Application Instructions
Each of our graduate programs has specific requirements and application instructions. If you have any questions about the application process, please email [email protected].
Admission Deadlines
We accept applications to our graduate programs on a rolling basis. Questions? Reach out to [email protected].
Fall Deadlines
| Apply By | Notified By | Submit Your Decision By |
|---|---|---|
| December 15 | January 30 | February 21 |
| February 15 | March 15 | April 7 |
| April 15* (Final deadline for international applicants) | May 15 | June 7 |
| June 1 (on a space available basis) | July 1 | July 21 |
*April 15 is the final deadline to apply for admission and, if eligible, for needs based CCAPS scholarships for fall.
Spring Deadlines
If admitted for the spring semester, eligible students can apply for needs-based CCAPS scholarships for the summer term.
| Apply By | Notified By | Submit Your Decision By |
|---|---|---|
| October 1 (Final deadline for international applicants) | November 1 | November 21 |
| November 15 (on a space available basis) | December 15 | January 7 |
Recommended Timeline
2-3 Months Before Deadline:
Start compiling your application materials
2 Months Before Deadline:
Request unofficial transcripts
1-2 Months Before Deadline:
Draft professional statement
4-6 Weeks Before Deadline:
Request recommendation letters, if required
4 Weeks Before Deadline:
Update your resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
1 Week Before Deadline:
Review entire application
Before the Deadline:
Print checklist and submit application!
Transferring Credits
Transferring Graduate Coursework
You may be able to transfer up to 10 credits of graduate-level coursework, with the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies of your program.
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 before applying for admission to the program
Transferring Undergraduate Coursework
You may be able to transfer up to 6 of the 10 transfer credits taken as an undergraduate at the University of Minnesota, with the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies and the Associate Director for Graduate Programs.
The MPS in Integrated Behavioral Health does not accept transfer credits that were completed at the undergraduate level or listed on an undergraduate transcript.
Transfer Coursework for Certificates
Students pursuing a graduate-level certificate may be able to transfer up to 3 credits of graduate-level coursework completed as a nondegree student prior to admission to their certificate program.
This graduate-level coursework must have been completed at the University of Minnesota, be a course required for their certificate program, earned a grade of B- or higher, have been completed no more than five years before admission to the certificate program, and listed on a graduate transcript.
Please email us at [email protected] to learn more.
International Students
English Language Proficiency
If your native language is not English, please submit scores from the TOEFL, MELAB, or IELTS English proficiency examination. Read more about required scores.
- Required TOEFL scores are 84 or above, with section scores of at least 21 on writing and at least 19 on reading.
- Required IELTS score is 6.5, with section scores of at least 6.5 for both writing and reading.
- Required MELAB score is 84.
- Required Duolingo score is 110.
Financing Your Education
International students are not eligible for federal financial aid or CCAPS scholarships and must provide financial evidence showing that they can cover tuition, living expenses, and university health insurance, Student Health Benefit Plan, during their period of study. Note that international students cannot count on obtaining a job to finance all of their academic and living expenses and need to plan accordingly.
CCAPS does not offer graduate research or teaching assistantships. However, CCAPS graduate students may be eligible for a U of M graduate assistantship outside of the Master of Professional Studies in ADDC or IBH, which is basically a part-time job in research or teaching. These assistantships are highly competitive and are not guaranteed. You can view open graduate assistantships on the U of M Human Resources website.
To learn more about financing your education, visit Plan Your Expenses or make an appointment with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
Visa Requirements and Restrictions (for ADDC and IBH Only)
Due to the structure of course offerings and immigration regulations regarding enrollment requirements and employment, the University is not able to issue a visa document (I-20 or DS-2019) for international students on an F or J visa to enroll in the MPS in Addictions Counseling and MPS in Integrated Behavioral Health programs. International applicants on an F or J visa who submit an application will have their application withdrawn and the application fee is non-refundable.
International students must be in the United States in a status that allows for at least part-time study in a degree program and at least part-time work. All students in the MPS in Addictions Counseling or MPS in Integrated Behavioral Health program must complete a clinical practicum and internship. If an international student wishes to complete a paid practicum and internship, they may be required to submit proof of work authorization at the time of application for the practicum. Please email us at [email protected] if you have any questions before applying.
Licensure and Residency Requirements (for ADDC and IBH only)
The MPS in Addictions Counseling and MPS in Integrated Behavioral Health programs are designed to meet specific state licensure requirements in the United States. Therefore, admission into either program is restricted to applicants residing within the United States.
Taking a Course Before Admission
How to Register for Undergraduate Courses to Meet Prerequisites
Complete the steps outlined on the registration page for non-degree students. Undergraduate courses used to meet prerequisites will not count toward your degree requirements.
How to Register for Graduate-level Courses BEFORE Being Admitted to a Graduate Program
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.
More information is available on the CCAPS Taking Graduate Courses page.
Financing Your Education
Visit the CCAPS Financial Aid webpage to learn more about our collegiate scholarships, federal financial aid, and non-UMN financing options. CCAPS Graduate Education programs do not provide living stipends, research assistantships, or teaching assistantships.
- US-based students: CCAPS offers modest financial need-based scholarships to eligible students. However, in most cases students work while going to school in order to cover living expenses and pay tuition out of pocket, including health insurance. Eligible students seeking a financial need-based CCAPS scholarship beginning the term they are admitted are encouraged to apply for fall admission. If admitted for spring semester, eligible students can apply for need-based CCAPS scholarships for the following summer and/or fall terms.
- International students: International students are not eligible for federal financial aid or CCAPS scholarships and must provide financial evidence showing that they can cover tuition, living expenses, and the Student Health Benefit plan health insurance during their period of study. To learn more about planning for these expenses, visit Plan Your Expenses or make an appointment with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
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 employer will increase productivity, which will help it grow (or help it save money).
- Your employer could attract and help keep high-quality talent.
- Your employer will demonstrate a commitment to growth and the creation of mentors and leaders.
- You can cultivate job satisfaction.
Graduate Assistantships
You may be eligible for a UMN graduate assistantship outside of CCAPS, which is basically a part-time job in research or teaching. You can view open graduate assistantships on the UMN Human Resources website.