How to Apply-Online Master's in School Counseling

Learn more about how to apply for Seattle University’s Online Master's in School Counseling program.

Rolling application review begins December 1.

Application Review Process and Timeline

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through the final deadline or until the cohort is filled. Applying by the priority deadline ensures consideration for space in the cohort and consideration for institutional aid scholarships. Please note that the cohort begins every fall quarter.

International students should review the international admissions page for more information on deadlines, additional requirements and more.

International Admissions Information

Application Timeline for Fall 2025 Admissions

Priority Deadline
February 1
Application Submitted Rolling applications accepted until September 1

Application Completed (with all required materials) 

Application review by faculty committee
One month post-application review Admissions decisions released
  1. STEP 1

    Start the Process

    1. Research the Online Master's in School Counseling program to see if it’s right for you. 
    2. Review Admissions Dates & Deadlines
      • The Online Master's in School Counseling applications program has a priority deadline and final deadline. Applying by the priority deadline ensures consideration for space in the cohort and consideration for institutional aid scholarships. 
      • After the priority application deadline, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through the final deadline, pending space in the program.  

    Watch an Info Session

    This is an opportunity learn about our program and gain insights into the admissions process.

  2. STEP 2

    Begin Your Application

    Once you start an application you will be able to save your progress and will not have to complete it all at once.

    The Online Master's in School Counseling application includes the following elements:  

    1. Letter of Intent
      • A two-page, single or double-spaced (maximum) (12pt font, 1-inch margins single or double spaced) statement that answers the question, "How would you describe the role of a school counselor?". Please include your professional goals, academic goals for the program and how you connect with Seattle University's Mission Statement and/or the Counseling Program Mission Statement.
    2. Short Answer Questions
      • You will be asked to provide a written response (4-6 sentences in length) to the following questions:
        • Question 1: Professionalism- The material you will be engaging with during the program can be dysregulating. The counseling program is a professional environment and students are expected to demonstrate professional behavior at all times. What skills do you use to remain professional even when feeling upset or dysregulated? 
        • Question 2: Social Justice - Discuss what social justice means to you and what you imagine learning about social justice in the school counseling program?  
        • Question 3: Multiculturalism Scenario - Students often engage in group work in classes. Imagine a scenario where you are working in a small group and a peer pointed out a microaggression that you committed. What would you do?  
        • Question 4: Self-Awareness, Conflict- Having a sense of psychological safety is important in a learning environment, and yet learning and growing can be uncomfortable. What do you see as the difference between feeling "safe" and feeling "comfortable" in the classroom?  
    3. Résumé
      • A one-to-two-page professional résumé documenting education, professional and volunteer experience. 
      • Three years of work experience related to schools or youth preferred. 
    4. Two College of Education Recommendation Forms 
      • Consider employers, supervisors or educational mentors who are familiar with your work and interpersonal skills. Do not choose peers, friends or therapists.  
      • Do not choose therapists, family members or friends.  
      • Once you've started your application, you will add their email address and they will receive a link to the evaluation form. The form should only take them 15 minutes to fill out.  
        • These forms are what is evaluated – please do not include letters of recommendation.
    5. Work Experience
      • Three years of work experience related to schools or youth preferred.
    6. Bachelor’s degree or higher
      • Evidence of a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. 
    7. Minimum of 3.00 GPA
      • For information on GPA calculations for admission, please visit the Graduate Admissions How to Apply page.
      • Applicants with less than a 3.00 GPA might be considered for probationary admission and can submit an additional GPA explanation statement. Applicants with a non-graded bachelor's degree are required to submit a GRE/GMAT test score.
    8. Required Transcripts 
      • Submit official or unofficial transcripts for your most recent coursework to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
      • Transcripts may be submitted electronically to  grad-application@seattleu.edu or mailed.
      • Once accepted to the program, students will need to submit official transcripts within their first quarter of enrollment.

    Start Your Application Today

    You will be able to save your progress while completing your application and will not have to complete it all at once.

  3. STEP 3

    Finish Your Application

    1. Submit your application
      • Make sure you hit “Submit” on your application.
      • Submitted applications are only considered complete once all application materials have been received including your recommendation forms.  
  4. STEP 4

    Check Your Application Status

    1. Check Your Status
      • You can login here to check the status of your application anytime.
    2. Monitor your email
      • Make sure to regularly check the email you listed on your application for updates, including your admission decision.
      • Applicants should review the application timeline for information on when to expect an admission decision.

Additional Application Information

A maximum of 10 credits may transfer to the program on a 1:1 basis from a CACREP accredited university. The transfer credit evaluation process begins after a student has been enrolled into the Seattle University program, and at that time the assessment will be made which credits (if any) will transfer. Students can start their Petition for Exception to Policy (PEP) process by meeting with their advisor post-enrollment. More details about graduate transfer policies can be found here. 

Please note that credits may not transfer to Seattle University if they do not meet the specified requirements. 

Applicants whose academic credentials are below the expected prerequisite course work, grade point average and/or test scores of those typically accepted to specific programs, but who through other means convey the potential for academic success, warrant offers of provisional or probationary admission. Probationary admission involves a specific time limit during which the student is expected to achieve the minimum GPA noted at the time of admission. When this condition is fulfilled, the department usually recommends advancement of regular graduate student status.

International students can learn more about additional international requirements beyond the general application here.

Component Type PC (Windows OS) Apple (Mac OS)
Operating System Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. Currently supported operating system from Apple.
Memory (RAM) 8GB or higher 8GB or higher
Hard Drive 100GB or higher 100GB or higher
Antivirus Software Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students.
SU Purchase Program Visit Dell Visit Apple
Internet/Bandwidth 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency

Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility. Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at Seattle University. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device.

Microsoft 365 available free to all Seattle University students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at Seattle University. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.

Get In Touch

If you have any questions about the program or application, we’re here to help!

Diana Calderon

Admissions Counselor

Diana Calderon smiling for headshot