Are you CACREP Accredited?

Yes, We are a CACREP Accredited program.

When do cohorts start?

Master of Arts in Counseling online cohorts begin every Fall and Spring semester.

Do you allow non-matriculated students to take classes from the Counselor Ed. Program?

No. We do not allow non-degree-seeking students to take classes from our Graduate Counselor Education Program.

What is the cost of classes?

How many credits are needed to complete the program and how long does it take to complete?

  • 60 credit hours are needed to complete the program. 
    • It will take 5 semesters for the fall cohorts. Students will be taking 4 courses per semester 12 credit hours.
    • It will take 7 semesters for the spring cohorts. Students will be taking 3 courses per semester or 9 credit hours.

Where can I find a list of the courses required to complete the program?

M.A. Degree Plan. Students’ Plan of Study will be sent to them with their registration information after acceptance into the program. 

When is the deadline date for admissions?

  • Currently, there are no deadlines. Space is limited each semester, therefore, priority is given to complete applications submitted early. Please note that enrollment/admission may end before any aforementioned deadlines.
  • Our enrollment management system admits students per semester based on the application completion date (the date all of your application materials are submitted and the application fee is paid).
  • The later you complete your application the greater the potential to be considered for a term later than you anticipated. The earlier the better!
  • Master of Arts in Counseling online cohorts begin every Fall and Spring semester.

Where do I get information if I am an International Student?

  • The School of Counselor Education does not accept international students.
  • US citizens working abroad will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the CMH or SCH Counseling Program Chair prior to applying for admissions.
  • You may also contact the Office of Graduate Admissions with questions.

Do you require the GRE or MAT for admission?

No, The MAT or GRE is no longer required for admission into the program.

Are all courses online?

Almost all courses are online. We do require two one-week in-semester lab residencies (formerly known as intensives) on campus. The lab weeks are held on the Adams State campus, during the semester outlined in your plan of study. Attendance at these labs is mandatory.

Course descriptions are also posted at:

Course descriptions

What are the requirements for an application?

Admissions Requirements

Do I need to send all the transcripts from all colleges and universities I attended?

Yes, All transcripts need to be requested and sent to us for review. 

Do you accept a transfer of credits?

The Office of Graduate Studies (graduatestudies@adams.edu) must be in possession of all transcripts from the student’s previously attended institutions. Students must be admitted and accepted into the Counselor Education Program for transfer consideration and review. To initiate the transfer process, admitted students must contact the Counselor Education Advisors at ceadvising@adams.edu and send a completed copy of the Petition for Approval of Graduate Transfer Credit form:

Petition for Approval of Graduate Transfer Credit Form

Adams State University accepts up to 12 credit hours of coursework from CACREP programs and up to 6 credit hours from non-CACREP in transfer. Credits transferred from non-CACREP programs will count as elective courses and must be within the Counseling specialty to be considered for transfer. Courses taken toward a previously earned degree will not be considered for transfer credit. In addition, experiential courses (Pre-Practicum, Practicum, Internships, and Group) will not be considered for transfer. Transferred hours must be graduate-level credit. This means that workshops, seminars, or other continuing education credits will not be counted as transfer hours. Transferred credit hours must be college course credits, not clock hours.

Admission Forms for Graduate Students

Is there a letter or recommendation form?

Yes, there is a form required. Two (2) online letters of recommendation forms from professional sources addressing the ability of the applicant to become a counselor, academic strengths, and potential. Recommenders will be sent an automatic email to complete this letter of recommendation form during the time of application. Please have recommenders’ first names, last names, and emails at the time of application.

On completion of the program, what degree is awarded?

  • Upon completion, you will have an M.A. in Counseling with either a Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling specialty.
  • The MA in Counseling does not automatically lead to licensure. Students are responsible for reviewing their individual states’ licensure rules and regulations.

Meet the Faculty and Staff

What are my options to be a counselor in your program?

What are the requirements to practice as a counselor in my state?

