St. Catherine University's online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students to counsel individuals, families, couples and groups. Its 60-credit curriculum combines counseling theory, applied skills and supervised clinical training. Students can follow full-time or part-time plans, with in-person skills residencies in St. Paul for the licensure track. Coursework emphasizes relational practice, cultural humility and advocacy.
- Program
- Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Credential
- MS
- Location
- St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
- Casper
- Not required
- Next deadline
- October 1, 2026 (Spring 2027 priority application deadline)
- Interview
- Group interview
- Length
- 2.5 years at the program's stated time to completion
Casper Requirement for St. Catherine University Counseling
St. Catherine University Counseling does not require Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
Casper is not among the required materials in the current program-specific application instructions. The more recently indexed catalog text also omits it.
St. Catherine University Counseling Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- St. Catherine University online application
- Applications open
- Apply anytime for a fall or spring start
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Spring 2027 priority application deadline | October 1, 2026upcoming |
| Fall 2027 priority application deadline | June 15, 2027upcoming |
Applications received after a priority deadline are considered if space is available. Scholarship consideration requires a complete application and all required materials by the published deadline.
Eligibility Requirements for St. Catherine University Counseling
- Degree / credits
A completed bachelor's or graduate degree in any discipline from a regionally accredited institution
- Language proficiency
Applicants whose native language is not English must submit IELTS 6.5 or Duolingo English Test 105; a U.S. bachelor's or graduate degree waives this requirement.
A degree completed outside the United States requires an official course-by-course evaluation from a NACES-approved agency, original transcripts and official English translations of documents not in English; applicants pay evaluation and translation costs.
Other requirements
- Transcripts: Unofficial degree-granting-institution transcripts may be used for admission review; official transcripts sent directly by the institutions are required before course registration. Additional undergraduate transcripts may be requested if fewer than 60 credits were completed at the bachelor's institution.
Selection Factors St. Catherine University Considers
GPA
- How it is calculated
Cumulative undergraduate GPA; for applicants using the lower-GPA route, GPA in the final 60 undergraduate credits is also considered.
- Minimum
- 3.0, or 2.75 to below 3.0 with an explanatory statement, two years of helping-field experience and a 3.0 GPA in the final 60 credits
Admissions tests
- IELTS (one of several accepted): Minimum 6.5 for applicants subject to the English-language requirement
- Duolingo English Test (one of several accepted): Minimum 105 for applicants subject to the English-language requirement
Experience and volunteer hours
Recommended.
Submit a current résumé highlighting professional and volunteer experience, particularly helping-field work. Applicants using the 2.75 to below 3.0 GPA route must document two years of helping-field experience.
Supplementary application
Submit a one-page essay on your interest in clinical mental health counseling and your personal and professional graduate-study goals, a current résumé, and two professional or academic recommendations. Applicants using the lower-GPA route also submit an explanatory statement of no more than one page.
How applicants are ranked
The admission committee reviews complete applications. Applicants who meet minimum requirements are invited to a virtual faculty group interview, the final admissions step; meeting requirements does not guarantee admission.
Interview Format at St. Catherine University
Format: Group interview
Virtual interview with clinical mental health counseling faculty. The catalog describes a group activity and individual questions for each candidate.
- Who is invited
- Applicants whose complete applications meet minimum requirements.
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at St. Catherine University Counseling
- Program length
- 2.5 years at the program's stated time to completion
- Structure
60-credit online program with full-time and part-time study plans and fall or spring starts
- Campuses
- St. Paul campus for required residencies
Counseling coursework covers ethics, development, group counseling, diagnosis, cultural humility and treatment planning. The catalog lists a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship; the program offers specialization coursework and microcredentials.
Campus and facilities
Courses are online. The program page requires a three-day, in-person residency in two skills courses for students admitted for licensure; residencies take place at the St. Paul campus.
Tuition and Funding at St. Catherine University
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling tuition: $760 per credit (2026-2027)
- Graduate College student activity fee: $30 per semester (2026-2027)
- Technology fee: $300 per term (2026-2027)
The university publishes 60 required credits; fees are additional.
How to Prepare Your St. Catherine University Counseling Application
- Confirm your bachelor's or graduate degree and cumulative GPA
- Arrange transcripts and any required international credential evaluation
- Draft the one-page goals essay
- Ask two professional or academic recommenders before submitting their contact details
- Prepare a résumé emphasizing helping-field experience
- Prepare to discuss interpersonal skills in a virtual faculty interview
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Catherine University Counseling
When can I start?
Fall or spring; applications are currently open for Spring 2027.
What is the Spring 2027 priority deadline?
October 1, 2026; later applications are considered if space is available.
Do I need prerequisite courses?
No prerequisite courses are required.
Is Casper required?
It is not listed in the current program-specific admission requirements.
Can I apply with a GPA below 3.0?
Applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA from 2.75 to below 3.0 may apply with the specified statement, helping-field experience and final-60-credit GPA.
Are recommendations required?
Yes, two professional or academic recommendations; personal references are not accepted.
Is there an interview?
Eligible applicants are invited to a virtual group interview with faculty.
Sources
- Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Admissions
- Online MS Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – MS, 2026–2027 Academic Catalog
- Student Accounts and Tuition Rates
Last updated: September 26, 2026