East Carolina University's CACREP-accredited MS in Clinical Counseling is a 62-credit-hour clinical mental health counseling program with an emphasis in addictions. Based in Greenville with hybrid course delivery, it combines classroom study, a practicum and a supervised internship. Applicants apply through the ECU Graduate School, complete Casper and may be invited to a personal interview.
- Program
- Master of Science in Clinical Counseling
- Credential
- MS
- Location
- Greenville, North Carolina, United States
- Casper
- Required · CSP-10101
- Next deadline
- October 20, 2026 (Spring 2027 application deadline)
- Length
- 62 credit hours; generally two years full-time
Casper Requirement for East Carolina University Clinical Counseling
East Carolina University Clinical Counseling requires Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
- Test to book
- US Health Sciences 2 · CSP-10101
- Languages
- English
Check available Casper test dates in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
All applicants must complete Casper as part of their application. Register through Casper to see available test dates and technical requirements.
Casper format
Casper is an online, open-response situational judgment test run by Acuity Insights. The current format has 11 scenarios (4 video-response and 7 typed-response) with 2 questions each and takes about 65 to 85 minutes, including optional breaks. Typed-response scenarios allow 3.5 minutes to answer both questions.
Practice with Bright Doctor's Casper Question Bank, featuring 100+ scenarios and 300+ expert responses.
East Carolina University Clinical Counseling Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- ECU Graduate School portal
- Applications open
- Spring 2027: 2026-07-01; Fall 2027: 2026-08-15
- Application fee
- $75 nonrefundable
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Spring 2027 application deadline | October 20, 2026upcoming |
| Fall 2027 application deadline | May 15, 2027upcoming |
East Carolina University Clinical Counseling Admissions Statistics
Period: Academic year 2024-2025 outcomes
- Graduates: 33
- Program completion rate: 99%
- Job placement rate: 100%
- Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam pass rate: 98.5%
- National Counselor Exam pass rate: 100%
The published outcome report does not give a class size, applicant count or admission count.
Eligibility Requirements for East Carolina University Clinical Counseling
- Degree / credits
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
- Language proficiency
International applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency unless they completed at least 24 U.S. undergraduate credits with a 3.0 GPA or nine U.S. graduate credits with a 3.0 GPA. ECU accepts TOEFL iBT, IELTS and Duolingo English Test scores.
Applicants with degrees from outside the United States must provide a course-by-course evaluation of foreign transcripts, transcripts and diploma copies, and certified English translations.
Other requirements
- Sobriety for applicants recovering from a substance use disorder: Applicants recovering from an alcohol or other substance use disorder must have at least one year of sobriety before entering the program.
Selection Factors East Carolina University Considers
GPA
- How it is calculated
ECU uses the GPA from the undergraduate degree-granting institution; if fewer than 60 semester hours were earned there, it uses hours from earlier transcripts. ECU also calculates a post-baccalaureate GPA after at least nine post-baccalaureate semester hours.
- Minimum
- 3.0
Committees review the transcript for consistent academic performance, particularly in courses related to psychology, human services, or social sciences.
Admissions tests
- GRE/MAT (not required): The MS in Clinical Counseling does not require a graduate entrance exam such as the GRE or MAT.
- English proficiency (required for some applicants): International applicants who do not meet ECU's English-language education exemption must submit an accepted English proficiency test.
Experience and volunteer hours
Recommended.
Competitive candidates highlight relevant experience and alignment with practical, licensure-focused training.
Supplementary application
Two professional letters of recommendation from professionals who can attest to interpersonal skills and commitment to counseling, and a statement of intent outlining reasons for pursuing a master's in this field, such as interest in addictions or rehabilitation counseling.
How applicants are ranked
The Graduate School checks application requirements and forwards completed applications to the department. The department initially screens materials and arranges personal interviews for qualified applicants; the program reviews applications for admission.
Interview Format at East Carolina University
The department arranges a personal interview after an initial screening of application materials.
- Who is invited
- Qualified applicants after initial screening
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at East Carolina University Clinical Counseling
- Program length
- 62 credit hours; generally two years full-time
- Structure
Classroom and clinical study, including a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour supervised internship
CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling program with an emphasis in addictions.
Campus and facilities
Based in Greenville, North Carolina, with flexible hybrid course delivery and supervised clinical learning. Students can connect through the Student Addictions and Rehabilitation Association and Chi Sigma Iota.
Tuition and Funding at East Carolina University
- 2026-2027 estimated annual graduate tuition and fees, NC resident on campus: $8,006
- 2026-2027 estimated annual graduate tuition and fees, nonresident on campus: $21,812
- 2026-2027 estimated annual graduate tuition and fees, NC resident distance education: $5,662
- 2026-2027 estimated annual graduate tuition and fees, nonresident distance education: $19,882
These are ECU's annual graduate estimates, not a price for the entire degree. Charges depend on residency and delivery method.
East Carolina University's Mission and Values
The MS in Clinical Counseling program provides students the opportunity to specialize in both clinical mental health counseling and addictions counseling.
What Applicants Are Saying
Matriculated students describe a supportive cohort environment where professors and peers foster professional growth. Students report an amazing community of professors and peers, praise mostly exceptional professors, and note the program culture supports those weighing options like MSW versus LPC tracks, fostering open discussions. Students report back-and-forth decision-making between similar programs like MSW. One applicant noted applying to the online counselor education program.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your East Carolina University Clinical Counseling Application
- Check the deadline for your intended spring or fall entry term and apply through the ECU Graduate School.
- Arrange official transcripts, two professional references and a written statement of intent.
- Register for US Health Sciences 2 Casper, assessment code CSP-10101, and check available dates when booking.
- Prepare to discuss your reasons for studying clinical mental health and addictions counseling in a personal interview.
- If applicable, arrange foreign credential evaluation and English proficiency results.
Frequently Asked Questions About East Carolina University Clinical Counseling
Does ECU Clinical Counseling require Casper?
Yes. Applicants must complete US Health Sciences 2 Casper, code CSP-10101.
What is the minimum GPA?
A 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
What is the interview format?
Qualified applicants are invited to a personal interview; ECU does not specify a group format.
What is the acceptance rate?
ECU does not publish a current acceptance rate for this program.
How many credits is the MS?
The program requires 62 credit hours, including a practicum and 600-hour internship.
Can international students apply?
Yes; ECU specifies foreign-credential and, where applicable, English-proficiency requirements.
When can I take Casper?
Check Casper when registering for available program test dates.
Is this MS fully online?
No. ECU describes flexible hybrid course delivery.
Sources
- ECU Clinical Counseling Graduate Program Admissions
- ECU Graduate School Application Process
- ECU Graduate School Application Information
- ECU Graduate International Students
- ECU MS in Clinical Counseling
- ECU Clinical Counseling Student Manual
- ECU Student Outcome Report, AY 2024-2025
- ECU Estimated Cost of Attendance
Last updated: September 26, 2026