School Counseling

Thank you for your interest in our program. Be sure to follow all steps to ensure a completed application. We will review complete applications within a couple of weeks of completion. Applicants are encouraged to check application status regularly by logging into their Applicant Portal.

Application deadlines (rolling application):

• Fall semester start: Apply by August 1
• Spring semester start: Apply by December 1

Application materials and submission methods

All materials are required unless otherwise noted. Incomplete and late applications will not be considered. Please follow the required submission methods to ensure proper receipt of your application materials. Contact graduateadmissions@uwrf.edu with questions.

• Online application and $56 application fee: Apply at apply.wisconsin.edu/, which initiates your applicant portal. You do NOT need a "campus statement" in this section.
  • Submit payment electronically at the same link. You can pay immediately or return and pay before the application deadline.
  • Once you submit the UW System application, we'll send you an email within 1-2 days confirming receipt of your application. The email will provide instructions on how to activate your Falcon account and access the applicant portal.
• Resume: Upload your resume to your applicant portal.
• Letter of interest: 
  • The Counseling Letter of Interest can be found in your applicant portal. 
  • Please respond to each question. Be specific and focus on the question. 
  • There is no length minimum or maximum requirement for each response. 
  • Be sure to proofread or have someone you know proofread for errors and clarity.
• Three letters of recommendation:
  • References can be added in your applicant portal. Once you submit the names of your references in your applicant portal, they will be emailed directly with a request to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf.
  • There is no official ranking form, checklist or waiver for letters of recommendation. References should write their own letter.
  • Good letter writers are those who can speak objectively to your potential, such as professors, work supervisors or colleagues. 
  • Speak with letter writers ahead of time about why you want to become a school counselor and why you want to study at UWRF and follow up to meet the deadline.
  • We want to read about specific reasons you would be a good fit for the profession and this program.
• Official transcripts from your undergraduate degree granting institution (required) and graduate schools attended (if applicable):
  • Please send electronic transcripts. Most universities use either Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse services. Visit your college's website to see which one they use. When ordering a transcript, select the University of Wisconsin-River Falls as the recipient.
• OPTIONAL: Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores: GRE scores are not required but will be considered if official results are submitted.

The CACREP-accredited Counseling Program offers primarily in-person coursework focused on counseling theory, skills and comprehensive school counseling programming, built from foundational coursework in lifespan human development, cultural and ethical foundations, career development practices, assessment and program evaluation. Students can expect to complete two practical field experiences: practicum in the middle of the program and an internship at the end. Using the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model as a foundation, each class strategically prepares students to be job-ready on day one.

Classes meet weekdays in the evenings, allowing working adults the flexibility needed to earn their graduate degree. Degree-planning is also flexible- students can determine if one, two or three classes per term best fit their needs, with a faculty adviser to help you make your plan. Students are license-eligible in Minnesota and Wisconsin and should confirm with other states' Boards of Education about license requirements if seeking employment elsewhere.

The 2024 CACREP Outcomes Report for our school counseling program shows that (A) 15 students graduated from the program during the 2024-2025 academic year. Overall, 86% of students since 2018 have completed the program within the maximum time period of seven years. (B) Of the students who chose to take the exam since 2017, 87% passed the Praxis Exam (Praxis II exam is not required for licensure in Wisconsin or Minnesota). (C) Data from 2024-2025 reveals that of our graduates seeking school counseling employment, 93% obtained positions as school counselors. (D) Over the last five years, 98.6% of our graduates have obtained school counseling positions when seeking such positions.

• Counseling DPI Continuous Review Process - 2026
• Program Improvement Plan - Program Audit Review

You've got questions, we've got answers! We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help guide you. If you've got additional questions, don't hesitate to reach out via email or by phone at 715-425-3237.

Future counseling students, visit our Future Students page to learn details about our program, including info on the application process, scholarships, tuition and more! 

Already enrolled in our counseling program? Visit our Current Students page to learn more about course options, scholarships, the student association and more and find important information about portfolios, practicums, internships and more!