Admissions Process
Please note: Application Process occurs through Graduate School website
The Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology program admits students at the post-baccalaureate (Bachelor's degree) or post-Master's level. NOTE: A bachelor's degree in Psychology or a master's degree in Counseling or related field is required. Some courses in the doctoral program may be waived if similar courses have been taken in a Master's program. Use the links and contacts provided to access NMSU webpages that contain crucial information regarding admission to the Graduate School (a requirement), and for other important details. Make sure you send all the appropriate materials to the NMSU graduate school.
The CEP department processes doctoral applications once a year. Applications must be received by December 15th to be considered for the following summer enrollment. Students are expected to begin the program in the Summer Session (10-week term). Applications may be strengthened by submitting additional evidence of aptitude for graduate study (for example, reprints or other publications, grant proposals, relevant work samples, or additional support letters). At least one interview will be required of finalists. This could include individual and/or group interviews. At this time, all interviews are held via video conferencing. See the “Program Information for Applicants” for additional admissions requirements and prerequisites. Various non-objective admissions criteria are weighed as follows:
| Letter of Intent |
High |
| Letters of Recommendation |
High |
| Interview |
High |
| Previous Research Experience |
High |
| Extracurricular Activities |
Medium |
| Related Public Service |
Medium |
| Teaching Experience |
Medium |
| Counseling Experience |
Medium |
At this time, we do not require GRE scores as part of the admissions process. Please note, though, that some awards, scholarships, and/or fellowships outside of NMSU for which you may wish to apply in the future may require GRE scores. We, however, do not require the GRE.
Recruitment of Culturally Diverse Applicants
NMSU is committed to increasing the enrollment and professional representation of culturally diverse students. A wide variety of cultures, nationalities, and ethnic groups are represented at NMSU; minority students make up one-third of the student body. Faculty and staff value the university's diverse student population and strive to promote both academic and personal growth in every student.
International Student Applicants
Applicants from other countries or non-citizen applicants living in the US are required to first apply to the International Student Admission Program of NMSU. The required form, "International Applications for Admission," may be obtained either online or from the following office: Center for International Programs MSC 3567/Box 30001 New Mexico State University Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001 Telephone: (575) 646-2017 Students for whom English is not their native language are required to submit an official score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of 500 or above, and a score on the test of Spoken English.
Financial Aid
It is strongly advised that applicants file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available either online or at NMSU's Financial Aid Office (and at most college or university financial aid offices). This application will determine eligibility and aid availability. It is important to apply for financial aid as soon as possible after January 1st and before March 1st to increase the likelihood of available funds. Additional NMSU financial aid information is available online, at the Office of Student Financial Assistance homepage.
Additional Information
Further information regarding NMSU and CEP department facilities, campus and community life, and other facts are available within the Doctoral Program Information Packet. The department is housed in the College of Education, Suite 222, O'Donnell Hall. For any questions that can't be answered in the information packet, or through the links provided on the NMSU Links page (accessible using the menu above), please email cep@nmsu.edu.
