Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions from past prospective students regarding the master's program.

1. How many credits are required for the M.S. in Educational Psychology Community and School Counseling concentrations?
Both concentrations require 48 credits. Students are admitted to the concentration of their choice. Advisors are assigned to students on the basis of their concentration. Advisor approval is required for any changes in concentration.

2. How long will it take to complete the program?
Students have five years to complete the program. Length of time to degree varies depending upon the number of credits taken per semester. However, students enrolled full time (12 credits per semester) are able to graduate within 2 years. Students enrolled with 9 credits per semester generally take 2 years, including summers.

3. When are courses offered?
Generally, courses are offered in the evening. Day sections of various courses are available from time to time. We anticipate offering some courses online, also. The program is designed to maximize student access to courses. However, please be aware that practicum placements are 20 hours per week and usually involve daytime hours.

4. How do I enroll in the courses?
The UWM Graduate School sends registration information to you. Registration is completed online.

5. How much does a 3-credit hour course cost? How much is full-time study?
The Bursar's office can answer questions concerning cost at 414-229-4526.

6. How can I get financial aid?
Financial aid information can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office at 414-229-4541 or http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/FINAID/ In addition, refer to the link for Financial Assistance on the Educational Psychology homepage.

7. Is field experience required?
Yes. Both concentrations require two semesters of practicum experiences. Students seek placements in sites appropriate to their concentrations. See the Counseling Program Student Handbook for more details.

8. May I complete my fieldwork/practicum requirements at my place of employment?
Yes. However, the Counseling faculty discourage this practice because of potential conflicts of interest between students, supervisors and clients. Students who seek to complete fieldwork/practicum requirements at their place of employment need authorization from their advisor.

9. Will I have to disclose personal information in course- or program-related activities?
Yes, a number of our courses include experiential components, in which students are expected to disclose personal information to some extent. Many courses also require personal exploration in papers and class exercises as part of the educational process. Although rare, students may also be encouraged to seek psychotherapy when their personal problems are judged to be preventing them from performing their training-related activities in a competent manner or posing a threat to the students or others.

10. Is a background and criminal history check required for the program?
A background and criminal history check is not required by the program, but some practicum placement sites may be required by the Wisconsin Caregiver Law to have such checks on file. Background checks will be conducted by the School of Education. If a student's records contain certain types of investigations, convictions or arrests that demonstrate harm to a vulnerable population, their background check records will be sent to the placement site and it is possible they will not be able to participate in clinical placements.

11. What are the criteria for admission?
The Counseling Area Admissions Committee admits students based upon their academic records, breadth of experience, career goals and references. All applicants must meet minimum Graduate School requirements to qualify for admission (www.edpsych.soe.uwm.edu).

12. When should I initiate the application process?
Students apply to the Graduate School and should be initiated as early as possible, but no later than Feb. 1 so that all materials are received in the Department by March 1. Application may be completed online at www.gradschool.uwm.edu.

13. Are Graduate School application deadlines the same as the Counseling Area application deadlines?
No. The Graduate School deadlines are campus-wide recommendations. The Counseling Area deadline is March 1 for summer or fall admission. Students are encouraged to meet Graduate School deadlines to ensure that the Graduate School is able to process the application to meet the March 1 deadline.

14. Do all my materials have to be sent in together?
Applicants submit application forms, www.gradschool.uwm.edu (or hard copies), transcripts, and Reasons for Graduate Study statement to the Graduate School. The personal data form, career statement, and letters of recommendation are sent to the Department of Educational Psychology in one packet.

15. Who can serve as references? Are there special forms?
References should be obtained from individuals who are familiar with your academic and professional record such as former professors or employers. There are no special forms.

16. Are GRE or MAT scores required?
The GRE/MAT are generally not required, but students seeking admission on probation may be required to take the GRE or MAT to strengthen their academic record.

17. Can I apply even if I do not meet the department GPA requirement?
Applicants who do not meet the department GPA requirements may be considered for probationary admission. See #16 for further information.

18. Will I receive confirmation that my application is complete?
No. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that his or her application is complete.

19. Once I apply for admission, how soon will I be notified about the decision concerning my application?
Notification will generally be within 3-4 weeks after the March 1 deadline. All applications are held until that date. Date of an application's arrival does not influence admission decisions.

20. Of those who apply, what proportion of students are admitted?
Generally, about one-half of the applicants are admitted.

21. What happens if I am not admitted?
There are two primary reasons applicants are denied admission. First, our programs have many more applicants than we can accommodate. There is simply not enough space in our programs to admit all qualified applicants. Second, past academic performance is a very important consideration in the admissions process. Applicants who have satisfactory academic credentials and are not admitted can reapply and will be considered again during the next admissions cycle.

22. If I have a master's degree in a related area, must I complete the 48 credits?
Not necessarily. Upon consultation with an advisor, a course of study to meet certification requirements will be developed. Depending upon the master's degree, 24-42 additional credits may be required.

23. Will classes taken before admission apply towards my degree?
Only graduate credits may be considered. However, there is no guarantee that graduate courses taken before admission will count towards one's degree. It is up to the individual's advisor to determine whether up to 18 credits taken within the past 5 years are acceptable.

24. How many units may be transferred from another graduate program?
Eighteen graduate credits, or the equivalent, may be transferred if the credits are accepted by the Graduate School and are approved by one's advisor.

25. Must I be a teacher to enter the program to become a school counselor?
No. Under the new school counselor certification standards, teaching experience or an internship are no longer required. Please note that there are significant changes in the curriculum fieldwork/practicum requirements as a result of new Department of Public Instruction standards. All graduates of the school counseling track are eligible for certification as an Initial Educator: K-12.

26. Is the program accredited?
The curriculum in each program is designed to be consistent with standards set forth by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Though the program is not specifically CACREP accredited, students are prepared to meet licensure/certification standards in Wisconsin.

27. As well as receiving a master's degree in Educational Psychology, what licenses are available for graduates?
Two different licenses and/or certifications are available: 1) All graduates with a master's in counseling meet initial criteria for the Licensed Professional Counselor (Department of Regulation & Licensing: for information visit www.drl.state.wi.us). Depending on the specific program of studies, students may also be eligible for certification as: 2) Initial Educator: K-12, five-year license (Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction: for information visit www.dpi.state.wi.us).

28. What can I do with my degree and what are job prospects?
Students are generally employed in schools or community settings. Because of uncertainty regarding the current budget situation in Wisconsin, placement rates have declined from a high of 90%+ five years ago, to approximately 60%. Students should closely follow state budget deliberations.