Commonly Asked Questions
How large will cohorts be/is enrollment limited?
During the first year of the program, 2025-2026, 18 FTE students will be recruited for the first cohort. During the second year of the program, 2026-2027, 25 FTE students will be recruited for the second cohort. In future years, 25 students will be recruited for each cohort, totaling 50 students in the program.
Can students complete the program on a part-time track?
Students specializing in either Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling will have the option to complete the program part-time. Due to the Graduate School policy, the dual specialization pathway does not have a part-time enrollment option, as a part-time dual-track pathway would extend beyond the five-year degree completion window.
What does the program of study look like for each specialty area?
The program uses a cohort model; each of the programs of study can be found within the supplemental document folder on the website.
Is there an exam to become a licensed counselor?
School counseling students will take the Ohio Assessment for Educators- School Counselor (OAE; 40) at any point during the last two semesters of their program. Clinical mental health counseling students must complete the LPC application, as required by the state of Ohio. Once the board has approved the LPC application and other materials, clinical mental health counseling students are eligible to sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE). More information regarding Ohio licensure requirements can be found in the student handbook.
Is the program approved by the Ohio Counselor, Social Work, and Marriage and Family Therapist (CSWMFT) Board for licensure in Ohio?
On November 22, 2024, the board granted the Miami University Counselor Education Program Temporary Program Approval Pending CACREP Accreditation effective January 1, 2025. As indicated on our website and the board's approval letter, this follows the Ohio Administrative Code 4757-13-07. As indicated in the letter, the board states, “Applications for Miami University graduates applying under this temporary approval will be processed as CACREP applications; applicants will not be required to complete coursework review sheets.”
What are the required submission materials to apply?
Students must submit:
- A personal statement
- Two professional letters of recommendation
- A two-page resume highlighting professional experiences related to counseling.
Information about the application materials can be found on the program website.
Will classes be synchronous or asynchronous? What time of day will classes take place?
Our classes are online, using both live (synchronous) and flexible (asynchronous) modalities. Our program has some in-person elements, including field hours that are completed in person at an approved practicum or internship site. Please take a look at the pre-practicum section of the handbook for more information related to these activities.
When is the deadline to apply for the program?
The application deadlines are listed on the program website.
How many credit hours is the program?
If students choose the single-track program of study, they will complete 60 credit hours. If students choose the dual-track program of study, they will complete 66 credit hours.
What is the cost per credit hour?
The Counselor Education—Master of Education Program will use the market-driven tuition rate of $700 per credit hour.
Regarding financial aid, besides FAFSA, are there scholarships I can apply for? Are there any GA positions available?
As outlined in the Counselor Education handbook, our program has market-driven tuition and more information related to MDT can be found within the link as it relates to additional funding. Regarding any scholarships or graduate assistantship positions, on the website linked above, more details regarding funding limitations are outlined. Students are encouraged to reach out to the financial aid office.
Is the program CACREP accredited?
The program courses are aligned with the Council for Accreditation for Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards; the program is not currently accredited, as student data is required for the self-study process. To account for this, CACREP has a policy, Student Qualification as Graduate of Accredited Program (See Section A.1.i). The program intends to apply for CACREP accreditation.
Will the program assist students in preparation for the licensure exam?
The courses are structured to prepare students for their prospective licensure exams. Course material, readings, assignments, and discussions will provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to take licensure exams.
What are the parameters or exceptions for a site to qualify for the internship requirement?
The Counselor Education Program has site partners and site supervisors where students are placed each academic year. Students will be placed at approved sites. In addition to the approved sites, additional sites can be added. Sites can be added if the program faculty has determined a need for additional sites to accommodate students, if a student has requested to be placed within their place of employment, if there are extenuating circumstances outside of the student's control that require accommodations, and if students have approved, documented accommodations requiring an additional site to meet the student’s needs.
What are the practicum and internship hour requirements?
Assuming students are full-time and on the one specialty area track, students will complete the 700 hours throughout their three years within the program. The practicum requirement is 100 hours completed during the spring semester of their first year. Students complete 600 internship hours in their second year: 300 in the fall and 300 in the spring.
Can I still apply for the program if I do not meet the GPA requirement?
As indicated on the Graduate School website, there is a process through the graduate school to be considered for conditional admission if an applicant does not meet the minimum requirements.
Who do I reach out to if I am having issues with my application?
Please email ApplyGrad@MiamiOH.edu with any questions or concerns about the application process.
Can I work independently as a clinical mental health counselor?
Students should review the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board’s website regarding different licenses. Graduate training programs do not license students but work to prepare students to become licensed professional counselors.