Addiction Counseling Graduate Certificate Admission & Application Requirements
Apply and complete your graduate application in October for Spring 2025 enrollment and have your $35 application fee reimbursed!
Deadlines
- Spring: November 15 (flexible)
- Online graduate application
Submit the Graduate Online Application - This is only the first step in the application process.
- $35 Non-Refundable application fee for all graduate applications
After you complete the Graduate Online Application:
- Log in to eServices with your StarID.
- Click on Bills and Payment, and you will be able to pay the application fee using a credit or debit card.
Note: Upon completion of the application form in step one, you will receive an email in 1-2 business days giving instructions for the remaining steps and completing the program application in Part 2. Please note that the steps below cannot be completed until you receive that email. If you do not receive the email with Self Service Center instructions, please contact the Graduate Studies Office.
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
Contact ALL the colleges and universities you have attended and have your transcripts sent to:
Graduate Studies Office, MSU Moorhead
1104 7th Avenue South
Moorhead, MN 56563
You do not need to order transcripts from MSUM or other Minnesota State system institutions. See Transcript Policy for more details.
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution; no specific major required
This requirement will be verified by the Graduate Studies Office and the department.
- Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or at least 3.25 for the last 30 semester credits
This requirement will be verified by the Graduate Studies Office and the department.
- Personal Statement/Essay
- Log in to the Self Service Center site (allow 24 hours after application submission before logging in).
- Select the “Applications” tab, where you will see your graduate application listed.
- Select “Summary” to see a list of all program requirements and corresponding statuses.
- Upload document by selecting the “Upload” link under the respective “Action” column.
- Interview
An informational interview is recommended, but not required. Contact the Program Coordinator.
- Criminal background check through CastleBranch required after admission.
If offered admission, this will be required prior to any practicum or internship placement:
- Go to: https://portal.castlebranch.com/mx61
- Select: Place Order
- Select: Counseling and Student Affairs
- Select: I am a new student
- Enter all required information — it is important to disclose any charges that could potentially be on your record.
- Previous address information is necessary. If you do not know the exact address, please be sure to include the county of residence.
- Processing will take 48-72 hours, so place your order well before the application deadline.
- Information will be shared with the school.
- Cost is $55.50 for full Background Check.
- If there is a problem with the link above, contact Castle Branch Service Desk at 888.723.4263.
Addiction Counseling Certificate Application Deadlines
- Summer: April 1
- Fall: April 1
- Spring: November 15
Steps to Apply
You may begin your application before all documents are ready. GradCAS saves your progress, and you may return any time to continue updating your application.
- Create your account in GradCAS
- Select your program from the list and click “+” to add to your cart.
- Complete the three general application sections.
- Complete the fourth, MSUM section (See Application Requirements below).
- Make sure to request all documents before submitting your application. Once you submit, you can no longer amend or upload additional documents.
- Pay the $50 application fee.
The Admission and Graduate Studies Offices will verify your documents and requirements.
Addiction Counseling Admission Requirements
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or at least 3.25 for the last 30 semester credits.
Addiction Counseling Application Requirements
- GradCAS application
- A current resume.
- Unofficial transcripts are required from all institutions you list on your application.
- If you attended MSUM or other Minnesota State system institutions, you can retrieve your unofficial transcripts from eServices, contact graduate@mnstate.edu and we can assist.
- Upon admission, you must request official transcripts from your degree-conferring institutions and any other transcripts listing possible graduate transfer coursework. Official transcripts can be requested through Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse and sent directly to processing@mnstate.edu.
- MSUM or MN system institution students do not need to request official transcripts. The admission team will do this on your behalf.
- An essay detailing your personal career goals (approximately 350 words).
- An informational interview is required.
- A criminal background check through CastleBranch before admission to the program. The cost is $55.50, and processing takes 48-72 hours. Your report will be shared with MSUM.
- Select "Place Order".
- Select "Counseling and Student Affairs".
- Select "I am a new student".
- Enter all the required information.
- Previous address information is necessary.
For questions about the program or the application process please call Graduate Studies 218.477.2134 or email graduate@mnstate.edu.
Visit the GradCAS Applicant Help Center for detailed application instructions.
Questions about completing the application:
Call | GradCAS Customer Service at 857.304.2086
Email | support@gradcas.myliaison.com
Chat help for applicants is available.
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