Office.
Provide additional materials to the Department of Counselor Education & Family Therapy
(essay, three letters of recommendations.
For Admission into the Department of Counselor Education & Family Therapy
Admission requirements differ for the various programs within the Department of Counselor
Education & Family Therapy. The following information describes the different program
requirements.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY PROGRAM
CCSU Master’ of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Admission Requirements
(Effective for Spring Admission, 2012)
Admissions to the Master’s program in Marriage and Family Therapy are made on a competitive
basis two times per year (Fall and Spring). All applications must be received and contain all
required materials by March 1 for Fall admission of the following academic year and by
November 1 for admission the following Spring semester. Approximately twenty (20) students
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Admissions Packet
are accepted per academic semester (Fall and Spring). Successful candidates will be notified of
their acceptance in writing by the Dean of Graduate Studies.
The admission standard for this program requires a minimum of 2.70 combined undergraduate
and previous graduate GPA (of at least a 3.00 for graduate work) based on a 4.00 point scale
where A is 4.00. Students with grade point averages between 2.40 and 2.69 may appeal their
denials for admission. Conditional admission may be considered on a space-available basis.
The decision to admit a student to the MFT program for pre-candidacy status* is based on the
candidate's cumulative grade point average (GPA), three recommendations by persons able to
judge the candidate’s aptitude for success in the profession, and a personal statement as to the
candidate’s personal background and motivation for entering the MFT field (see below).
Each applicant’s file will be rank-ordered according to the program’s selection criteria. Once
candidates have been selected for admission, other qualified applicants (approximately five) will
be placed on a waiting list and may be offered admission in the event that a slot opens during the
decision period.
Application Process
Submission to the Graduate Recruitment and Admissions Office:
1. Application form and Application fee of $50 submitted on line or to the Office,
Barnard 102.
2. Official Transcripts for each course you have taken requested from each attended
college and university to be sent directly to Graduate Recruitment and Admissions.
(Note: The office does not accept hand-delivered transcripts.)
Submission to the Counselor Education and Family Therapy Department (Barnard Hall,
Room 221)
1. Three (3) departmental recommendation forms filled out by professional or
academic references who are able to attest to the applicant's suitability as a prospective
Marriage and Family Therapist.
2. A personal essay regarding the applicant’s motivation and readiness to pursue a degree
in Marriage and Family Therapy. Candidates will be asked to respond to the following
questions (three to five pages maximum, double-spaced):
a. Your personal and professional experiences and reasons that influenced you to
pursue the field of Marriage and Family Therapy.
b. Your personal characteristics that will contribute to your success as a Marriage
and Family Therapist.
c. Your attitudes and beliefs regarding the importance of engaging in a therapy
experience as part of becoming a marriage and family therapist.
*MFT Pre-Candidacy and Degree Candidacy
All students who are accepted into the department are initially granted pre-candidacy status and
are assigned an academic advisor. The advisor will orient the student regarding prerequisites,
course scheduling, potential course transfers and substitutions, and the planned program of study.
Pre-candidacy status allows the student to begin taking classes and gives both the program and
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Admissions Packet
the student the opportunity to determine if the program is a good “fit” prior to making a full 3year commitment.
To qualify for Degree Candidacy, students must complete the prerequisite courses (CNSL 500,
CNSL 501, and MFT 505) and MFT 541, achieving a grade of B or better in each course and
receive favorable ratings on the "Attitudes and Attributes" scale by instructors for CNSL 501 and
MFT 541.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN SCHOOL
COUNSELING, PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING, AND STUDENT DEVELOPMENT IN
HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAM
Admissions to the School Counseling, Professional Counseling, and Student Development in Higher
Education programs are made on a competitive basis only one time per year for fall admission. The
department will begin reviewing applications after March 1st and will schedule personal interviews in
March. The deadline for receiving all admissions materials, as stipulated below, is March 1 st.
Applications that are missing materials after March 1st will be returned to the Admissions Department as
incomplete. Admissions decisions will be made on the basis of the following factors:
a) Grade point average for all undergraduate courses. Minimum requirement is a 2.70 grade point
average (GPA) based on a 4.00 point scale where A is 4.00. Official transcripts must be mailed
to CCSU by the college or university the applicant attended and must be received by March 1st.
b) Three recommendations from individuals able to testify to the student’s suitability as a
prospective counselor (copies of the recommendation forms are available in the back of this
packet).
c) A 2-3 page typewritten (double spaced) essay describing the following:
(1). Reasons for entering the counseling profession.
(2). Personal and professional experiences that influenced you to pursue the
counseling profession.
(3). Personal characteristics you believe will contribute to your success as
a counselor.
d) A personal interview by the program’s faculty admissions committee. The committee
will assess the student’s personal attributes, maturity, and life experiences that might
contribute to the student’s potential for success as a professional counselor.
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Admissions Packet
Conditional Admissions
All students whose grade point average is below 2.70 will automatically be denied admission to
the graduate school. However, students with a grade point average between 2.40 and 2.69 will
be notified of their right to appeal their denial for admission and request a conditional admission.
The conditional admission program allows students to demonstrate the ability to perform
successfully in a graduate degree program. It is afforded on a space available basis to students
who are able to demonstrate their potential through additional coursework, relevant life
experiences, and/or recommendations from individuals qualified to testify to the student’s
suitability to be a prospective counselor. Students applying for the Professional Counseling,
School Counseling, and Student Development in Higher Education program must still meet all
of the Counselor Education and Family Therapy Department’s admission requirements before
being considered for the conditional admission. Individuals applying for the School Counseling
program must also receive a GPA waiver before they would be allowed to interview for the
School Counseling program.
Effective July 1, 2010, Connecticut law requires all students in teacher/educator certification
programs to undergo state and national criminal history background checks before participating
in school-based field experiences. The procedures for obtaining the background checks and the
length of time they are valid will be established by the State Department of Education and cannot
be changed. You will be responsible for the cost of the background check and will be provided
with the necessary consent forms and other documents needed to conduct it. As part of the
background check, you will need to be fingerprinted. If you fail to pass the background check,
you may be unable to complete your chosen degree program at Central Connecticut State
University. The University will not be responsible for your inability to complete your chosen
degree program.
For additional information call the Department of Counselor Education &
Family Therapy at (860) 832-2154
CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY
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Admissions Packet
Department of Counselor Education and Family Therapy
1615 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT 06050
RECOMMENDATION FORM
APPLICANT: Please fill in the personal data information below with your name and address.
NAME: ________________________________________TELEPHONE: ________________
ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________
PROGRAM APPLYING FOR:
PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING
SCHOOL COUNSELING
MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT IN HIGHER ED
ADVANCED OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE
PROGRAM IN PROFESSIONAL
COUNSELING
POST-MASTER’S STUDY
************
Waiver: I hereby waive my right to inspect this letter of recommendation.
Yes
No
Applicant’s Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: _________________
EVALUATOR
The above named applicant is applying for admission to graduate studies in Counselor Education and has given
your name as a reference. We ask you to use this form for your recommendation. We will appreciate your appraisal
of the applicant’s personal qualities including motivation, academic skill level, ability to express him/herself orally
and in writing, overall reliability, and commitment to the helping professions. Careful and candid discrimination
between strong and limited characteristics is more helpful than routine praise. Please take as much space as you
require using additional sheets of paper if you desire. Thank you for your help.
************
As required by the Family Education Rights Act of 1974, a registered student may reserve the privilege of viewing this
recommendation form. Thus, you should consider this evaluation to be non-confidential.
************
Please make a narrative statement here:
Continued on back page
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Admissions Packet
RECOMMENDATION FORM (continued)
INSTRUCTIONS: Please rate the applicant on the qualities listed below by placing a check mark to the right of
those you feel qualified to judge. Use as your standard of comparison other graduate students or professionals in
this field.