For Clinical Mental Health Counseling, check the American Counseling Association for your state’s requirements for Licensure & Certification.
For School Counselors, check The American School Counselor Association for your state requirements or contact your state’s Department of Education

How to Apply?

M.A. Counseling Admissions

I just completed my application. Now what?

Your application will be processed by the Office of Graduate Studies who will then forward this information to the School of Counselor Education once all information is received and complete. When we receive your information at the School of Counselor Education, you will receive an email to please log into your Self-Service Center to review your admission decision, along with your official acceptance letter, If admission has been given. You will also be able to receive a reminder of any remaining items needed for your completed application. This may take up to several weeks. As your first semester nears, you will be sent information instructing you about setting up your Adams email, registration for classes, lists of required textbooks, etc. You will also be required to read the Student Handbook.

What are labs exactly?

Counselor Education students are required to participate in two labs during their time in the program. Labs are tied to Pre-Practicum and Practicum courses and occur in person on the campus of Adams State University located in Alamosa, CO.

  • Fall starting students:

    • Students will be attending a Pre-Practicum Lab during their first semester in the program. The purpose of Pre-Practicum is to develop the skills necessary to engage in a counseling relationship or alliance.
    • If students start in the Fall, students will attend their second lab in the second semester. During the semester they take Practicum. Students continue to build on their skills, working toward advanced skills.

  • Spring starting students: 

    • Students will be attending a Pre-Practicum Lab during their first semester in the program. The purpose of Pre-Practicum is to develop the skills necessary to engage in a counseling relationship or alliance.
    • If the student starts in the Spring they will have their second lab in the fourth semester. During the semester they take Practicum. Students continue to build on their skills, working toward advanced skills.

When will I be required to attend Labs?

  • New Fall starting students will attend labs in October (1st semester) and March (2nd Semester).
  • New Spring students will attend labs in March (1st semester) and March (4th semester).

What about Housing during Labs?

There is housing available on campus and some reasonably priced motels nearby. This information will be included in the Labs bulletin. If you are staying on campus the Housing Office will send out information to our students about making these arrangements. 

How do I access my classes?

Once you have been accepted into the cohort, you will be issued your ID number and a token number from the Graduate School. A token ID is a temporary code used to set up your password. Using your username and this password, you will access your classes through Blackboard on the One Stop page.

Where do I find my Student Account?

Your student account can be found on the Student Onestop page.

Where do I find Payment or billing information?

This information can be found on the Student Onestop page. You will need to click on Online Payment/Deposit.

Where do I find my Student Email?

Your student email address can be found on the Student Onestop page. 

Where do I do my internship?

You will do your practicum and internship locally in your community. Your supervisor will also be in your local community for weekly meetings. For more information please email counseloredcc@adams.edu or read the following information.

I am unable to start the program. What should I do?

Please email us at ceonline@adams.edu. Please include your Student ID.

Can I request a deferment?

Yes, Please email ceonline@adams.edu with your request and your Student ID. 

I am Conditionally admitted. What does this mean?

Our Admission Committee has reviewed your application materials and has decided you will be accepted with the following conditions.

  • You must maintain a 3.0 GPA during your first semester.
  • If you are conditionally accepted pending a degree or transcripts: 
    • You must submit all pending transcripts and/or a conferred degree within your first semester.
    • If you have a low GPA you will be assessed additional credit hours. 
  • If you are conditionally accepted due to a low GPA:
    • If your GPA is 2.75 – 2.5 
      • You will be assessed an additional 3 credit hours to complete in order to be eligible to graduate. 
    • If your GPA is 2.49 or below
      • You will be assessed an additional 6 credit hours to complete in order to be eligible to graduate.
  • Assessed hours can be taken at any time during your degree progression.  When you feel you can handle an additional course to fulfill this requirement, please reach out to ceadvising@adams.edu for help with the details. 

Where can I find my book information?

You can find your book information in two places. 

Who do I contact if I have questions about a disability or need accommodations?

Accessibility Services 

How do I contact my advisor?

Please email ceadvising@adams.edu