Frequently Asked Questions

Is the WFU Masters in Counseling Program Nationally Ranked?

The Department of Counseling at Wake Forest University upholds the highest standards of the profession. While it is not eligible for consideration in the national rankings of counseling programs because it is not a doctoral level program, it is widely regarded as one of the best master’s degree programs in the nation. Evidence to support that claim is multifaceted and includes accreditation decisions, awards received, faculty leadership positions, caliber of students, pass rate and scores on national licensing exams, reputation of graduates with employers and doctoral programs, and testimonials from other counselor educators.

How will the Curriculum Change with the Online Program?

The face-to-face and the online curriculum are identical. The major difference is that the campus program is designed for full-time students only and can be completed in two years. The online program is designed for part-time students only and can be completed in three years. Learn more about the Masters in Counseling online program.

Do You Allow Persons to Attend the Program on a Part-time Basis?

The Counseling Program at Wake Forest University Reynolda Campus is structured for full-time students only. An average of fifteen full-time students are accepted each year. The Online Counseling Program at Wake Forest University is designed for part-time students. The Online Counseling Program accepts students to begin courses three times a year, with semesters beginning in the fall, spring, and summer.

When and Where are Classes Held? Any Night or Weekend Classes? Any Classes Offered On-line?

The full-time on-campus program offers face-to-face courses on the Reynolda campus of Wake Forest University Monday through Friday.

The Online Programs will offer courses to part-time students beginning in fall 2012.

Students may not elect to switch delivery methods for courses any semester that they are enrolled in the part-time online or full-time on-campus counseling programs.

May I Take a Course or Two Before I Am Accepted?

No. Due to limitations imposed by teaching loads, size of facilities and the cohort nature of the program, enrollment in our courses is limited to students who have completed the regular admissions process for either the part-time online or full-time on campus program.

How will Admissions to the Counseling Program Change as a Result of This New Online Venue?

Instead of occurring once a year as in the current on campus program, admissions to the Online Counseling Program will happen every semester. The criteria for admissions will remain the same.

Details of the admissions process for both delivery methods of the counseling program may be found in the admissions section of our webpage.

Could I Begin the Program in the Spring Semester?

Students can only begin the on-campus program in the fall. Classes are arranged in a logical developmental order and offered certain semesters only. Students in the online program can begin in the fall, spring or summer term.

Are There Any Prerequisites? Do I Need to be a Psychology Major?

No. Counseling attracts a diverse group with backgrounds in different disciplines including but not limited to psychology. The prospective student is also encouraged to investigate the profession of counseling through research or by volunteering in human services organizations or schools.

Is the GRE Required?

Yes. The Graduate School of Wake Forest University requires the GRE for consideration for admittance for all graduate programs.

Does the Program Require a Minimum GRE or GPA?

How will the Practicum and Internship Experiences Work?

All students (online and Reynolda Campus) will be required to complete a 200-hour practicum and 600-hour internship. Those experiences will be in schools or mental health agencies that have been screened by the Counseling Department. All students will have the same course requirements and will receive supervision from both site and campus supervisors.

How Long Does the Program Take?

The campus program sequence is two years beginning in the fall semester and ending after the spring semester of the second year. The online program sequence is three years.

Sequence of Courses: Full-time Reynolda Campus Program Fall 2011

Sequence of Courses: Part-time Online Program Fall 2012

Sequence of Courses: Full-time Reynolda Campus Program Fall 2012

Is Summer School Required?

Yes. Students in the campus program must attend the first session of summer school between the two years.

Online students who want to finish their degree in three years take classes year-round which include summers.

Are Residencies Required for Online Students?

Online students will be required to complete two three-day residency experiences. These face-to-face sessions with these part-time students will allow faculty to engage in competency and readiness evaluations as well as to plan and evaluate practicum and internship arrangements. Students will also complete the experiential group requirements of CACREP at this time. A third residency can be required on an as-needed basis pending student performance evaluations.

Financial Matters

An average of fifteen applicants are selected to enter the full-time campus program each year. All of those selected are awarded partial tuition scholarships that cover approximately 85% of the tuition cost.

As part-time students, online students are not eligible for tuition scholarships, however the financial aid office will help students investigate loan and other scholarship options. For more information, please see the Graduate School Prospective Student Webpage or contact the WFU Office of Financial Aid.

I am Currently in Another Counseling Masters Program and am Moving to the Winston-Salem Area.  Do You Accept Transfers?

No, we have no provision in the campus program for transfer students. One option is to apply to the program for entry the following fall (remember the January 15th deadline). If you were accepted, you could petition the faculty to transfer up to six credits. It is unlikely that you could complete the rest of the program in less than two years due to the fixed order of course offerings. Another option is to apply to the online program, which also may accept up to six credit hours toward program requirements.

Is the Application for the MA Counseling Program Entirely Online?

Yes, applicants are able to complete their application through the Wake Forest University Graduate School webpage. Any supplemental hard-copy application materials are to be set to the WFU Graduate School at: