Mental Health Counseling

Master of Science (MS) in Mental Health Counseling Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Master of Science (MS) in Mental Health Counseling program must have completed a bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, education, social work or nursing from a regionally accredited institution.

Bachelor's degrees in other specialty areas will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

GPA requirement

Mental Health Counseling applicants must have a 3.0 GPA (B average) or better.

Coursework requirements

In order to ensure that program courses are taught at the highest possible level, applicants without a major or minor in psychology must have completed, prior to admission, at a bachelor's level or above, the following courses:

Introduction to Psychology
Research/Statistics
Abnormal Psychology/Psychopathology

Application Process

When is the deadline to apply?

This academic program operates on a rolling admissions basis. The application closes on August 4 but an early application is highly recommended.

How to apply

Prospective students may submit their application through PCOM's online application management system. Additional details, including application availability and instructions, are available at explore.pcom.edu/apply.

Next steps

Once you submit your application, you will be contacted via email with a confirmation of its receipt including reminders of the appropriate steps to complete the application process.

Note that there is no institutional application fee to PCOM.

Where do I send my college transcripts?

Official college transcripts from all colleges/universities/schools attended must be sent directly to:

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Office of Admissions
4170 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131

We will accept electronic transcripts via mail, eScript and/or Parchment Services and National Student Clearinghouse.

Where do I send my letters of recommendation?

Letters of Recommendation can be submitted through PCOM's application portal or sent directly to PCOM Admissions in .pdf format to recommend@pcom.edu.

Additional application requirements

Your application will be processed and assessed by the Faculty Committee on Admissions only after the receipt of:

Three letters of recommendation (one faculty letter of recommendation is strongly recommended)
CV/Resume
A general autobiographical statement explaining your interest in this academic program as it relates to your desire to become a professional counselor (in 500 words or less) should be uploaded to your PCOM application portal
Writing sample that is 5 to 25 pages (Preferences: APA format, graded, subject matter related to the counseling field)

Admissions Process

What happens after I apply to the Master of Science (MS) in Mental Health Counseling program?

This program utilizes a rolling admissions policy, so applications will be considered throughout the year as they are received. Students are accepted into the program until the desired class size is reached. Classes begin in the fall term (early August).

The Admissions Committee screens applications, invites some applicants for an interview, evaluates the applicants and selects new students. Following the completion of the admission process, each applicant is notified of the Admission's Committee decision in writing, including any conditions that must be satisfied prior to or following enrollment.

We are offering both in-person and virtual interviews for the 2023-2024 application cycle.

As an applicant to PCOM's Master of Science program in Mental Health Counseling, you are responsible for ensuring that all admissions materials are completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner.

Should you have any questions, please contact us via email at admissions@pcom.edu.

Psychology Certificate Programs

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Professional Counseling

Applicants for a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Cognitive Behavior Therapy and/or Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Professional Counseling must have completed a master’s degree in psychology, counseling or a related discipline from a regionally accredited institution with a B average (3.0) or better. Master’s degrees in other specialty areas will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Students will complete 12 graduate credits to earn the certificate for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Professional Counseling.

Prospective students may review application requirements and link to the PCOM on-line application at: https://www.pcom.edu/admissions/apply/

These programs utilize a rolling admissions policy, so applications will be considered throughout the year as they are received. Students will be accepted into the programs until the desired class size is reached. Classes begin in the fall term (early August).

The Admissions Committee screens applications, invites some applicants for an interview, evaluates the applicants and selects new students. Following the completion of the admission process, each applicant will be notified of the Admission's Committee decision in writing, including any conditions that must be satisfied prior to or following enrollment.

An application will be processed and assessed by the Faculty Committee on Admissions only after the receipt of:

Completed PCOM application
Official transcript(s) from all undergraduate and graduate course work
Two letters of recommendation
Curriculum vitae or resume
A general autobiographical statement explaining one's interest in the academic program as it relates to career goals (in 500 words or less)
Writing sample (preferably graded)

Note that official college transcripts from all colleges/universities schools attended must be sent directly to: