Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program (CMHC) require an entrance exam like the GMAT or GRE?

No, there are no entrance exams required.

Does the CMHC program accept transfer credits?

Yes, the program accepts up to 9 semester hours or 13.5 quarter credit hours, at the discretion and in communication with the program director. Course credit transfers cannot occur from completed degrees. Please see the full course transfer policy in the CMHC Student Handbook.

Does the CMHC program require work experience?

No prior work experience is required.

Will I need to travel?

You will not need to travel to attend any classes. You will need to travel locally to a clinical site for Practicum, Internship, and Advanced Internship. You will work with the Clinical Placement Coordinator to find a site that meets your needs in terms of travel and time.

Can I hold a job while in this program?

The classes you take are fully online, though some will require synchronous sessions that you will need to be available for each week. Many students do work full or part time during the first year of a counseling program, and some continue to do so during year 2. Working does become more difficult as you enter Clinical Experiences, as you will need to be available a certain number of hours per week for your clinical experience.

How do I obtain a license to practice counseling?

You must first finish a Masters level degree in counseling to apply for a license. After graduation, states require you to register as a licensure intern or associate, during which time you practice under supervision. After completion of your post-graduate supervised hours, successfully pass the licensure exam in your state, and complete any other requirements for your state, you may apply for licensure.

What is a professional reference?

• Professional references should be completed by people who have knowledge of the applicant’s professional experience, skills, dispositions, and abilities.

• Possible people to ask for a professional reference include:
  • University professors who have taught the applicant and/or supervised field or research experiences
  • University staff who have overseen work study experiences
  • Employers of current or past jobs
  • Supervisors of current or past internship or field experiences
  • Individuals who have overseen volunteer experiences
  • Colleagues who have worked with the applicant and can comment on their skills, abilities, and professional experiences

• References should not be provided by family members, romantic partners, current/previous clients, or friends.

What is the best format to use when answering the essay questions?

• Program essays ask multiple questions. It can be helpful for you and for reviewers if each question is addressed using the question as a heading in your essay. Headings can be bolded for easy view. 
• It can be helpful to reviewers if your essay is typed in a 12 point, Times New Roman font. Text is generally easier to read when line spacing is set to 1.5-2.

My question is not listed here, who can I contact?

Additional question can be sent to cmhc@eou.edu, please allow 2 business days for response.