Marquette Education admissions criteria and deadlines
With three start dates available throughout the year—fall, spring and summer—don’t wait to start the next step in your career. We recommend applying by the priority application deadlines, so explore the program today and start your application.
Upcoming application deadlines
Fall 2025 term
| Priority deadline | Final Application Packet Deadline | Final Interview Deadline | Start Date |
| July 14, 2025 | August 8, 2025 | August 14, 2025 | August 25, 2025 |
| Priority deadline | July 14, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Final Application Packet Deadline | August 8, 2025 |
| Final Interview Deadline | August 14, 2025 |
| Start Date | August 25, 2025 |
Make your mark in mental health care
Marquette University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program delivers an immersive online experience that combines counseling theory with contemporary therapeutic techniques and practical insights from expert faculty counselors. Pair your drive to serve with practical skills and diverse clinical experiences, ensuring you're ready to make a significant impact.
Discover how Marquette's social-justice focused course work and flexible online format can prepare you for a rewarding career in mental health.
Take the first step
Application requirements
Counseling degree programs require a commitment to serving others. No work experience is required when you apply to our online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, but we do ask that your letters of recommendation and personal statement reflect your interest in the profession and the relevant skills you have cultivated. This allows us to review you as a holistic applicant.
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
- Completed online application form
- $50 application fee
- Waiver available if you attend an information session or are a Marquette University alum
- Personal statement emphasizing why you’re interested in the program and why you’re suited to the counseling profession
- Unofficial transcripts can be submitted with your application. If you are admitted, official transcripts from past academic institutions will be required prior to registration
- Two letters of recommendation speaking to your potential for success in graduate school, fitness for the counseling profession and personal strengths and limitations
- Interview with a faculty member from our counselor education and counseling psychology program
- This 30-minute interview provides both an opportunity for us to get to know you better and for you to become more familiarized with our program and the university
Download the Application Checklist
Our brief, one-page checklist is your guide for applying to our online master’s in clinical mental health counseling.
How to apply
Before starting your application, download our handy one-page application checklist for easy reference. This guide lists all requirements for Marquette’s master’s in clinical mental health counseling program.
1. Create an account
If you’re creating a new account, start by inputting all of the required fields.
Open application portal
2. Start a new application
Read and accept the Application Instructions and Guidelines.
3. Select your program and specialization
Under “Specialization,” you can select either Child and Adolescent Counseling or General Track (no specialization).
Review core curriculum and elective options.
4. Complete background information
Complete the Personal Background, Academic History and Employment sections accessed in the navigation menu.
5. Submit 3 recommendations
Note: You don’t have to wait for your recommenders to complete their letters in order to turn in your application. Submit your application as soon as you’re finished with these steps.
6. Submit supporting documents
7. Complete your personal statement
Need some help with your application?
Contact Miya and Susan, admissions outreach advisors, to get answers to all of your admissions questions. From step-by-step application guidance to questions about practicum and internship experiences, they can get you the assistance you need.
Admissions FAQs
Will my application still be considered if my test scores do not arrive by the specified deadline?
If you are admitted with unofficial scores, the decision will be contingent upon the Graduate School receiving your official test scores.
When will I be notified of an admission decision?
How long does my statement of purpose need to be?
Who should I request as references?
Do you accept the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for international students?
The TOEFL minimum score requirement is 80 with at least a score of 20 in each of the four categories. IELTS minimum score is 6.5 with at least a 6.5 in each of the four categories. Learn more.