Marquette University FAQ

Admissions requirements

Will my application still be considered if my test scores do not arrive by the specified deadline?

Yes, your application will still be considered since test scores are not required until 2023.

When will I be notified of an admission decision?

Once your application is submitted, it is routed to the academic department for review. You will receive an email to schedule an appointment within 3-7 days. Then, after your interview, you will be notified of a decision within 3-5 days.

How long does my statement of purpose need to be?

Typically statements of purpose are about 2-3 single-spaced pages.

Who should I request as references?

Letters of reference should come from those who can speak to your potential for success, such as an academic or professional source.

International students

Do you accept the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for international students?

International students who are not currently living in the U.S. are not permitted into the program.

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.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) Program

What is the difference between a CMHC and a Master of Social Work (MSW)?

While there is overlap, responsibilities differ between the roles you may pursue after graduation. Clinical mental health counselors listen to and give tools to their clients to work toward personal growth, while social workers help clients address issues in addition to mental health issues, including conducting research and addressing legal issues.

What is CACREP?

CACREP stands for Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. CACREP is a specialized accreditor that evaluates professional preparation programs within institutions.

CACREP-accredited programs:

  • Have been evaluated and meet or exceed national standards
  • Help you meet prerequisites for licensure and exams
  • Prepare you for successful entry into professional practice
  • Focus specifically on professional counseling (not psychology or education)

Is the program CACREP-accredited?

Yes. Marquette’s online M.S. in CMHC is CACREP-accredited and the online program prepares students for licensure in the state of Wisconsin and many other states. We encourage applicants to consult with the licensing board in their state to ensure they understand the requirements and if this program will meet those.

Is CACREP-accreditation necessary for licensure in clinical mental counseling?

No, it is not always necessary. Only a few states require a student to have graduated from a CACREP-accredited program in order to be licensed.

Is there a dual degree or alt pathway available for online CMHC students who would like to transition into Marquette’s PhD in Counseling Psychology following the online CMHC program?

No, there is no pathway because the programs are separate. We occasionally have students from our master's program apply to the doctoral program. Only 3-4 doctoral students are accepted per year and most of those are from other universities.

Can I work full time and complete the practicum and internship?

Working full-time while enrolled in practicum-internship is a personal choice that depends greatly on the flexibility of students’ employment, life responsibilities, number of other courses being taken simultaneously, and personal needs. Typically students are not able to work full-time because of the number of hours required during internship and the fact that these hours must be completed during the work day. We require students to prioritize practicum-internship scheduling in order to ensure they complete their required hours each semester.

Online experience

How will I interact with my cohort peers?

You will interact in our intuitive online learning system, D2L. You will have discussions with your cohort via D2L and also participate in synchronous learning components.

Will I be expected to log on to my computer at the same time as the other students and instructor?

The program is a combination of synchronous and asynchronous. For asynchronous courses, students are not required to be online at the same time. There are specific deadlines for assignments and discussions, but as long as you meet the deadlines, you can complete the work when it is convenient for you. For synchronous courses, you will be expected to be online at specific times each week with your instructor and peers.

Is this a self-paced program?

Courses are not self-paced but instead require all students enrolled in the course to move through the course together, meeting required deadlines and participating in required discussions.

What are the technical requirements?

Minimum computer requirements can be found here.

How much time each week should I be spending on my coursework?

The weekly time commitment will vary based on course assignments and readings. In general, you can expect to spend about 3-4 hours per week for each credit for which you are enrolled.

For example, for a typical 3 credit course you can expect to spend approximately 9-12 hours per week on coursework. You can also expect that some of that time will be spread out throughout the week as you will spend time on discussions, projects and other activities with your classmates.

Will I be able to access the course on my mobile device?

Yes. Many online courses are friendly to mobile devices.

Will the degree I earn be considered an online degree?

Marquette online courses have the same standing as Marquette on-campus courses.
Admissions deadlines
Nov
18
Priority application deadline
November 18
Spring 2025 term
Dec
6
Final Application Packet Deadline
December 6
Spring 2025 term
Dec
19
Final Interview Deadline
December 19
Spring 2025 term
Jan
13
Next start
January 13
Spring 2025 term
Questions? Let’s connect.