Doctor of Philosophy
Admission Information

Admission Standards

Admission is granted only to those who show high promise of success in doctoral study. The faculty uses four indices (academic, research, clinical, and subjective i.e. level of self-awareness) to consider a candidate's application for entry to the CES program. All areas are addressed systemically through a group oral interview where faculty members can determine an individual;s fitness for the profession, emotional stability, ability to interact with peers, as well as presentation styles, leadership styles, and professional experience. In addition to this, students provide a written professional statement along with any additional information they feel that could assist with the decision making process.

Generally, students must meet the following minimum criteria to be considered for admission:

1. A bachelor's degree (for non-master's entry) or master's degree in Counseling or a related area (for master's entry) from an accredited college or university
2. Satisfactory scores on the Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing sections of the GRE General Test
3. Positive recommendations from past employers relating to professional counseling experience, as well as from faculty members of previous undergraduate or graduate studies
4. A successful interview with CES faculty
5. Potential in the areas of research and writing, as evidenced by previous coursework and/or experience.

Students who meet the minimum criteria are not guaranteed admission. Enrollment is limited to approximately ten full-time equivalent students per year, and each individual's application is evaluated as a whole, taking into account his or her strengths, weaknesses, background, and personal goals. The faculty also attempts to assess the personal characteristics of applicants and to admit for study those individuals who are judged to have the greatest potential for success in the academic program and as professional practitioners after graduation. Generally, the selection process involves choosing among highly qualified applicants, rather than qualified and unqualified applicants.

Admission Status

The Program Director, representing the academic department of the applicant's field of study, recommends final disposition to the Graduate Council. The Graduate Council approves or denies admission of the applicant. The Council reserves the right to refuse admission to any applicant without assignment of reasons. Admission to graduate study does not imply admission to candidacy for a graduate degree.

It is the policy of St. Mary's University Graduate School not to discriminate on the basis of sex, handicap, race, color, religion, creed, or national or ethnic origin in its educational programs, admission policies, employment policies, financial aid, or other school-administered programs.

Categories of admission to doctoral study are:

1. Regular: Regular admission is granted to applicants:

• Who have received a Bachelor's and Master's Degree from an accredited college or university,
• Who have satisfactorily completed the required work to enter doctoral studies in the proposed major field,
• Whose scholarship records, tests scores, and credentials indicate superior ability to pursue doctoral level work in the proposed field of study.

2. Conditional: Conditional admission may be granted to applicants whose graduate preparation requires removal of deficiencies to permit regular admission.

Computer Literacy

Doctoral students must be computer literate. To be computer literate, doctoral students will know:

1. The vocabulary associated with computers
2. The various levels and complexities of computers and their use
3. How to interpret a computer ad and make a reasoned decision on the equipment and software to purchase
4. The ethical and moral questions that arise with information acquisition and use

Doctoral students will be able to:

1. Use a word processing program to produce doctoral level research papers
2. Set up and use a database program for information gathering and organization
3. 3. Use electronic mail for communication, research and information gathering
4. 4. Set up and use the computer programs germane to their degree
5. 5. Employ the Internet resources for research and information gathering
6. 6. Be able to construct and maintain a web page

Students interested in applying should also visit the Graduate School website.