The OSU-Cascades Master of Counseling program is deeply committed to holistic admissions, a practice we have proudly upheld since the 2022-2023 admissions cycle. This approach has significantly enhanced the diversity of our cohorts. We evaluate applicants in two stages: application and interview. The application stage captures each applicant’s unique experiences and strengths through transcripts, a prompted resume, and short essay questions, all emphasizing social justice, equity, advocacy, and service. Faculty review these applications using a comprehensive rubric, ensuring a thorough and fair assessment.
The interview stage, conducted virtually or face-to-face, allows applicants to showcase their skills and strengths through various activities, including individual interviews, experiential activities, and group discussions. This process not only provides a glimpse into the dynamic nature of our program but also promotes the selection of candidates who reflect the diverse communities served and can contribute to our diverse in-person learning program. Our holistic admissions process reflects our dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, preparing future counselors to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Applicants to the Oregon State University - Cascades graduate counseling program share a commitment to working with children, youth, adults or families in a school, community college, agency or professional setting. A complete application will include the items listed below. All of these items except the official transcripts can be found in or uploaded to the online application. All listed items are due by the application deadline. For full admission to the program, students must demonstrate and submit the following:
1. Complete the online application
2. Transcripts
- Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree prior to the start of the program. An application may be submitted with the bachelor's degree still in progress as long as it is scheduled to be completed prior to the program start date.
- Unofficial transcripts from each institution are acceptable during the application process, including any graduate coursework or degrees completed.
- Official transcripts from each institution are required upon admission, including any graduate coursework or degrees completed.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate degree and all work completed thereafter (if you have questions or concerns regarding your GPA, please contact our recruitment coordinator).
- Transcripts can be sent to admit@osucascades.edu. Official Electronic Transcripts MUST be sent directly to OSU-Cascades from the University or via a transcript service. Physical submissions should be sent to 1500 SW Chandler Avenue, Bend, OR 97702. Official Transcripts MUST be in a sealed envelope from the University/College.
3. Résumé - prepare a current résumé detailing your:
- Educational Experience: This may include but is not limited to undergraduate program(s), certificate or training programs, ongoing learning and development related to issues of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, involvement in undergraduate clubs or leadership activities, involvement in undergraduate mentoring or support networks, study abroad or service-learning experiences
- Work and/or Vocational Experience: This may include but is not limited to paid work positions and can include internship positions, unpaid positions in the service of family or caregiving, promoting the well-being of others and communities, engaging in advocacy and/or advancing equity and inclusion
- Volunteer Experience: This may include but is not limited to seeking out new and challenging experiences in service to community, others, or non-profit, school or organization
4. Teachers Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) Character Questionnaire
- The TSPC Character Questionnaire is available via the link above. The questionnaire will include a list of instructions followed by ten questions. Regardless of the track you are applying for, you must complete the questionnaire.
5. Application Questions - applicants submit their responses to these questions via the online application portal
- What motivated you to pursue a counseling career? (Suggested length 200 words)
- There are several graduate programs (e.g., clinical social work, counseling psychology, school psychology, marriage and family therapy) that prepare students to provide counseling services to clients or student clients. Please describe how enrollment in a graduate counseling program aligns with your short-term and long-term professional goals. (Suggested length 200 words)
- What skills and aptitudes do you believe are essential to succeeding in a graduate counseling program? Considering your personal and professional life experiences, A.) describe which skills and aptitudes align with your strengths, and B.) which are still emerging. (Suggested length 200 words)
- How have your personal and professional experiences contributed to your understanding of the ways in which power, oppression, privilege, and inclusion influence your worldview? (Suggested length 300 words)
- Is there additional context that you would like to offer as we review your application that we did not ask about? (Suggested length 200 words)
Please make sure your first and last names appear on all of your application materials. Any questions regarding the online application or application materials can be sent to the Graduate Student Recruitment Coordinator. Any materials not uploaded into the application (such as transcripts) can be sent to admit@osucascades.