Photo: Counselor working with a client during a session
If you’re considering WVU’s online Counseling, M.S. with an Emphasis in Clinical Mental Health offered by the College of Applied Human Sciences, the admissions checklist probably feels clear enough: submit your materials, meet the requirements, and wait for a decision. Behind that process is a Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACRE) accredited program intentionally built around small, connected cohorts where students learn closely with faculty and each other.
Aside from completing the fields on the application, you may start asking a new set of questions like: “What are they actually looking for?” and “How can I present my case for why I should get it?”
The answer isn’t about having a perfect background. It’s about how clearly you emphasize the strengths you will bring to the program, why this field fits you, and how prepared you are for the work ahead.
Understand What "Competitive" Means
This program attracts a wide range of applicants, including career changers, recent graduates, and working professionals. There is no single ideal background.
In a holistic review process, no single element defines your application. Instead, strong candidates are intentional about how every piece works together to tell a clear, compelling story, while also addressing any gaps or inconsistencies.
We’ve spoken with the review committee and identified five key components every serious applicant should focus on to make their application stand out.
1. Focus on a Strong Personal Statement
According to Dr. Kristine Ramsay-Seaner, the online Counseling, M.S. coordinator, your personal statement is one of the most important parts of your application.
Use it to clearly answer key questions:
- Why clinical mental health counseling?
- How did your experiences lead you here?
- What do you plan to do after the program?
Strong statements include specific examples. Show how your experiences shaped your interest and prepared you for this field.
Be mindful and intentional with your personal disclosure. The admissions committee is evaluating your readiness to support others, so clarity and professionalism matter.
If you have gaps or changes in your academic or professional path, address them directly. Clear context helps reviewers understand your journey.
2. Strengthen Your Resume and References
Your experience matters more than you may think. Just because your experience isn’t directly tied to mental health counseling doesn’t mean it lacks value.
Roles in customer service, education, healthcare, or other people-focused settings can demonstrate communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. The key is how you present them.
When curating your 3 letters of recommendation, choose recommenders who can speak to your work ethic, professionalism, and growth. Prioritize individuals who can provide specific examples and an objective perspective.
3. Prepare for the Interview
If you are invited to interview, you have already demonstrated your potential on paper.4. Show You Understand the Commitment
This program prepares you for a specific profession. Clinical mental health counseling requires both time and emotional investment, especially during practicum and internship.
Strong applicants show they understand these expectations and are choosing this path with intention.
5. Make Your Story Clear
Your goal is to make your application easy to understand.
Connect your experiences to your goals. Use your statement, resume, and references to reinforce a consistent narrative.
There is no such thing as a perfect candidate, but successful applicants clearly and purposefully tell their story.
Take the Next Step
If you are considering applying, learn more about the online Counseling, M.S. with an Emphasis in Clinical Mental Health program and connect with School of Education and Counseling Administrative Assistant, Dana Musick, if you have any questions.