ADDC/IBH Application Instructions

Application Materials

First, access the online application. (In the application, select University of Minnesota Twin Cities, College of Continuing and Professional Studies, Addictions Counseling MPS or Integrated Behavioral Health MPS)

All required application materials must be electronically attached to your application.

Applicant Statements

• Professional statement: Two to three pages (1000–1500 words), double-spaced. Your statement should include:
  • Your professional goals and how this degree will help you reach them and your motivation to pursue a career as an addictions counselor and/or mental health counselor
  • Academic and/or professional experience you have that prepares you to succeed in this program; this could include research or professional experience, or leadership or collaboration in volunteer, research, academic work, or other activities
  • Your strengths and growth edges; for example, mention specific skills that will help you succeed in this program and a career as an addictions counselor and/or mental health counselor, how you have learned from past challenges, or what areas of growth are you currently working on
  • Specific examples of your use of collaboration, conflict management, empathy, or appropriate communication
  • How you see the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion as it relates to addictions counseling and/or mental health counseling
• Diversity statement: Not required
• Extenuating Circumstances statement: One page (500 words). Required if your undergraduate GPA is below 3.0. You may also submit this statement if there are other areas of your academic record that you would like to address.
  • Briefly describe what impacted your academic performance.
  • Explain how circumstances have changed and what new supports or strategies you will use to meet the demands of graduate school, like time management, self-care, etc.

Tips:

• Allow time for multiple drafts.
• Have at least one person review it and give feedback.
• Share your present, past, and future as they relate to the program and your goals.
• Include specific examples to illustrate your skills.
• Keep it simple, clear and concise: one to three pages long.
• Avoid listing all activities from your resume or application in narrative form.
• Don't use clichéd language (“I have wanted to be xyz for as long as I can remember…”)
• Correct poor language, grammar, spelling, etc.
• Use professional discretion and intention when disclosing personal details.

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required.

The best letters come from instructors who know you and your academic work, or from employers or supervisors that have knowledge of: your interest in addictions counseling and/or mental health counseling, ability to work in the field, or transferable skills that are relevant for completing this program. The more the recommendation reflects real knowledge of you and your performance, the more useful the letter is to the admissions committee. Ask them whether they will be able to write you a strong letter of recommendation. If the answer is “no”, find a different letter writer.

Remember to share with your letter writers:

• a current CV or resume
• professional statement
• information about the ADDC or IBH program
• why you are applying to the program

Tell the letter writers to include in their recommendation:

• how long they have known you and in what capacity
• their current position and organization
• your skills and experience that will prepare you to succeed in this program and your career as an addictions counselor and/or mental health counselor
• how you have grown as a scholar or professional
• your leadership and/or collaboration experience
• your experiences with appropriate communication, conflict management, or empathy
• your performance in their course(s) or workplace

Tips:

• Ask a current/former supervisor, colleague, or instructor.
• Ask them if they feel comfortable writing a strong recommendation.
• Have a backup writer in case of emergency.
• Talk with each letter writer about the program, your current/future interests, and professional goals.
• Give them a clear deadline (typically 4–6 weeks).
• Share your professional statement and resume or CV with your letter writers.
• Avoid asking a family member, friend, sponsor, or clergy member.
• Send the letter-writers a thank you!

Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts or academic records for each institution (even if you didn’t receive a degree) should be uploaded directly to the online application. International students should also upload an English translation if the transcript is not in English. If possible, make sure the institution has put your name on the transcript/record.

Resume or CV

Submit a current resume or CV (curriculum vitae). Make sure it is up-to-date and free of errors. In addition to work history, include relevant research experience or publications, volunteer activities, training, etc.

Application Fee

A nonrefundable application fee must be paid on submission.

Application Checklist

Your complete application will include:

• An online application
• A professional statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• College transcripts
• A resume or curriculum vitae
• English language test scores (if applicable)
• An application fee

You will receive an admission decision four to six weeks after the application deadline. If you have questions about admission requirements, or would like advice on how to gather your application materials, please contact admissions advisor Steve Wicks.

Ready to apply?

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Transferring Credits

Transferring Graduate Credits

You may be able to transfer up to 10 credits of graduate-level coursework completed prior to admission, with the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies.

Transfer coursework requirements:

• Taken at the University of Minnesota or another accredited institution
• Completed at the graduate level and listed on a graduate transcript
• Earned a grade of B or better
• Completed no more than five years prior to admission to the program

Transferring Undergraduate Credits

You may be able to transfer up to six of the ten transfer coursework credits taken as an undergraduate at the U of M, with the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies and the Associate Director for Graduate Education.
Please email graduate enrollment advisor Steve Wicks to learn more.

Taking a Course Before Admission

How to Register for Undergraduate Courses to Meet Prerequisites

Complete the steps outlined on the registration page for nondegree students. Undergraduate courses used to meet prerequisites will not count toward your degree requirements.

How to Register for Graduate-level Courses

Credit courses taken before admission may be applied toward your degree. You can take a graduate-level course before being admitted if:

• the course is graduate-level (4xxx-level or above), and
• you register for credit as a nondegree graduate student and pay graduate-level tuition.

Follow these steps to register:

1. Find the course you want using the Schedule Builder tool.
2. Download and submit a Registration Request for Graduate Credit for Nondegree Students form. Registration for nondegree students is not available online.
3. Send the form to the department offering the course for authorization. Use this form each term until you are admitted to the program.
4. The department offering the course will forward the form to the registrar or give you further instructions.
5. You will receive confirmation and payment instructions by email.

You can find more information on the registration page for nondegree students.

Financing Your Education

Here are some financing options that could help you pay for graduate school.

Graduate Assistantships
You may be eligible for a U of M graduate assistantship, which is basically a part-time job in research or teaching. You'll want to check with your academic advisor.

Fellowships and Grants
Fellowships offer the opportunity to fund your education without the work requirements of an assistantship or debt payments of a student loan.

Scholarships, Loans, and Financial Aid
Visit the CCAPS financial aid website to learn more about our collegiate scholarships, federal financial aid, and non-U of M financing options.

Employer Reimbursement
Some employers may help pay for your graduate education if it relates to your goals at work. Talk with your organization's human resources representative to learn more.

Why should your company invest in your education?

• You'll be able to handle more responsibilities and roles.
• Your company will increase productivity, which will help it grow (or help it save money).
• Your company could attract and help keep high-quality talent.
• Your company will demonstrate a commitment to growth and the creation of mentors and leaders.
• You can cultivate job satisfaction.