Counseling (M.A.)

For International Students

  • On campus

UNI’s Counseling Program caters to student needs by providing one-on-one advising, intimate class size, and small student-to-faculty ratios. Classes are largely based upon interactive discussion and application of counseling skills. Students gain valuable, hands-on experience through a rigorous practicum and internship with highly skilled and trained professionals currently in the field.

Mental Health Counseling

The UNI Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has an outstanding reputation and received the NCACES Innovative Counselor Education Master's Degree Program Award in 1999. Our program is based on long-standing tradition and is delivered by highly energetic faculty who are extensively involved in research, practice and professional service at the local, state, regional and national levels. Graduates of this program will be prepared to practice in a variety of mental health and community agencies, including hospitals, clinics, substance abuse agencies, hospice organizations and mental health centers.

School Counseling

The UNI School Counseling program has an outstanding reputation and received the NCACES Innovative Counselor Education Master's Degree Program Award in 1999. Our program is based on long-standing tradition and is delivered by highly energetic faculty who are extensively involved in research, practice, and professional service at the local, state, regional, and national levels. Graduates of this program will have the knowledge and skills to implement a comprehensive, sequential, developmental program as described in the National Standards for School Counseling Programs.

International Admissions

Admission Requirements:

  • International Application for Admission
  • All post-secondary official transcripts sent directly from your current and/or all prior academic institutions that you have attended to the Office of Admissions at the mailing address listed below.
    • Mailing Address
      • University of Northern Iowa
      • International Graduate Admissions
      • 002 Gilchrist Hall
      • Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0018
  • Minimum undergraduate grade point average of a 2.75 on a 4.0 point scale
  • Official TOEFL score of (79), IELTS score of (6.5), or Duolingo score of (105) to be considered for full admission
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • Writing sample
  • Applicant statement addressing personal experience, motivations for seeking degree and answering the following questions:
  1. Describe a time where you demonstrated leadership or spoke up for something you believe in.
  2. Discuss messages you may have received from your relatives about people who were different from you and how your experiences with diverse populations do or do not reflect those messages.
  3. Describe significant personal/professional experiences that influenced you.
  4. Cite your favorite quote and discuss its meaning.

Application Deadlines:

  • February 1st

Program Duration:

  • 3 Years

Graduate Funding Requirements:

Contacts and More Information: