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Without a doubt, the admissions essay is the most challenging part of the  graduate school application . Fortunately, many graduate programs provide some guidance by posting specific questions for applicants to answer. However, if you are still in need of ideas for an admissions essay, look no further. Composing the graduate admissions essay will never be easy but considering the range of topics ahead of time may help you in planning an effective essay that aids your graduate school application.

Experience and Qualifications

• Academic Achievements: Discuss your academic background and achievements. Of which are you most proud?
• Research Experiences : Discuss your work in research as an undergraduate.
• Internships and Field Experience: Discuss your applied experiences in this field. How have these experiences shaped your career goals?
• Personal Experience and Philosophy: Write an autobiographical essay. Is there anything in your background that you think would be relevant to your application for admission to graduate school? Describe your life up to now: family, friends, home, school, work, and particularly those experiences most relevant to your interests in psychology. What is your approach to life?
• Strengths and Weaknesses:  Discuss your personal and academic skills. Identify your strengths and weaknesses. How will these contribute to your success as a graduate student and professional? How do you compensate for your weaknesses?

Interests and Goals

• Immediate Objectives: Why do you plan to attend graduate school? Explain how you expect graduate school will contribute to your career goals. What do you plan to do with your degree?
• Career Plans : What are your long-term career goals? Where do you see yourself, career-wise, ten years after graduation ?
• Academic Interests: What would you like to study? Describe your academic interests. What areas would you like to research?
• Match to Faculty: Explain how your research interests match those of the faculty. With whom would you like to work? Who would you choose as your mentor ?

Essay Advice

Most of your grad school applications will require similar essays , but you not should write a generic essay for all of the programs to which you're applying. Instead, tailor your essay to match each program. This is especially true when describing your research interests and their match to the training provided by the graduate program.

Your goal is to show how your interests and abilities fit the program and faculty. Make it clear that you are invested in the program by identifying how your skills and interests match specific faculty in the program as well as the grad program's stated objectives.

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Graduate School Application Essays

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Types of Essays

Regardless of the type of school you are applying to, you will be required to submit an admissions essay as part of the application process. Graduate programs want students with clear commitment to the field. Essay prompts typically ask applicants to discuss their previous experience, future professional goals, and how the program can help them in achieving those objectives. The essay gives the applicant the chance to articulate these goals and display strong writing skills. Remember to tailor your essay to each school and the faculty committee that reviews your application. But first, take note of what kind of essay is being requested of you. Here are the two main admission essays:

Personal Statement

A personal statement is a narrative piece describing how your character and experiences have formed you into someone who will contribute positively and effectively to not only the department but the academic discipline as a whole. This is often achieved by detailing social, educational, cultural, and economic obstacles you have overcome in your journey to get to where you are today and your future objectives. A personal statement is also an opportunity to highlight what is unique about you and how you will advance diversity within the institution.

Check out Personal Statement Resources for Graduate School Applications in the Resources section of Handshake for a brainstorming activity and essay samples that can help you get started on your personal statement.

Statement of Purpose

Interchangeably called a “research statement”, a statement of purpose will prompt you to describe your research interests and professional goals, how you plan to accomplish them, and why a specific program is best suited for you to do so. Be specific about your specialized interests within your major field. Be clear about the kind of program you expect to undertake, and explain how your study plan connects with your previous training and future goals.

Use the Outlining Your Statement of Purpose guide in the Resources section of Handshake to get started on your statement outline.

How to Write a Powerful Admission Essay

Whatever required format, your essay should be thoughtful, concise, compelling, and interesting. Remember, admissions officers read hundreds of personal essays. Below are some tips for your admissions essay writing process:

Before Writing

• Read the question:  Be sure you are aware of all aspects of the prompt. Failing to pay attention to details in the prompt won’t reflect well on you as a potential candidate.
• What is distinct, special, and/or impressive about me and my life story?
• Have I overcome any particular hardships or obstacles?
• When did I become interested in this field and what have I learned about it?
• What are my career goals?
• What personal traits, values, and skill sets do I have that would make me stand out from other applicants?
• Create an outline:  You might have a lot that you want to say, but you will need to whittle down your many thoughts and experiences to a concrete thesis with a select number of examples to support it. Create an outline for your draft, not only to organize your points and examples, but to help tailor your essay for your readers.
• Know your audience:  Consider how your narrative can best meet the expectations of admissions committee members. Will faculty be reading this? Administrators? Experts in the field? Knowing your audience ahead of time will assist you in addressing the prompt appropriately.

While Writing

• Grab your reader’s attention:  Start your essay with something that will grab the reader’s attention such as a personal anecdote, questions, or engaging depiction of a scene. Avoid starting things off with common phrases such as “I was born in…” or “I have always wanted to…” Consider the experiences that have shaped you or your career decision, and delve into them with a creative hook.
• Write well:  Your essay is a sample of your writing abilities, so it’s important to convey your thoughts clearly and effectively. Be succinct—you don’t need to write out your full autobiography or resume in prose. Exclude anything that doesn’t support your thesis. Gentle humor is okay, but don’t overdo it. Also, don’t make things up! Be honest about your experiences.
• End strong:  End your essay with a conclusion that refers back to the lead and restates your thesis. This helps unify your essay as a whole, connecting your detailed experiences back to the reason you are writing this essay in the first place—to show your qualifications for your graduate program of choice.

Final Touches

• Use resources: The MIT Communication Labs have a CommKit that collects all of the Comm Lab resources relevant to the grad application process , including recommendation letters & interviews
• Revise:  Give yourself enough time to step away from your draft. Return with a fresh pair of eyes to make your edits. Be realistic with yourself, not your harshest critic. Make a few rounds of revisions if you need.
• Ask for help:  Have your essay critiqued by friends, family, educators, and the  MIT Writing and Communication Center or our Career Services staff.
• Proofread:  Read your essay out loud or even record yourself and listen to the recording, to help you catch mistakes or poor phrasing you may have missed when reading to yourself. Also, don’t rely exclusively on your computer to check your spelling.

Breadcrumbs

How to write a standout graduate admissions essay, article highlights.

• Reflect before you begin your application essays.
• Outline your ideas before you put pen to paper.
• Write freely, and then return to edit your essay on the second draft.
• Take your time. Break between writing and editing for a fresh perspective.
• Gather feedback from a trusted source.
• Read your essay aloud to identify needed edits.

Everyone has a story to tell, and we know there’s more to you and your talents than what’s on your resume.  But how will you stand out from the crowd when applying to Johns Hopkins Carey Business School?  

The essay portion of the application is your opportunity to expand beyond your transcript and resume. Share your unique strengths, your background, your growth, or whatever else makes you a strong candidate for Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.  

In this article, you will find a detailed explanation of how to write a standout admissions essay.  

How to prepare

Before you begin writing, read the essay prompts carefully.  Take a moment to reflect and explore why you’re pursuing a graduate business degree. Consider having a pen and notepad nearby as you participate in this reflection exercise. Think about your path thus far and pinpoint moments of growth and learning. Take note of how these moments have shaped you and how these experiences will guide you through your graduate business degree at Carey.  

Map your ideas: 

Now that you have an idea of how to share your story within the context of the essay prompts, it’s time to draft an outline . Map out your key points and outline the supporting examples. As you map the direction and flow of your essay through the outline, keep in mind your audience. Our admissions officers read thousands of application essays, so you want to find a creative hook to make your story stand out.  

Don’t overthink it! Start writing:  

As you start to write your first draft, let the words flow.  At this stage, don’t fixate on grammar or finding the perfect word– just get your thoughts on paper. You will finesse and polish your essay in the second draft.  

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What to read next.

Take a break: 

Once you complete your first draft, take a day or two before returning to edit it. Coming back to your writing with fresh eyes allows you to read it with a new perspective. Tackle the details of grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary during this second pass. Consider reading your essay backward to help catch typos. 

Get feedback: 

Once you feel your essays are in a good place, it is highly recommended that you share them for review.  Share them with your advisor, a trusted colleague, friend, or even  your recommender . Getting insights from a trusted source can help you make your essay stronger, as well as catch any typos or small edits.  

Finalize and submit:  

You are almost done. Before submitting your essays, do a final review. Run a spell check and read the essays out loud to yourself. This trick allows you to identify areas that may need clarification or tweaks. As you review your final draft, make sure that you actually answered the question posed on the application.  

Remember, the essay portion of your application is your chance to stand out from the crowd. By sharing who you are as a person, your growth thus far, your passions, your goals, and your voice, you can make a lasting impression. Best of luck with your application process!  

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• How to apply | Johns Hopkins Carey Business School
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Essay Questions

Our essay questions for 2024-25 admissions cycle are changing, and will be posted in late summer/early fall 2024 when finalized.

These short essays (TBA) are an opportunity to articulate your candidacy for the Master of Science in Data Science program at the University of Washington. The best essays are clear, succinct, thoughtful, well-written, and engaging. Your essays play an important role in our holistic admissions process, and we expect that they are your own original work .

Please check back in late summer/early fall for more information.

Admissions Timelines

Applications for Autumn 2024 admissions are now closed.

Information about Autumn 2025 applications will be available in October.

Admissions Updates

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Graduate programs admission essays

Essays help us learn more about why you are pursuing a graduate degree, discover how a degree will help you achieve your career goals, and showcase your communication skills. Although there are no right or wrong answers, strong responses highlight your professional experience and aspirations and clearly express the role a graduate degree will have on your future.

MBA programs essay questions

Specialized master's essay questions.

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The essays are a key aspect of your application and are designed to inspire thoughtful reflection.

Your essays help us understand what character traits have propelled you in your career and tell us how the Stanford MSx (Masters in Management) Program is integral to maximizing your impact in the world after receiving your full-time, one-year master’s degree in management.

Essay Questions

We request that you write two personal essays.

In each essay, we want to hear your genuine voice. Think carefully about your values, passions, aims, and dreams. There is no “right answer” to these questions — the best answer is the one that is truest for you.

Essay A: What matters most to you, and why?

For this essay, we would like you to reflect deeply and write from the heart. Once you’ve identified what matters most to you, help us understand why. You might consider, for example, what makes this so important to you? What people, insights, or experiences have shaped your perspectives?

Essay B: Why Stanford MSx, and why now?

Describe your aspirations and how your Stanford MSx experience will help you realize them. Why is this the right time for you to pursue your master’s degree at Stanford GSB?

Length and Format

Both essays combined may not exceed 1,000 words. We recommend up to 650 words for Essay A and up to 350 words for Essay B. We often find effective essays written in far fewer words. Use a minimum of 12 point font size.

Career Aspirations Short Answer Question (required)

Because the Stanford MSx program is for mid-career managers, it is valuable to have clear career goals in mind when you begin. Tell us about any specific career goals you have, and how you believe the Stanford MSx Program, combined with your experience, education, or background, will help you achieve them.

Optional Short Answer Question

What do we mean by “optional”? We mean you have the opportunity to choose. If you feel that you’ve already described your contributions well in other areas of the application, congratulations, you’re done! If not, feel free to use this opportunity to tell us more.

In the Essays section of the application, we ask you to tell us about who you are and how you think Stanford will help you achieve your aspirations. We are also interested in learning about the things you have done that are most meaningful to you. Using these optional spaces, perhaps you would like to expand upon a bullet item from your resume and tell us more about the “how” or “why” behind the “what.” Or maybe you have had an impact in a way that doesn’t fit neatly in another part of the application. You are welcome to share up to three examples (up to 1,200 characters, or approximately 200 words, for each example).

Question: Think about a time in the past few years you’ve created a positive impact, whether in professional, extracurricular, academic, or other settings. What was your impact? What made it significant to you or to others?

Qualities of Exceptional Essays

Exceptional essays are authentic: Write about what you are compelled to tell us, not what you believe the admission committee wants to hear. In addition, they:

• Indicate self-awareness and acknowledge areas for growth opportunities
• Express an understanding of your effect on others
• Demonstrate how you want to maximize your impact on the world
• Showcase your unique worldview and goals by being personal, specific, and honest
• Detail how you see the MSx Program helping you achieve your goals and how you will leverage your year at Stanford

Editing Your Essays

Begin work on the essays early to give yourself time to reflect, write, and edit.

Feel free to ask friends or family members for feedback, especially about whether the tone and voice sound like you. Your family and friends know you better than anyone. If they think the essays do not capture who you are, what you believe, and what you aspire to do, then surely we will be unable to recognize what is distinctive about you.

Feedback vs. Coaching

There is a big difference between “feedback” and “coaching.” You cross that line when any part of the application (excluding the letters of recommendation) ceases to be exclusively yours in either thought or word.

Appropriate feedback occurs when others review your completed application — perhaps once or twice — and apprise you of omissions, errors, or inaccuracies that you later correct or address. After editing is complete, your thoughts, voice, and style remain intact. Inappropriate coaching occurs when you allow others to craft any part of your application for you and, as a result, your application or self-presentation is not authentic.

It is improper and a violation of the terms of this application process to have another person or tool write your essays. Such behavior will result in denial of your application or revocation of your admission.

Additional Information (Optional)

If there is any information that is critical for us to know and is not captured elsewhere, include it in the Additional Information section of the application. Pertinent examples include:

• Extenuating circumstances affecting your candidacy, including academic, work, or test-taking experiences
• Academic experience (e.g., independent research) not noted elsewhere
• Explanation of why you are not using a current supervisor as a recommender

This section should not be used as an additional essay.

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Application FAQs: Essays

Essays are a critical component of your application. They allow you to tell the Admissions Committee more about your personal history and experiences, professional aspirations, and commitment to public service. We want to know who you are and why you are interested in pursuing a master’s degree at Harvard Kennedy School—and essays are the best way for us to gather this information.

Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about essays.

What essays are required as part of the application for admission?

If you are applying to a joint or concurrent degree program, you will need to submit essays for the HKS degree program you are applying to, as well as the joint or concurrent degree program essay .

How strict are the word limits?

Our application will not prevent you from submitting essays that surpass the stated word limits, but we strongly recommend that you stay as close to the word limits as possible. Being concise is important in policy writing, and this is an opportunity to demonstrate that ability to the Admissions Committee.  

Is there a particular format I should follow?

Essays should be typed, uploaded, and labeled with the appropriate topic. We advise that you upload all documents as PDFs. We don’t have a font preference, but your essays should be easy to read.

Are there any sample essays I can review as I prepare to write my essays?

We want to ensure that the essays you are submitting are wholly your own and authentic to your experiences. For that reason, we do not have sample essays to provide you. We encourage you to:

• Be authentic and use your own voice.
• Don’t wait until the last minute to start working on your essays—allow plenty of time for thorough editing and proofreading.
• Answer the question that is being asked.

Can I use an AI tool to assist in writing my essays?

All essays must be truthful and based on authentic, firsthand experiences, without the use of generative AI.

Can an admissions representative from HKS proofread my essay for me?

No, we are unable to review essays before the formal application review process.

Should I submit an optional essay?

On the Essay section of the application, you will see an opportunity to upload an optional essay. If there is anything you would like the Admissions Committee to know about your academic, professional, or personal background that is not otherwise addressed in your application, you can use the optional essay to provide this context.

The optional essay is helpful to address:

• Gaps in your résumé or professional background
• Major changes in your career trajectory
• Inconsistent academic performance
• Perceived weaknesses in your application

If you are submitting an optional essay, be careful not to make excuses but instead provide context and focus on growth and learning.

Most applicants do not submit an optional essay, so do not feel obligated to submit an optional essay if there is nothing you feel needs to be addressed.

Three tips for reapplicants

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• Knowledge Base
• Applying to graduate school
• How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

Published on February 12, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 3, 2023.

A personal statement is a short essay of around 500–1,000 words, in which you tell a compelling story about who you are, what drives you, and why you’re applying.

To write a successful personal statement for a graduate school application , don’t just summarize your experience; instead, craft a focused narrative in your own voice. Aim to demonstrate three things:

• Your personality: what are your interests, values, and motivations?
• Your talents: what can you bring to the program?
• Your goals: what do you hope the program will do for you?

This article guides you through some winning strategies to build a strong, well-structured personal statement for a master’s or PhD application. You can download the full examples below.

Urban Planning Psychology History

Table of contents

Getting started with your personal statement, the introduction: start with an attention-grabbing opening, the main body: craft your narrative, the conclusion: look ahead, revising, editing, and proofreading your personal statement, frequently asked questions, other interesting articles.

Before you start writing, the first step is to understand exactly what’s expected of you. If the application gives you a question or prompt for your personal statement, the most important thing is to respond to it directly.

For example, you might be asked to focus on the development of your personal identity; challenges you have faced in your life; or your career motivations. This will shape your focus and emphasis—but you still need to find your own unique approach to answering it.

There’s no universal template for a personal statement; it’s your chance to be creative and let your own voice shine through. But there are strategies you can use to build a compelling, well-structured story.

The first paragraph of your personal statement should set the tone and lead smoothly into the story you want to tell.

Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene

An effective way to catch the reader’s attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you’re stuck, try thinking about:

• A personal experience that changed your perspective
• A story from your family’s history
• A memorable teacher or learning experience
• An unusual or unexpected encounter

To write an effective scene, try to go beyond straightforward description; start with an intriguing sentence that pulls the reader in, and give concrete details to create a convincing atmosphere.

Strategy 2: Open with your motivations

To emphasize your enthusiasm and commitment, you can start by explaining your interest in the subject you want to study or the career path you want to follow.

Just stating that it interests you isn’t enough: first, you need to figure out why you’re interested in this field:

• Is it a longstanding passion or a recent discovery?
• Does it come naturally or have you had to work hard at it?
• How does it fit into the rest of your life?
• What do you think it contributes to society?

Tips for the introduction

• Don’t start on a cliche: avoid phrases like “Ever since I was a child…” or “For as long as I can remember…”
• Do save the introduction for last. If you’re struggling to come up with a strong opening, leave it aside, and note down any interesting ideas that occur to you as you write the rest of the personal statement.

Once you’ve set up the main themes of your personal statement, you’ll delve into more detail about your experiences and motivations.

To structure the body of your personal statement, there are various strategies you can use.

Strategy 1: Describe your development over time

One of the simplest strategies is to give a chronological overview of key experiences that have led you to apply for graduate school.

• What first sparked your interest in the field?
• Which classes, assignments, classmates, internships, or other activities helped you develop your knowledge and skills?
• Where do you want to go next? How does this program fit into your future plans?

Don’t try to include absolutely everything you’ve done—pick out highlights that are relevant to your application. Aim to craft a compelling narrative that shows how you’ve changed and actively developed yourself.

My interest in psychology was first sparked early in my high school career. Though somewhat scientifically inclined, I found that what interested me most was not the equations we learned about in physics and chemistry, but the motivations and perceptions of my fellow students, and the subtle social dynamics that I observed inside and outside the classroom. I wanted to learn how our identities, beliefs, and behaviours are shaped through our interactions with others, so I decided to major in Social Psychology. My undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of, and fascination with, the interplay between an individual mind and its social context.During my studies, I acquired a solid foundation of knowledge about concepts like social influence and group dynamics, but I also took classes on various topics not strictly related to my major. I was particularly interested in how other fields intersect with psychology—the classes I took on media studies, biology, and literature all enhanced my understanding of psychological concepts by providing different lenses through which to look at the issues involved.

Strategy 2: Own your challenges and obstacles

If your path to graduate school hasn’t been easy or straightforward, you can turn this into a strength, and structure your personal statement as a story of overcoming obstacles.

• Is your social, cultural or economic background underrepresented in the field? Show how your experiences will contribute a unique perspective.
• Do you have gaps in your resume or lower-than-ideal grades? Explain the challenges you faced and how you dealt with them.

Don’t focus too heavily on negatives, but use them to highlight your positive qualities. Resilience, resourcefulness and perseverance make you a promising graduate school candidate.

Growing up working class, urban decay becomes depressingly familiar. The sight of a row of abandoned houses does not surprise me, but it continues to bother me. Since high school, I have been determined to pursue a career in urban planning. While people of my background experience the consequences of urban planning decisions first-hand, we are underrepresented in the field itself. Ironically, given my motivation, my economic background has made my studies challenging. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship for my undergraduate studies, but after graduation I took jobs in unrelated fields to help support my parents. In the three years since, I have not lost my ambition. Now I am keen to resume my studies, and I believe I can bring an invaluable perspective to the table: that of the people most impacted by the decisions of urban planners.

Strategy 3: Demonstrate your knowledge of the field

Especially if you’re applying for a PhD or another research-focused program, it’s a good idea to show your familiarity with the subject and the department. Your personal statement can focus on the area you want to specialize in and reflect on why it matters to you.

• Reflect on the topics or themes that you’ve focused on in your studies. What draws you to them?
• Discuss any academic achievements, influential teachers, or other highlights of your education.
• Talk about the questions you’d like to explore in your research and why you think they’re important.

The personal statement isn’t a research proposal , so don’t go overboard on detail—but it’s a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the field and your capacity for original thinking.

In applying for this research program, my intention is to build on the multidisciplinary approach I have taken in my studies so far, combining knowledge from disparate fields of study to better understand psychological concepts and issues. The Media Psychology program stands out to me as the perfect environment for this kind of research, given its researchers’ openness to collaboration across diverse fields. I am impressed by the department’s innovative interdisciplinary projects that focus on the shifting landscape of media and technology, and I hope that my own work can follow a similarly trailblazing approach. More specifically, I want to develop my understanding of the intersection of psychology and media studies, and explore how media psychology theories and methods might be applied to neurodivergent minds. I am interested not only in media psychology but also in psychological disorders, and how the two interact. This is something I touched on during my undergraduate studies and that I’m excited to delve into further.

Strategy 4: Discuss your professional ambitions

Especially if you’re applying for a more professionally-oriented program (such as an MBA), it’s a good idea to focus on concrete goals and how the program will help you achieve them.

• If your career is just getting started, show how your character is suited to the field, and explain how graduate school will help you develop your talents.
• If you have already worked in the profession, show what you’ve achieved so far, and explain how the program will allow you to take the next step.
• If you are planning a career change, explain what has driven this decision and how your existing experience will help you succeed.

Don’t just state the position you want to achieve. You should demonstrate that you’ve put plenty of thought into your career plans and show why you’re well-suited to this profession.

One thing that fascinated me about the field during my undergraduate studies was the sheer number of different elements whose interactions constitute a person’s experience of an urban environment. Any number of factors could transform the scene I described at the beginning: What if there were no bus route? Better community outreach in the neighborhood? Worse law enforcement? More or fewer jobs available in the area? Some of these factors are out of the hands of an urban planner, but without taking them all into consideration, the planner has an incomplete picture of their task. Through further study I hope to develop my understanding of how these disparate elements combine and interact to create the urban environment. I am interested in the social, psychological and political effects our surroundings have on our lives. My studies will allow me to work on projects directly affecting the kinds of working-class urban communities I know well. I believe I can bring my own experiences, as well as my education, to bear upon the problem of improving infrastructure and quality of life in these communities.

Tips for the main body

• Don’t rehash your resume by trying to summarize everything you’ve done so far; the personal statement isn’t about listing your academic or professional experience, but about reflecting, evaluating, and relating it to broader themes.
• Do make your statements into stories: Instead of saying you’re hard-working and self-motivated, write about your internship where you took the initiative to start a new project. Instead of saying you’ve always loved reading, reflect on a novel or poem that changed your perspective.

Your conclusion should bring the focus back to the program and what you hope to get out of it, whether that’s developing practical skills, exploring intellectual questions, or both.

Emphasize the fit with your specific interests, showing why this program would be the best way to achieve your aims.

Strategy 1: What do you want to know?

If you’re applying for a more academic or research-focused program, end on a note of curiosity: what do you hope to learn, and why do you think this is the best place to learn it?

If there are specific classes or faculty members that you’re excited to learn from, this is the place to express your enthusiasm.

Strategy 2: What do you want to do?

If you’re applying for a program that focuses more on professional training, your conclusion can look to your career aspirations: what role do you want to play in society, and why is this program the best choice to help you get there?

Tips for the conclusion

• Don’t summarize what you’ve already said. You have limited space in a personal statement, so use it wisely!
• Do think bigger than yourself: try to express how your individual aspirations relate to your local community, your academic field, or society more broadly. It’s not just about what you’ll get out of graduate school, but about what you’ll be able to give back.

You’ll be expected to do a lot of writing in graduate school, so make a good first impression: leave yourself plenty of time to revise and polish the text.

Your style doesn’t have to be as formal as other kinds of academic writing, but it should be clear, direct and coherent. Make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly from the last, using topic sentences and transitions to create clear connections between each part.

Don’t be afraid to rewrite and restructure as much as necessary. Since you have a lot of freedom in the structure of a personal statement, you can experiment and move information around to see what works best.

Finally, it’s essential to carefully proofread your personal statement and fix any language errors. Before you submit your application, consider investing in professional personal statement editing . For $150, you have the peace of mind that your personal statement is grammatically correct, strong in term of your arguments, and free of awkward mistakes.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

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Articles & Advice > Graduate School > Articles

How to Write Your Grad School Application Essay

The grad school application essay isn't like any other piece of writing. Craft your best essay for graduate admission with this helpful advice.

by Jessica Tomer Director of Communications, Commonwealth School

Last Updated: May 23, 2024

Originally Posted: Oct 21, 2016

Remember when you sat down to write your undergraduate application essays? It was your chance to show colleges the real you—and the world was your oyster! You could talk about your favorite book character, a beloved hobby, or a cause near to your heart. Now you’re ready to apply to grad schools, with another application essay (or 10) to write. Like so much of the application process, grad school essays are similar to undergrad…but not quite the same. Here’s how you can (and why you need to) take a more strategic approach to writing your graduate school admission essay.

What is the graduate school essay?

The grad school application essay—letter of intent, personal statement, statement of purpose, etc.—is your chance to breathe some life and personality into your application. But unlike your undergraduate essay, where you might’ve offered a quippy story, your grad school application essay should be more focused on your academic and professional goals and why grad school is essential to achieving them. It should also give the admission committee a good sense of who you are and what you value at the same time. (No big deal, right?)

All that being said, a lot of the advice that helped you write your undergrad essay still applies: tell a unique story, use vivid examples, be genuine, and, perhaps most importantly, explain why you’d be an asset to the program—and why the program would be an asset to you. Essay requirements will vary from school to school, but you’ll likely be asked to write 250–750 words. Common graduate application essay prompts include the following:

• Describe a situation where you overcame adversity/exhibited leadership/learned from failure/experienced an ethical dilemma.
• Why do you need this degree at this juncture in your life?
• What are your short- and long-term career goals?
• What are you most proud of?
• And the big one: Why this school? 

Regardless of the prompt you choose, the graduate admission committee should come away from your application essay knowing these three things:

• What you want to study in grad school
• Why you want to study it
• Why their institution is the best place for you

Dedicate a paragraph to each one of those ideas, add an attention-grabbing opener and a tidy conclusion, and you’re almost there! The following best practices will take you the rest of the way to a winning grad school application essay.

Related: Essential Grad School Search and Application Timeline

Know your audience

Thoroughly research your potential graduate programs (if you haven’t already!), and tailor your essay to each school. Admission counselors want to know why you want to enroll in  their  program, and you can’t speak to the merits of their program if you don’t know what their program is all about! What specifically attracted you to the school? What would you contribute to the program as a graduate student and eventual alumnus? Take a look at press releases, blog posts, and big events on campus to get to know the school’s personality and what it values.

In addition to knowing plenty about the school you’re writing to, you need to adopt the right tone for who you’re specifically writing to—admission representatives. You’ll have four (or more) years of collegiate writing under your belt, and your grad school statement needs to reflect that. Use active language, smooth transitions, an attention-grabbing opening, and a strong conclusion. And even though your graduate personal statement should be focused on your academic goals, it’s not a research paper—and it shouldn’t be full of jargon. Your essay’s tone will ultimately depend on the prompt you choose, but don’t be afraid to infuse it with personality—even humor. People relate to stories, so tell yours and tell it well.

Stand out and demonstrate passion

In a crowd of candidates who also love this field (presumably), what sets you apart? As you consider possible graduate admission essay topics , look for the story only you can tell. Just remember, even some personally meaningful experiences, like the loss of a loved one or a life-changing volunteer experience, don’t really stand out in graduate admission—they’re too common. So if you are considering a potentially well-tread topic, try to approach it in a unique way. You’re trying to give the graduate admission committee a sense of who you are and what you value. Show them your passion for your field of study. Why do you love it? Why do you want to contribute to it? What about it challenges and excites you?

Show, don’t tell

Whenever possible, use stories to illustrate your interest. You shouldn’t fill your graduate personal statement with anecdotes, but you can be straightforward and still infuse some personality into your writing. After all, what’s more engaging: “I frequently left the campus CAD lab just as the sun was rising—and long after I had completed my architecture assignments. I got hooked on experimenting with laser cutting and hardly noticed as the hours passed” or “I really love working with Auto CAD”? No contest. And don’t forget that the essay is about you! Any examples or experiences you cite should relate to you and why you want to go to grad school.

Related: How to "Show, Don't Tell" to Boost Your Writing for School and Beyond

Be relevant and specific

Stay focused on your academic field and use specific, discrete examples. Was there a clear moment when you knew you had found your calling? Did a particular class assignment, volunteer experience, or work project solidify your interest? Why exactly do you need grad school to achieve your goals? You can talk about special skills, like a foreign language, computer programming, and especially research in your essay. And you can talk about your academic achievements, internships, published work, and even study abroad experiences. They all make great graduate personal statement fodder. But relevancy is also key. Before stuffing your application essay with every accomplishment and experience from your time as an undergrad, make sure you’re only highlighting those that pertain to your intended graduate studies and future goals.

Explain any gaps

Your grad school application essay is also an opportunity to explain anything in your academic record that might raise an eyebrow among the admission committee, like a semester of poor grades , time off in your schooling, or a less-than-perfect GRE score. For example, if you worked part or full-time to help fund your undergrad education, that lends some important context to your experience and achievements; maybe your undergrad GPA isn’t quite as high as it might’ve been otherwise, but graduate admission counselors will likely appreciate your hard work and dedication. You can also use the essay to own your mistakes; perhaps you didn’t take college as seriously as you should have during freshman and sophomore year, but you got your act together junior year. But whatever you do, don’t use your essay to make excuses or blame others.  

Edit—and have others edit too

Set aside time to edit your graduate application essay, checking for style, tone, and clarity as well as grammatical mistakes. ( Here are my proofreading tips! ) Is your graduate personal statement clear, concise, and well organized? Also revisit the essay prompt to make doubly sure you’ve answered it fully and accurately. Then have other people read your essay to check for these things too. Undergrad professors or mentors are great for this, but you can ask trusted friends too. And don’t forget about any career, writing, and/or tutoring centers at your undergraduate institution; they may be able to review your essay and application, and their services are often available long after you graduate. And, for a truly polished graduate essay, remember the little things too, like making sure your files have easily identifiable names. And it might go without saying, but make sure you follow the directions! If the word limit is 600, don’t send 750.

Related: 7 Animated Steps to Writing a Great Personal Statement for Grad School

Grad school personal statement don’ts

You now have a ton of tools at your disposal for how to craft your best essay. But just for good measure, beyond following the advice above, keep these grad school personal statement don’ts in mind.

• Don’t volunteer potentially damaging information. If you were suspended, arrested, etc., you probably don’t need to discuss it. Why cast aspersions on your character?
• Don’t repeat other parts of your application. Your GPA, test scores, and most activities are covered sufficiently in the rest of your application.
• Don’t be negative. You want the admission committee to see you as an enthusiastic addition to their program, not a grouch.
• Don’t write about controversial topics. You don’t want to risk offending the admission committee. And touchy subjects rarely make good personal statement essays anyway.
• Don’t go for gimmicks. Even though you want to stand out, a gimmicky essay isn’t the way to do it. (For example, submitting a song instead of a personal statement…when you’re not studying music.)
• Don’t stuff your essay with big “smart” words , and don’t use flowery language either. Use clear language to tell a compelling story.
• Don’t lift your personal statement from an existing academic essay or—worse—from someone else entirely. Besides plagiarizing being, you know,  wrong , if you can’t get through your personal statement and need  an essay service to help you , you definitely aren’t cut out for the writing demands of grad school. Fact.

The grad school admission essay can be a daunting task because it’s the first step to receiving further education that will elevate your career. While it’s not something to be taken lightly, you can still have fun with it and really put your personality into it. Show your passion and you’ll be sure to get into a great grad program for your goals.

For more great advice as you delve into the world of advanced degrees, check out our Graduate School section!

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Writing your first master’s essay – a few tips

By Audrey, MSc Environmental Sustainability

Welcome new students! I am so excited for you to start your Edinburgh master’s journey – enjoy the first few weeks, find your footing, explore the course and the city, and do not stress too much about upcoming coursework; you will receive plenty of guidance as the deadlines approach. The first master’s essay can be pretty daunting, especially if you’ve taken a break from academia since your bachelor’s degree (like I did). So, here are a few tips on how to get started writing an essay, and some ideas of things to keep in mind while you’re writing! These have really helped me this past year, and hopefully they will be useful for you too! 🙂

• Choosing a topic is the first step in essay-writing, so it’s important to get it right! In a master’s essay there is generally a lot of flexibility on the focus and case studies you can analyse. This is a great opportunity to learn more about a topic that you’re interested in or passionate about. For me, having an interest in my essay topics was key to keeping motivation to read & research.
• A great way to find inspiration for essays is to look into future lecture topics. Not only will having a look at the key weekly readings provide you with a foundation on the topic’s debates and concepts, but it will also save you time in preparing for future lectures.

A pretty accurate depiction of researching for an essay! Photo by Windows on Unsplash

• This one may seem obvious, but I cannot emphasise it enough! I generally read the criteria in two stages of essay-writing: at the beginning and before submission. Reading the criteria prior to writing the essay helps you understand the task and what the markers are looking for in top-scoring essays (this should be kept in mind throughout the research and writing stages). Checking the criteria carefully side-by-side with your essay a few days before submission will help you identify anything you may have missed that will push your essay into the higher-grade boundaries – this was super useful for me! It’s also a great idea to send your essay and the marking criteria to a classmate or family member to get their feedback (thanks Mum!).
• If your lecturer gives you the opportunity to submit a plan, take it! The feedback is very useful, and it is a great way to see if you are on the right track and understand the key concepts and arguments.
• Something that I found very useful was to discuss potential topics with my lecturers during their advice and feedback hours. Often this gave clarity on the focus I could take with an essay, improved my understanding of the topic, provided me with new literature, and helped me avoid common pitfalls.
• Make sure that you check your department’s (or if taking a module in another School check theirs) guidelines on referencing; it may be different to the system you used in your bachelor’s degree. The University has great resources for several different referencing styles, like Cite Them Right (Harvard) – make use of these! Getting the referencing perfect is a great first step to getting high-scoring essays.
• Finally, it’s important to maintain a balance between writing your essay and doing other activities. Taking a break from coursework and giving your brain some rest is important to be able to get distance and perspective on your work, and to allow you to absorb the readings. For example, I would go on runs, meet friends for a pint or for dinner, or go to dance classes. These other activities played an almost equally important role in producing my essays, compared to researching, writing and editing, as often I would get inspiration on what to write next, how to phrase my thoughts, or I would remember something I had forgotten to include or should double check.

Taking a break to explore the Botanic Gardens (2019)

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28th September 2020

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How to write a master’s essay

(Last updated: 3 March 2020)

Since 2006, Oxbridge Essays has been the UK’s leading paid essay-writing and dissertation service

We have helped 10,000s of undergraduate, Masters and PhD students to maximise their grades in essays, dissertations, model-exam answers, applications and other materials. If you would like a free chat about your project with one of our UK staff, then please just reach out on one of the methods below.

When considering how to write a master's essay, it can be tricky to understand and achieve the subtle differences between master's and undergraduate level work. In short, a master's level essay will generally require a deeper level of independent thought, which can be shown by adopting the following tried and tested tips.

As the name of the degree suggests, you should ideally demonstrate a mastery of your subject by confidently contextualising your arguments and making reference to trends, themes, theoretical paradigms and traditions within the discipline.

Delineate the scope of your paper

Position the issues you intend to discuss within the broader field of your subject area. This will demonstrate not only your understanding of the breadth of the academic landscape but also your ability to focus on a particular part of it. It is not enough to analyse certain idea, you must recognise their place in the whole.

Independence of thought

All parts of the essay must show more than a regurgitation of ideas and a proficiency in collating material. Discussion, analysis, evaluation and argument must all demonstrate your ability to interpret, understand and critique from a unique perspective. Challenge assumptions and explain the reasoning behind your contentions.

Conceptual thinking

Abstract reasoning and comfort with interpreting unfamiliar concepts is a of work at this level. Do not be tempted to critique the academic literature through vague and impressionistic approaches; demonstrate instead a genuine conceptual engagement.

Compelling conclusions

When considering how to write a master's essay, you need to ensure that your arguments and conclusions are plausible; try throughout to make them properly convincing. Weigh evidence, analyse arguments and develop your own position. If on reading you have successfully convinced yourself, you will more likely convince the reader.

Substantial originality

At undergraduate level, evidence of genuine originality almost certainly ensures top marks. At master's level, originality is more routinely expected. A key aspect to this – the most challenging element of academic work – is confidence in your intellectual acuity. Lay the foundations through mastery of the more prosaic elements, then develop the confidence to speak with a new voice.

Research skills

One of the biggest step-changes between undergraduate and master's studies is the premium placed on research. Go beyond the reading lists provided by lecturers and directors of studies to demonstrate your initiative in finding your own sources. Live in libraries, use internet resources, become familiar with useful journals and, perhaps above all else, follow the footnotes!

Operate within the academic conventions

At this level of academia you should be fluent in your understanding of appropriate referencing , attribution of borrowed ideas and the proper approach to research. Much of this area can be solved through simple diligence, so don’t let minor errors erode the credibility of your essay.

The academic register

Spelling, punctuation and grammar are such basic considerations as to be taken for granted. Instead, the major linguistic concerns at this level are those of tone and style. An academic register is based in precision, formality, thorough understanding of subject-specific vocabulary, and an avoidance of familiarity and inappropriate use of the first person. Many students choose to use academic editors and proofreaders to apply edits to their work in order to ensure that their submission is clear from any errors or omissions.

Immaculate presentation

Perhaps seemingly trivial, presentation should not be disregarded. Demonstrate scholarly professionalism through due care and attention to all aspects of your work.

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7 Common MBA Essay Questions and How to Tackle Them

There are a handful of business school essay questions that seem to capture the heart and imagination of many an MBA program.

It seems that, across the board, admissions committees feel these queries offer the best insight into the minds of their applicants. You are likely to see a version of one or more of these common MBA essay questions on your b-school application . These tips will help you craft the perfect answer.

1. Describe your specific career aspirations and your reason for pursuing an MBA.

This may be the most important essay question you tackle. You must convince the admissions committee that you deserve one of their few, cherished spots. Reference your background, skills, and career aspirations, demonstrating how this degree is a bridge to the next step in your professional life. Be sure to speak to how this particular program will help you realize your potential.

It's okay to present modest goals. Deepening your expertise and broadening your perspective are solid reasons for pursuing this degree. If you aspire to lofty goals, like becoming a CEO or starting your own company, be careful to detail a sensible (read: realistic), pragmatic plan.

Read More: Find Your Business School

2. What are your principal interests outside of work or school? What leisure and/or community activities do you particularly enjoy?

There's more to b-school than the library. The best programs buzz with the energy of a student body that is talented and creative and bursting with personality. These students are not just about case studies and careers. Describe how you will be a unique addition to the business school community.

B-school is also a very social experience. Much of the work is done in groups. Weekends are full of social gatherings or immersion experiences, and the networking you do here will impact the rest of your career. Communicate that people, not just your job, are an important part of your life.

3. Who do you most admire?

The admissions committee wants to know the qualities, attributes and strengths you value in others and hope to embrace. Drive, discipline and vision are fine examples but try and look beyond these conventional characteristics. Tell a story and provide specific examples. If you choose someone famous (which is fine), remember that you risk being one of many in the pile. Instead, consider a current boss, business associate, or friend. Know that your choice of person is less important than what you say about him or her.

4. Describe a situation in which you led a team. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

The committee isn't looking to see how you saved the team through your heroic efforts (so put yourself on ego alert). They want to see how you helped foster an environment in which everyone contributes, illustrating that the sum is greater than its parts. B-schools like leaders, but they like leaders who can help everyone get along and arrive at a collaborative solution.

You should shift gears for this question. Almost the entire application process thus far has asked you to showcase "me-me-me." Now the focus of your story needs to be on the "we" and how you made the "we" happen.

5. Our business school is a diverse environment. How will your experiences contribute to this?

This essay gets at two concerns for the admissions committee: (1) how will you enrich the student body at this school and (2) what is your attitude toward others' diverse backgrounds?

Diversity comes in many shapes. If a grandparent or relative is an immigrant to this country, you can discuss the impact of his or her values on your life. Perhaps you are the first individual in your family to attend college or graduate school. Maybe you are involved in a meaningful or unusual extracurricular activity. Whatever you choose to write, it's vital that you discuss how it contributes to your unique perspective.

6. Describe a personal achievement that has had a significant impact on your life.

Don't pull your hair out just because you haven't founded a successful start-up or swum across the English Channel. Smaller accomplishments with a lot of personal significance are just fine if they demonstrate character, sacrifice, humility, dedication, or perseverance. A good essay describes how you reached a personal objective and what that meant to you. Maybe you didn't lead a sports team to a victory. Maybe the victory was that you made it onto the team .

Read More: 20 Must-Read MBA Essay Tips

7. Discuss a non-academic personal failure. What did you learn from the experience?

Many applicants make the mistake of answering this question with a failure that is really a positive. Or they never really answer the question, fearful that any admission of failure will throw their whole candidacy into jeopardy. Don't get crafty. You should answer with a genuine mistake that the committee will recognize as authentic.

Write about a failure that had some high stakes for you. Demonstrate what you learned from your mistake and how it helped you mature. This is a chance to show b-schools your ability to be honest, show accountability, and face your failures head-on.

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Essential Questions to Ask Master’s Programs Before Making a Decision

Here's how to make an informed and strategic decision about your education..

Pursuing a graduate degree is a significant milestone for many students, often signaling a commitment to furthering one’s education and career prospects. With the myriad of programs available, each boasting unique benefits, it’s crucial for you to do your due diligence and vet graduate programs thoroughly.

Attending graduate school is not merely about gaining advanced knowledge; it’s an investment in your future that involves substantial time, financial, and personal commitments. To ensure that you make an informed decision, here are essential questions to ask graduate programs during the admissions process.

Unlocking opportunities: the power of admissions events

Attending admissions events, whether online or in-person, presents an invaluable opportunity to go beyond the initial impressions provided by a program’s website and promotional materials. These events, ranging from open houses to information sessions, offer prospective students a live platform to engage with faculty, admission representatives, and sometimes current students, giving a more nuanced understanding of the program’s ethos, expectations, and community.

They serve as an interactive forum where attendees can pose specific questions, gain insights into the application process, and even understand the culture and values that underpin the program. This direct interaction not only aids in assessing the program’s alignment with your personal and professional goals but also allows you to gauge the networking opportunities and support systems in place for students. The depth of insight gained from these experiences can be pivotal in making a well-informed decision, underscoring the importance of utilizing every available resource to assess whether a program truly resonates with you.

What are the core objectives and values of the program?

Understanding the core objectives and values of a graduate program is essential in determining if it aligns with your academic and professional goals. By inquiring about the program’s mission and how it aims to support students’ growth, you gain insights into the curriculum and the learning environment. It’s important to assess whether these objectives and values resonate with what you hope to achieve through your graduate education.

Probe deeper by asking about the academic priorities of the faculty and the program’s commitment to staying relevant and innovative. If personal and ethical development are integral to the values of the program, it can indicate a more holistic educational approach that may complement your career aspirations.

How does the program support career development?

One of the key motivations for pursuing a graduate degree is to enhance career prospects. It’s crucial to understand how the program supports students in achieving their professional objectives.

Find out about the career services offered, such as job placement assistance, resume building, and interview preparation. Learn how the program connects students with alumni and industry professionals through networking events and mentoring programs. If the program offers specialized career development tracks or resources tailored to your field of interest, it can significantly impact your preparedness for the job market.

Check out:  Crafting a Winning Statement of Purpose for Master’s Degrees

What funding and financial aid options are available?

Graduate education comes with a significant financial component. It’s important to understand the total cost of the program, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. Inquire about the available funding options, such as scholarships, assistantships, grants, and loans.

Ask the program representatives about the process and criteria for obtaining financial aid, including any deadlines that you need to be aware of. If possible, seek clarification on the funding opportunities that are specifically dedicated to graduate students within the program. Understanding your financial options upfront will help you make a more informed decision and plan for your education without unnecessary stress.

Are there opportunities for academic support and engagement?

Graduate school can be academically rigorous, so it’s important to know what academic support services are available. Learn about the tutoring, writing centers, and workshops that the program offers to help students excel in their coursework. If the program provides specialized support for research, statistical analysis, or language learning, it’s an added advantage.

Furthermore, investigate the academic engagement opportunities beyond the coursework. Does the program encourage participation in conferences, research publications, or collaborative projects? Such opportunities can enrich your educational experience and provide valuable networking and professional development opportunities.

Can you connect me with current students and alumni?

Speaking with current students and alumni can provide invaluable perspectives on the program’s strengths and challenges. These individuals can offer candid insights into the quality of the education, faculty engagement, and the impact of the program on their careers.

Ask the program to facilitate these connections and prepare a list of thoughtful questions to uncover the day-to-day experiences and long-term outcomes associated with the program. Alumni, in particular, can share how the program prepared them for the workforce and whether it opened doors to specific career opportunities.

What is the community and culture like within the program?

The social and cultural aspects of a graduate program can influence the overall experience. A strong academic community with a supportive culture can enhance collaboration, personal development, and professional networking.

Inquire about the diversity of the student body, faculty, and curriculum perspectives. Ask about the campus resources and extracurricular activities available to graduate students. If applicable, seek information about any traditions, events, or affiliations that distinguish the program’s community and how they align with your values and interests.

How does the program measure success and satisfaction?

A reflection of the program’s effectiveness is how it measures success and satisfaction among its students. Ask about the indicators used to evaluate program quality, such as retention rates, graduation rates, and post-graduate employment outcomes.

Look for any available data or reports on these metrics to understand the program’s track record. High success and satisfaction rates can be a positive signal that the program delivers on its promises and provides a fulfilling educational experience. On the other hand, low rates may suggest areas for improvement or red flags regarding the program’s reputation and efficacy.

In conclusion, approaching the graduate school search with a comprehensive set of questions will empower you to make an informed and strategic decision. Remember that this process is not about finding the “perfect” program, but about finding the one that best aligns with your goals and values. Be thorough in your research and don’t be afraid to ask questions that will validate your choice and ensure your investment in graduate education is well placed. Happy hunting!

With a Master's from McGill University and a Ph.D. from New York University, Philippe Barr is the founder of The Admit Lab . As a tenure-track professor, Philippe spent a decade teaching and serving on several graduate admission committees at UNC-Chapel Hill before turning to full-time consulting. With more than seven years of experience as a graduate school admissions consultant, Philippe has stewarded the candidate journey across multiple master's and Ph.D. programs and helped hundreds of students get admitted to top-tier graduate programs  all over the world .

Video: Making a Plan: Your MBA Application Timeline

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“Jump for Joy” InstaScholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

When you’re not searching for scholarships, what do you like to do for fun? Do you dance? Play sports? Watch movies? Here at Scholarships360, we… Show More

When you’re not searching for scholarships, what do you like to do for fun? Do you dance? Play sports? Watch movies? Here at Scholarships360, we know how important it is to enjoy life. That’s why we’re offering a $500 scholarship to one student who tells us what makes them jump for joy! Whether it’s spending time with your friends, playing with your dog, or jamming out to music, we want to know what brings a smile to your face. To apply for this scholarship, simply follow us on Instagram, go to the “Jump for Joy” InstaScholarship post at the top of our grid, like the post, and drop a comment about something you love to do for fun. Extra consideration will be given to students who mention at least one friend in their comment! Show Less

“Gutsy Graduate Student” Essay Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Ok, so first question–why is this scholarship named the “Gutsy” Graduate Student Essay Scholarship? If you are enrolled in graduate school (during the 2024-25 academic… Show More

Ok, so first question–why is this scholarship named the “Gutsy” Graduate Student Essay Scholarship? If you are enrolled in graduate school (during the 2024-25 academic year) or have heard stories from those enrolled, you already know! “Gutsy” means courageous and determined, which nearly all successful graduate students are. Why else would one continue on with rigorous academics while often living on a shoestring? The rewards of graduate school are numerous, especially the more focused and advanced level of specialized study in your chosen field. Learning with like-minded people who share your passion is fulfilling, and the networking is awesome. The flipside of graduate school is the costly student loans to fund it. With this in mind, the "Gutsy" Graduate Student Essay Scholarship aims to help out a passionate graduate student who is actively looking for ways to fund their higher education journey. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. Good luck on your educational journey, and we hope to read your application!  Show Less

$2,500 ScholarshipPoints Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by ScholarshipPoints

Easy $2,500 scholarship from ScholarshipPoints open to all students.

“Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

In offering the “Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students, we want to help offset the cost of attending college for Black students. Open to… Show More

In offering the “Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students, we want to help offset the cost of attending college for Black students. Open to high school juniors and seniors (graduating class of 2024 and 2025) and undergraduate and graduate students enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year, this scholarship aims to lighten your financial worry and allow you to take fewer loans. Remember, scholarships are essentially “free money” that need not be paid back. This scholarship, specifically, aims to help out a Black student who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application, and wish you much success on your academic journey!  Show Less

“Making Waves” Scholarship for Women This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Are you a woman in high school, college, or graduate school enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year? If so, let us help you! Our $500… Show More

Are you a woman in high school, college, or graduate school enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year? If so, let us help you! Our $500 “Making Waves” Scholarship for Women aims to help women cover the costs of pursuing their dreams. Whether that dream is starting a business, learning a foreign language, or attending college on the path to fulfilling your dream, the scholarship will cover those costs and make your journey a little easier. No matter your goals, we want to help out a woman who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. In order to apply, simply write an essay about how the $500 “Making Waves” Scholarship for Women will help you fulfill your dreams. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We encourage you to apply and look forward to reading your essay. Good luck! Show Less

$2,000 Niche “No Essay” College Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Easy scholarship from Niche open to all high school, college, and graduate students.

“Tuition Solution” Scholarship for STEM Students This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Do you like figuring out solutions to difficult problems? Well, if you’re a current or aspiring STEM major, we have one for you! Our $500… Show More

Do you like figuring out solutions to difficult problems? Well, if you’re a current or aspiring STEM major, we have one for you! Our $500 “Tuition Solution” Scholarship is meant for high school juniors and seniors (graduating class of 2024 or 2025), as well as undergraduate and graduate students enrolled during the 2023-24 academic year who are looking for ways to fund their postsecondary education in STEM. In order to apply, you must write an essay about how your passion for STEM started and how the scholarship will help you fulfill your dreams. No matter which STEM field ignites your interest, we look forward to reading your essays. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. Apply today - it’s time to cell-e-brate you! Show Less

“A Helping Hand” Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

At Scholarships360, we know how hard it can be to pay off the hefty costs of a college tuition. Oftentimes, this is even more difficult… Show More

At Scholarships360, we know how hard it can be to pay off the hefty costs of a college tuition. Oftentimes, this is even more difficult for students coming from low-income backgrounds or for those who demonstrate financial need. This is where our “A Helping Hand” Scholarship comes in! We're offering a $500 scholarship to help out a low-income student who is passionate about their higher education journey and is actively looking for ways to fund it. This award is open to high school juniors and seniors (graduating class of 2024 and 2025), as well as undergraduate and graduate students enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year. In order to apply, students should submit an essay detailing how winning the scholarship would help you fulfill your dreams. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application! Show Less

ScholarshipOwl $50,000 No Essay Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by ScholarshipOwl

Easy scholarship open to all US-based high school, college, and graduate students. Each month, 4 winners will be selected to earn $1,000 each. In December… Show More

Easy scholarship open to all US-based high school, college, and graduate students. Each month, 4 winners will be selected to earn $1,000 each. In December 2023, there will be 2 additional winners earning $1,000 each. Applicant must be a resident of any of the 50 United States, District of Columbia or US Territories except for Rhode Island and Michigan. Applicant also must be 16 years of age or older and either be enrolled now, or will be enrolled within three months of registration in the Scholarship Sweepstakes, in a qualified high school, college or university within the United States. Show Less

“Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

At Scholarships360, our mission is to help students find and fund their postsecondary education. We know that students have a variety of educational and career… Show More

At Scholarships360, our mission is to help students find and fund their postsecondary education. We know that students have a variety of educational and career interests and aspirations. That is why we are offering the “Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship. This scholarship aims to support all current postsecondary students, regardless of the type of education they are pursuing. Thus, no matter your own unique educational path, we hope you apply for this $500 scholarship. In order to apply for the “Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship, students must submit an essay about their career ambitions. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application! Show Less

Sharing is Caring Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Did you know you can win a $1,000 scholarship just by sharing Scholarships360 with your friends? The Sharing is Caring Scholarship is open to all… Show More

Did you know you can win a $1,000 scholarship just by sharing Scholarships360 with your friends? The Sharing is Caring Scholarship is open to all Scholarships360 users who refer their friends to Scholarships360. The more people you refer, the higher your chances of winning! To apply, just send your personal referral link to your friends. For every person who creates a Scholarships360 account using your personal referral link, you’ll gain an entry to the Sharing is Caring Scholarship. Get started by visiting the Scholarships360 Referral Center! Show Less

“Moving Mountains” Scholarship for Hispanic Students This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

This scholarship is open to Hispanic/Latino high school juniors and seniors, college, and graduate students who have moved mountains in their life. To move mountains… Show More

This scholarship is open to Hispanic/Latino high school juniors and seniors, college, and graduate students who have moved mountains in their life. To move mountains means to achieve something incredibly difficult. It means overcoming obstacles, persevering in the face of adversity, and achieving success against all the odds. Whether it’s passing a difficult class, completing a rigorous project, or excelling in sports, we all have our own way of moving mountains. We want to know about yours. See the “Application Information” section below for details regarding the essay prompt. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application! Show Less

“Creativity Takes Courage” Scholarship for Art Students This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

This award is open to students studying any form of visual and/or performing arts who write an essay expressing their views on creativity and courage.… Show More

This award is open to students studying any form of visual and/or performing arts who write an essay expressing their views on creativity and courage. The French artist Henri Matisse once said, “another word for creativity is courage.” Artists can be loved and appreciated for their work, but they also have the potential to be criticized and rejected. Releasing art into the world involves overcoming fear and self-doubt. Even the most successful artists grapple with questions like “am I good enough?” or “will people like this?” If you’re a creative student who has ever struggled with these questions, we encourage you to apply for this scholarship! See the “Application Information” section below for details regarding the essay prompt. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application! Show Less

$2,000 Juno Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Juno

Easy $2,000 monthly scholarship from Juno open to all US-based students!

Top 10 overall grad school scholarships

We pick our grad school scholarships by finding trustworthy organizations who offer big rewards and have been offering their scholarships for a long period of time. Here are our editors’ picks for the top 10 grad school scholarships overall:

• Ayn Rand Institute Novel Essay Contest (Atlas Shrugged)  – For students who submit an essay about the novel Atlas Shrugged. Worth $25,000
• Stokes Scholarship Programs  – For students pursuing fields relevant to work in the CIA. Worth $25,000
• Collegiate Inventors Competition  – For college students who submit an original invention. Worth up to $10,000
• Generation Google Scholarship  – For HS seniors, college, and grad students who plan to study computer science or engineering. Worth $10,000. Preference given to women and ethnic minorities
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund  – For Hispanic students who will be enrolled at a 4-year college or grad school the following year. Worth up to $5,000. Approximately 10,000 awards granted per year
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Scholarships  – For high school seniors and above who are Hispanic and pursuing a STEM degree. Worth $25,000
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Antibody Scholarship Program  – For college and graduate students studying life sciences or related fields. Worth $10,000
• Tylenol Future Care Scholarship  – For students enrolling in medical, nursing, or pharmacy school, worth $5,000-$10,000
• Earnest More Than a Scholarship – For students enrolled in a Title IV undergrad or grad program. Worth $5,000
• El Cafe Del Futuro Scholarship  – For undergraduate and graduate students attending Hispanic-Serving Institutions in the US. Worth $5,000

Program-specific graduate school scholarships

If you are pursuing a specific graduate program, you can check out these program-specific scholarship guides:

• Accounting Scholarships
• Computer Science Scholarships
• Law School Scholarships
• MBA Scholarships
• Medical School Scholarships
• Nursing Scholarships
• Dentistry scholarships
• Pharmacy school scholarships

How to win scholarships for graduate students

As someone who has already gone through the process of earning your undergraduate degree, you probably have some experience with applying for scholarships. However, students applying for graduate scholarships would do well to emphasize a few different points to help ensure successful applications.

Graduate students typically have a more specific idea of their future career goals than undergraduate students. Make sure to emphasize this in your application and include all the particular things you hope to accomplish. If you have gained work experience between undergraduate and graduate school, frame your pursuits in this context. The more you demonstrate that you are working towards the plans you hope to further with your graduate degree, the more impactful your applications will be.

Writing strong applications

While your circumstances may have changed since undergraduate, the principles of writing a strong essay haven’t! We have a whole host of guides for writing strong scholarship essays and applications. That includes writing 250 word essays, 500 word essays, writing essays about yourself , or starting or finishing your essays. We also have a guide on writing a winning scholarship essay and can help you with finding local scholarships .

Graduate school funding sources

Students will generally pay for graduate school using a few different funding sources. The most common sources are private scholarships, need-based financial aid and grants, and university-specific scholarships.

Private graduate school scholarships

There some great private organizations that offer scholarships for students pursuing their masters or doctoral degrees! These scholarships support graduate students of all stripes including medical school students, law school students, business school students, masters students, and doctoral students!

Need-based financial aid for grad school

Need-based financial aid is another important way to pay for graduate school. For graduate school, need-based aid can include both grants (that don’t need to be repaid) and student loans (that do need to be repaid).

For need-based graduate school financial aid, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA . This allows students to be considered for both need-based grants and federal student loans. Some colleges may also require additional forms, so always check with your specific graduate program for more details about their financial aid process.

Many colleges may also require students to submit the CSS Profile , which is a financial aid application that is hosted by the College Board. The CSS Profile is how students can access institutional financial aid from the universities.

University-specific merit scholarships

Many graduate schools will also offer university-specific scholarship opportunities. You should check with the graduate programs that you are applying for for more information about scholarship opportunities that you may be eligible for.

Some graduate students may qualify for fellowships or assistantships that allow them to gain valuable experience and also receive funding to pay for grad school.

Tips for paying for graduate school

Paying for graduate school has a few key differences from paying for undergraduate. Here are some tips to help you take advantage of every form of financial aid out there:

Look for scholarships and fellowships at your school

Check out your school’s website and reach out to the financial aid office to learn about scholarships and fellowships. They may refer you to institutional opportunities, or, since they are experts in the field, they may know about specific opportunities that suit your interests or demographics. You can’t go wrong by reaching out to the financial aid office for advice.

Also see: How to win local scholarships

Apply for scholarships early and often

Remember, it’s never too early or late to apply for scholarships. Each opportunity has a different deadline, so you should be looking for opportunities regularly. Our scholarship finder is a great way to keep up with the latest opportunities. We will match you with vetted scholarships that automatically update as deadlines pass and new scholarships open.

Proofread your application essays!

Essays are one of the best ways to stand out from the crowd in a scholarship application! Check out our guides to writing about yourself , writing a 250 word essay , and writing a 500 word essay . We also have a guide to writing a winning scholarship essay . Even if you are a confident writer, it’s a good idea to check out these guides. Scholarship essays are written with a different intent than the essays you write in school.

Check with your employer about tuition reimbursement

An increasing number of employers now offer tuition reimbursement . With tuition reimbursement, your employer will help pay for your continued education. Since employers generally prefer hiring from within instead of hiring new employees, this works out for both employer and employee.

Some employers only offer opportunities to pursue education to advance your career at their company. But others, such as Starbucks , Chipotle , or Amazon , allow you to pursue different fields of education that you can use to get hired elsewhere.

Consider inexpensive online options

Online educational programs are becoming increasingly popular, especially after the pandemic. You can find a lot of reputable online graduate programs through Coursera . Schools offer a wide breadth of programs through Coursera, including iMBAs. There are also many scholarships available specifically for online students .

Consider certificate programs as an alternative

For some students, graduate school might not be a financial option at the moment. But there are still ways to advance your career through further education. College alternatives , such as certificate programs and coding bootcamps , can raise your earning potential with significantly less time and financial commitment.

Investigate graduate assistantships

Graduate assistantships , including teaching and research assistantships, are great opportunities to help pay for college while gaining firsthand experience in your field of study. As an added bonus, they help you to forge relationships with professors and other accomplished professionals in the field. Helping to teach undergraduate courses can help complement your graduate studies and decrease your loan debt!

Frequently asked questions about graduate school scholarships

Is graduate school worth it, how do i get a full ride to grad school, does fafsa pay for grad school, can i get scholarships for a master’s program, when can i start applying for graduate school scholarships, do graduate students get pell grants.

Related: Grad school financial aid options

Explore these other scholarship categories:

• Top law school scholarships
• Top med school scholarships
• Scholarships for college seniors
• Easy scholarships to apply for
• Top scholarships for women

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• Automatic entry to our $10,000 No-Essay Scholarship
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• Best Master's In Mental Health Counseling Online

Best Master’s In Mental Health Counseling Online Of 2024

Updated: Mar 21, 2024, 12:37pm

Mental health counselors evaluate, manage and treat various mental and emotional health issues, including depression and anxiety, relationship problems, addiction and substance use disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. They work with individuals, couples, families and groups, and some specialize in treating specific populations, like children.

If you like the idea of helping people improve their mental and emotional health and well-being, you might consider becoming a mental health counselor, because the career outlook is excellent. As the need for mental health services increases, jobs in the field are expected to grow much faster than average within the next decade.

As a mental health counselor, you’ll need a master’s degree and a state license to practice. An online master’s in mental health counseling can help you meet your state’s qualifications to become a licensed mental health counselor.

Explore some of the best master’s in mental health counseling online programs and find out how to choose the right fit for you.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We scored 16 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online master’s in mental health counseling degree programs in the U.S. using 16 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process. We pulled the data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

We scored schools based on the following categories:

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Application Process:

• Acceptance rate

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 81.18% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

• Best Master’s In ABA Online Degrees
• Best Online Master’s In Counseling Psychology
• Best Online Psychology Degrees
• Best Online Psychology Master’s Degrees

Best Online Mental Health Counseling Master’s Degree Options

Should you enroll in an online master’s in mental health counseling program, accreditation for online master’s in mental health counseling programs, how to find the right online mental health counseling master’s program for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about master’s in mental health counseling online degrees, bradley university, prescott college, catawba college, grace college and theological seminary, malone university, hodges university, seton hall university, faulkner university, university of the southwest, lamar university.