Lower
50%
CHARACTERISTIC:
Upper
50%
Upper
25%
Upper
10%
Upper
5%
No Basis for
Judgment
Academic Potential
Written Expression of Ideas
Oral Expression of Ideas
Dependability
Understanding of Human Behavior
Self-Motivation
Personal Enthusiasm
Patience
Ability to Work Cooperatively
Ability to Express Feelings Appropriately
Ability to Deal With Conflict
Aware of Impact of Self on Others
Willingness to articulate/demonstrate
personal convictions
Interest in Further Personal Growth
Uses Feedback From Others
Constructively
Able to Accept Personal Responsibility
Demonstrates Ethical Behavior
Demonstrates sensitivity to and respect
for the needs and feelings of others
Respects and Appreciates Individual
Differences
Professional Success Thus Far
REFERENCE NAME __________________________________________________________________
PRESENT POSITION __________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS ______________________________________________TELEPHONE _________________
RELATION TO APPLICANT ____________________________________________________________
HOW WELL AND FOR HOW LONG HAVE YOU KNOWN THE CANDIDATE? _________________
Please indicate the strength of your overall impression of the applicant’s academic promise and capacity to become
an effective counselor.
Outstanding
Above average
Satisfactory
Marginal
_____________________________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE
DATE
Thank you for your assistance. Please place this completed form in an envelope, seal it, sign the
envelope across the seal, and return it to the applicant, or mail it directly to CCSU, Department of
Counselor Education and Family Therapy, Barnard Hall Room 221, 1615 Stanley Street, New Britain,
CT 06050.
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Admissions Packet
CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY
Department of Counselor Education and Family Therapy
1615 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT 06050
RECOMMENDATION FORM
APPLICANT: Please fill in the personal data information below with your name and address.
NAME: ________________________________________TELEPHONE: ________________
ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________
PROGRAM APPLYING FOR:
PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING
SCHOOL COUNSELING
MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT IN HIGHER ED
ADVANCED OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE
PROGRAM IN PROFESSIONAL
COUNSELING
POST-MASTER’S STUDY
************
Waiver: I hereby waive my right to inspect this letter of recommendation.
Yes
No
Applicant’s Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: _________________
EVALUATOR
The above named applicant is applying for admission to graduate studies in Counselor Education and has given
your name as a reference. We ask you to use this form for your recommendation. We will appreciate your appraisal
of the applicant’s personal qualities including motivation, academic skill level, ability to express him/herself orally
and in writing, overall reliability, and commitment to the helping professions. Careful and candid discrimination
between strong and limited characteristics is more helpful than routine praise. Please take as much space as you
require using additional sheets of paper if you desire. Thank you for your help.
************
As required by the Family Education Rights Act of 1974, a registered student may reserve the privilege of viewing this
recommendation form. Thus, you should consider this evaluation to be non-confidential.
************
Please make a narrative statement here:
Continued on back page
10
Admissions Packet
RECOMMENDATION FORM (continued)
INSTRUCTIONS: Please rate the applicant on the qualities listed below by placing a check mark to the right of
those you feel qualified to judge. Use as your standard of comparison other graduate students or professionals in
this field.
Lower
50%
CHARACTERISTIC:
Upper
50%
Upper
25%
Upper
10%
Upper
5%
No Basis for
Judgment
Academic Potential
Written Expression of Ideas
Oral Expression of Ideas
Dependability
Understanding of Human Behavior
Self-Motivation
Personal Enthusiasm
Patience
Ability to Work Cooperatively
Ability to Express Feelings Appropriately
Ability to Deal With Conflict
Aware of Impact of Self on Others
Willingness to articulate/demonstrate
personal convictions
Interest in Further Personal Growth
Uses Feedback From Others
Constructively
Able to Accept Personal Responsibility
Demonstrates Ethical Behavior
Demonstrates sensitivity to and respect
for the needs and feelings of others
Respects and Appreciates Individual
Differences
Professional Success Thus Far
REFERENCE NAME __________________________________________________________________
PRESENT POSITION __________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS ______________________________________________TELEPHONE _________________
RELATION TO APPLICANT ____________________________________________________________
HOW WELL AND FOR HOW LONG HAVE YOU KNOWN THE CANDIDATE? _________________
Please indicate the strength of your overall impression of the applicant’s academic promise and capacity to become
an effective counselor.
