How to Apply

Information for Applicants

Admission to the UNI Counseling Program is competitive. All faculty members carefully review each candidate's academic records, personal and goal statements, and work or volunteer experience in the counseling or human services field. Based on a numerical rating scale, the counseling faculty select the most qualified candidates based on how many part-time and full-time students we can accommodate.

Prospective students wishing to learn more about the program are encouraged to take COUN 4100  Introduction to Professional Counseling which is typically offered in the Fall and Spring semesters. Please contact Linda Davis, department secretary, for permission to take the course.

The Fall 2025 application deadline is February 1st.

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Family, Aging & Counseling

Admission Requirements

Submit to the UNI Office of Admissions:

  1. Official transcripts 
    (All previous graduate and undergraduate credit which will be forwarded to the department from the Admissions Office)
     
  2. Application for Graduate Admission 
    (Graduate application fee waived for current or former UNI students)
     
  3. Three (3) letters of recommendation 
    (From professionals who are familiar with your work or volunteer experience. You cannot use personal friends or relatives.)
     
  4. Personal narrative
     
  5. Resume
     
  6. Writing Sample
    (e.g., course project, honors thesis)
  • Your writing sample should be written in some form of a writing style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
  • This paper should be a formal, typed document such as a research paper, literature review, or something closely resembling these documents.
     

Please visit the Graduate Admissions page for additional information on the application process and requirements. 
 

The University of Northern Iowa requests this information for the purpose of considering your application. No persons outside the University are routinely provided this information, except in terms of directory information such as name and address. Release of any information is governed by Board of Regents rules and applicable state and federal statutes. Responses to items marked "optional" are optional; responses to all other items are required. If you fail to provide the required information, the university may elect not to act on the application.