Graduate Tuition

$1,039/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Bradley University , based in Peoria, Illinois, offers a master’s in mental health counseling online degree accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The M.A. in clinical mental health counseling can prepare you to take the national counselor exam and puts you on the path for licensure after graduation.

The curriculum explores neurocounseling, career counseling and research methodology. It includes significant experiential learning: two internships, one practicum and two virtual residencies.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $40
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Neurocounseling: bridging brain and behavior
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: Yes

$830/credit

You can earn a CACREP-accredited M.S. in counseling with a specialization in clinical mental health counseling from Prescott College , physically located in Prescott, Arizona. The program offers the following areas of emphasis: human sexuality counseling; marriage, couple and family counseling; social justice in counseling; and somatic counseling.

You can also add a graduate certificate in expressive arts therapies, adventure-based counseling or nature-based counseling. The online degree requires a six-credit internship and a three-credit practicum.

• Our Flexibility Rating: N/A
• Application Fee: N/A
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Supervised counseling internship

$599/credit

The online master’s in mental health counseling program from Catawba College , based in Salisbury, North Carolina, provides experiential learning and small class sizes. Applicants do not need to submit GRE or GMAT scores.

Offered through the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance, the clinical mental health counseling degree holds CACREP accreditation. The 60-credit program includes 45 credits of classroom work and 15 credits of experiential learning. Students typically complete the degree in two years.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Multicultural diversity in counseling

$650/credit

Grace College and Theological Seminary , based in Winona Lake, Indiana, offers an online mental health counseling master’s degree that can prepare you to counsel clients from a Christian perspective. Admission requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA, a professional reference, a faculty interview and a passing background check.

The CACREP-accredited program offers fully online coursework but requires a seven-day, on-campus residency each year. Students can transfer up to 12 credits toward the clinical mental health degree.

• Program Enrollment Options: Part time, full time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Theological foundations in counseling

$725/credit

Malone University in Canton, Ohio, offers a two- to three-year online master’s in mental health counseling with both synchronous and asynchronous course delivery options. The degree holds accreditation from CACREP and is approved by the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board.

The curriculum, informed by a Christian perspective, includes coursework, internships and a practicum. The program invites applicants from any undergraduate background with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants must complete a group online interview with program faculty.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Counseling lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex populations

You can earn an online master’s in mental health counseling from Hodges University , physically located in Fort Myers, Florida. The CACREP-accredited program prepares students to pursue licensure and apply for entry-level mental health and substance abuse counseling positions. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA to qualify for admission to the program.

The curriculum explores counseling theories and practice, adolescent therapy, and human growth and development. Students must complete a comprehensive exam and an internship component to graduate.

• Application Fee: None
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Trauma therapy, human sexuality

$1,397/credit

You can earn a combined professional counseling M.A./Ed.S. degree online from the College of Education and Human Services at Seton Hall University , based in South Orange, New Jersey. This 60-credit program consists of 48 credits of counseling coursework plus 12 credits in the Ed.S. program.

Students must complete two on-site residencies. The curriculum includes a practicum, three internships and coursework that explores topics like counselor ethics, multicultural counseling and counseling theory.

• Application Fee: $75
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Abnormal psychology

$555/credit

Faulkner University , physically located in Montgomery, Alabama, offers a mental health counseling master’s online degree that incorporates a Christian worldview. The program meets the educational requirements for professional counselor licensure in Alabama. Students can complete 85% of the degree online but must visit campus to complete two five-day clinical training sessions.

The program also requires a 600-hour internship and a 100-hour practicum. A background in clinical mental health is not required to qualify for admission to the program. Distance learners must pay an online course fee of $75 per credit and a general fee of $350 per semester.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 61 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Analysis of the helping relationship, crisis intervention in counseling

$649/credit

The University of the Southwest , based in Hobbs, New Mexico, is a Christian institution focused on the values of free enterprise, self-government, community service and servant leadership. Admissions criteria for the school’s CACREP-accredited online mental health counseling master’s program include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

The curriculum explores abnormal behavior, addictions counseling and spirituality in counseling. It requires a two-part practicum and two-part internship. Students take synchronous online classes at set times and can finish the degree in two and a half years. Teaching faculty are mental health clinicians.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on a set schedule
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Clinical supervision of counselors

$342/credit

Lamar University , part of the Texas State University System, offers an online Master of Education in clinical mental health counseling. The whole 60-credit program costs $20,520 in tuition and distance learning fees, and students can graduate in as few as 30 months.

Learners complete two in-person residencies, a practicum and an internship. Graduates qualify to become Licensed Professional Counselors in Texas. Lamar’s clinical mental health counseling program offers multiple start dates each academic year.

• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $25
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Foundations of clinical mental health counseling, abnormal human behavior
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for residencies, a practicum and an internship

An online master’s in mental health counseling program might be the perfect choice for you, but it depends on several factors. The below considerations can help you decide whether to pursue an online mental health counseling degree .

• What’s your learning style? Can you manage your own time, stay on task and motivate yourself to finish your work? If so, an online program might suit you well. However, not everyone finds it easy to succeed without the structure of attending class in person. These learners might prefer a face-to-face or hybrid program.
• What’s your budget? Distance learning is sometimes more affordable than an on-campus program, in part because online students avoid paying for on-campus housing and transportation. If you plan to enroll in an out-of-state public university, keep in mind that some schools charge a flat or discounted tuition rate to all online learners regardless of where they live, potentially sparing you steep out-of-state tuition rates.
• What’s your schedule? Many students find it easier to fit school into their lives by choosing an online program, especially one with asynchronous classes. Rather than traveling to campus at specific times each week, online students can learn wherever and whenever it makes the most sense for them. This flexibility can make it easier to work full time or meet other personal obligations without putting your education on hold.

Institutional accreditation evaluates the quality of an entire higher education institution. Institutionally accredited universities meet stringent academic standards, demonstrating that they can offer a high-quality education.

Schools can receive institutional accreditation from accrediting bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education. Attending an institutionally accredited college is crucial if you want to be eligible for federal financial aid. You can research a school’s accreditation status on CHEA’s website .

Programmatic accreditation evaluates specific programs within an institution. This kind of accreditation can be important for getting a job in your chosen field, applying to graduate school or qualifying for a professional credential.

Many of the best master’s in mental health counseling online programs hold programmatic accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). You can find out if a mental health counseling program holds programmatic accreditation by searching CACREP’s directory .

Mental health counseling master’s programs can also receive accreditation from the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council. However, CACREP accreditation is more prevalent.

Consider Your Future Goals

An online mental health counseling master’s degree can qualify you to launch a career as a mental health counselor or to pursue other related jobs. But not all programs are the same, so make sure to evaluate each option on its own merits and ensure it can help you reach your goals.

All states require mental health counselors to hold a license, so your degree should meet the education requirements laid out by the state where you intend to practice. More than half of U.S. states require a CACREP-accredited degree to qualify for mental health counseling licensure. Whether or not your state stipulates a specific accreditor, you will need to complete supervised clinical hours and pass an exam to earn your license and qualify for a job after graduation.

If you want to work with a specific client population, like children or adolescents, try to find a program that offers coursework and a field experience with this group. To learn more about this career path, see our guide on how to become a mental health counselor .

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Tuition rates for the online mental health counseling master’s programs ranked on this page range from $342 to $1,039 per credit. The typical program requires about 60 credits, bringing the total tuition cost of the degree between $20,520 and $62,340.

For comparison, the National Center for Education Statistics reports that the average yearly cost for graduate school tuition and fees is $20,513, bringing the total for a two-year degree to around $41,000.

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to find out your eligibility for federal student aid such as loans, grants and scholarships. Other popular ways to fund a graduate education include fellowships, assistantships and work-study programs.

What is the difference between an M.A. and an M.S. in counseling?

There isn’t much difference between an M.A. and an M.S. in counseling. Both graduate degrees can prepare you to become a professional mental health counselor. Regardless of whether you choose an M.A. or an M.S., confirm that the program meets licensure requirements in the state where you want to practice mental health counseling after you graduate.

What is the highest degree for a mental health counselor?

You typically need at least a master’s degree to become a licensed mental health counselor in any state. However, some mental health counselors may choose to earn a doctoral degree.

Can you get a master’s in counseling online?

Yes, many accredited schools offer online mental health counseling master’s programs, though some require on-site residencies or clinical training. Usually, online students can complete internships or practicums in their home areas if they do not live near their schools.

Can you be a counselor without a master’s degree?

Typically, you cannot become a counselor without a master’s degree, but it depends on how you define the term. To become a licensed professional counselor, you generally need to earn a master’s degree in mental health counseling or a related field, complete clinical supervision hours and pass an exam. However, some professions with “counselor” in the title are open to individuals with only a bachelor’s or even just a high school diploma. These include substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors (in some cases) and peer counselors.

Liz Simmons has been writing for various online publications about career development, higher education and college affordability for nearly a decade. Her articles demystify the college application process and help prospective students figure out how to choose a major or career path.