Outstanding
Above average
Satisfactory
Marginal
_____________________________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE
DATE
Thank you for your assistance. Please place this completed form in an envelope, seal it, sign the
envelope across the seal, and return it to the applicant, or mail it directly to CCSU, Department of
Counselor Education and Family Therapy, Barnard Hall Room 221, 1615 Stanley Street, New Britain,
CT 06050.
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Admissions Packet
CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY
Department of Counselor Education and Family Therapy
1615 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT 06050
RECOMMENDATION FORM
APPLICANT: Please fill in the personal data information below with your name and address.
NAME: ________________________________________TELEPHONE: ________________
ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________
PROGRAM APPLYING FOR:
PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING
SCHOOL COUNSELING
MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT IN HIGHER ED
ADVANCED OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE
PROGRAM IN PROFESSIONAL
COUNSELING
POST-MASTER’S STUDY
************
Waiver: I hereby waive my right to inspect this letter of recommendation.
Yes
No
Applicant’s Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: _________________
EVALUATOR
The above named applicant is applying for admission to graduate studies in Counselor Education and has given
your name as a reference. We ask you to use this form for your recommendation. We will appreciate your appraisal
of the applicant’s personal qualities including motivation, academic skill level, ability to express him/herself orally
and in writing, overall reliability, and commitment to the helping professions. Careful and candid discrimination
between strong and limited characteristics is more helpful than routine praise. Please take as much space as you
require using additional sheets of paper if you desire. Thank you for your help.
************
As required by the Family Education Rights Act of 1974, a registered student may reserve the privilege of viewing this
recommendation form. Thus, you should consider this evaluation to be non-confidential.
************
Please make a narrative statement here:
Continued on back page
12
Admissions Packet
RECOMMENDATION FORM (continued)
INSTRUCTIONS: Please rate the applicant on the qualities listed below by placing a check mark to the right of
those you feel qualified to judge. Use as your standard of comparison other graduate students or professionals in
this field.
Lower
50%
CHARACTERISTIC:
Upper
50%
Upper
25%
Upper
10%
Upper
5%
No Basis for
Judgment
Academic Potential
Written Expression of Ideas
Oral Expression of Ideas
Dependability
Understanding of Human Behavior
Self-Motivation
Personal Enthusiasm
Patience
Ability to Work Cooperatively
Ability to Express Feelings Appropriately
Ability to Deal With Conflict
Aware of Impact of Self on Others
Willingness to articulate/demonstrate
personal convictions
Interest in Further Personal Growth
Uses Feedback From Others
Constructively
Able to Accept Personal Responsibility
Demonstrates Ethical Behavior
Demonstrates sensitivity to and respect
for the needs and feelings of others
Respects and Appreciates Individual
Differences
Professional Success Thus Far
REFERENCE NAME __________________________________________________________________
PRESENT POSITION __________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS ______________________________________________TELEPHONE _________________
RELATION TO APPLICANT ____________________________________________________________
HOW WELL AND FOR HOW LONG HAVE YOU KNOWN THE CANDIDATE? _________________
Please indicate the strength of your overall impression of the applicant’s academic promise and capacity to become
an effective counselor.
Outstanding
Above average
Satisfactory
Marginal
_____________________________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE
DATE
Thank you for your assistance. Please place this completed form in an envelope, seal it, sign the
envelope across the seal, and return it to the applicant, or mail it directly to CCSU, Department of
Counselor Education and Family Therapy, Barnard Hall Room 221, 1615 Stanley Street, New Britain,
CT 06050.
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