Admissions - Wingate University
Admissions
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university (or equivalent international credentials) with a
minimum 3.0 GPA.
To apply, you'll need to:
Complete the online application (which includes questions about yourself and an attestation regarding criminal background, as certain offenses could affect future licensure eligibility.)
Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities you've attended
Two academic or professional recommendations
After your application materials are reviewed, selected candidates will be invited for an on-campus interview. During this interview, the admissions committee assesses your interpersonal skills, openness to diversity, career goals, readiness for graduate study, and potential for building effective counseling relationships.
Apply
Apply for the Fall 2026 semester
Complete an application
Arrange to have your official transcript(s) sent directly from all previously attended colleges and universities.
Application Deadlines:
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You are encouraged to submit your application early. Your application must be submitted by the following deadlines in order to be considered for admission to the corresponding semester:
Admission to Fall 2026 semester: August 1, 2026
Transcripts
Please have your transcripts sent to:
Wingate University
ATTN: Mr. Randy M.B. Taylor
Director of Graduate Enrollment
PO Box 159
Wingate, NC 28174
If you have any questions regarding the application or admission process please
CMHC.admissions@wingate.edu
Tuition 2025-2026
Credit Hour – $650
Two-year program with 60 hours total.
request information
Apply now
What makes the Wingate program different?
What does a Clinical Mental Health Counselor do?
What is the difference between counselors, social workers and psychologist?
What can I do when I graduate?
How long does it take to complete the program?
How do I get in the program?
How do I become licensed as a counselor?
Can I work while in the program?
How much does the program cost?
What is a cohort model?
What are the practicum and internships like?
Our Clinical Mental Health Counseling program stands out as a highly experiential, hands-on program designed to prepare students for real-world practice through substantial supervised experience and a focus on trauma and trauma-informed care. Students don’t just learn theories—they actively apply them and are introduced to a range of trauma-specific approaches that deepen their clinical skillset.
Guided by a director with over a decade of experience on licensure boards and an active role in the counselor licensure compact, students also benefit from expert mentorship. With a strong record of publishing and presenting alongside over 50 students, the director is dedicated to fostering both professional growth and collaborative research opportunities.
In our cohort model, students’ progress together, building a supportive community that enhances the learning experience and strengthens professional connections.
Clinical mental health counselors play a vital role in supporting clients on their journey to emotional well-being and mental resilience. Through diverse therapeutic approaches tailored to individual, family, or group needs, they help clients navigate life’s challenges, manage stress, and build healthier coping strategies. In addition to documenting each session with care and professionalism, counselors are dedicated to lifelong learning, staying current on best practices and innovative methods to provide the most effective, compassionate care possible.
Counselors, social workers, and psychologists all support mental health and wellbeing, but each has distinct roles, education, and approaches:
Counselors
typically focus on helping clients cope with specific issues or challenges, such as relationship difficulties, career stress, trauma, or addiction. They often use talk therapy and are skilled in creating safe, supportive environments where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings. Counselors generally hold a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, like clinical mental health, and are licensed as Clinical Mental Health Counselors (CMHC) or Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) or similar, depending on the state.
Social Workers
have a broader scope that includes helping clients access resources, advocating for social justice, and addressing systemic issues. Clinical social workers (LCSWs) are trained in psychotherapy, similar to counselors, and often work with clients on individual and family issues. However, they are also focused on improving the overall quality of life by connecting clients to social services or advocating for policy changes. Social workers typically have a master's degree in social work (MSW).
Psychologists
are trained to conduct in-depth assessments and are skilled in diagnosis and psychological testing, often taking a more research-based approach. They usually hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and are licensed as psychologists. In addition to therapy, psychologists can specialize in areas like cognitive or behavioral psychology and may also conduct research or work in academic settings.
Pursue Licensure as a Counselor: Graduates often work toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), which involves completing supervised hours and passing required exams.
Clinical Practice:
Licensure allows counselors to work in:
Private Practice: Offering individualized or specialized counseling.
Hospitals and Clinics: Supporting clients with complex mental health needs.
Community Mental Health Centers: Working with diverse and underserved populations.
Schools and Universities: Providing guidance and mental health support to students (school counseling may require additional certification).
Specialized Counseling Fields
: Counselors can focus on areas such as:
Trauma Counseling: Assisting clients dealing with trauma and PTSD.
Addiction Counseling: Supporting recovery from substance use disorders.
Career Counseling: Helping clients with career-related challenges and transitions.
Corporate or Organizational Roles:
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Counseling: Providing support to employees in larger organizations.
Organizational Consulting: Assisting companies with mental health and wellness programs or leadership coaching.
Further Specialization and Academic Roles:
Graduates may seek certifications in areas like EMDR or Play Therapy, pursue a doctorate to teach, conduct research, or supervise upcoming counselors.
Advocacy and Policy Work
: Some counselors work in advocacy or policy, promoting mental health awareness and resources through nonprofit or governmental roles.
The program consists of 60 semester hours and is designed to be completed in two years (six semesters) when attending full-time. This timeline includes summer semesters.
The program welcomes applicants who have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university (or equivalent international credentials) with a minimum 3.0 GPA. To apply, you'll need to complete the online application, which includes questions about yourself and an attestation regarding criminal background, as certain offenses could affect future licensure eligibility. You'll also need to submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities you've attended, along with names of two academic or professional recommendations. After your application materials are reviewed, selected candidates will be invited for an on-campus interview. During this interview, the admissions committee assesses your interpersonal skills, openness to diversity, career goals, readiness for graduate study, and potential for building effective counseling relationships.
To become a licensed counselor, most states require the following steps:
Earn a Master's Degree
: Complete a graduate program in counseling or a related field that meets state accreditation standards, like CACREP-accredited programs.
Apply for Provisional Licensure
: This is the initial step.
Pass the National Exam
: Many states require a passing score on exams like the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
Complete Supervised Practice
: After graduation, complete a supervised practice period, which usually lasts two years. This period includes working under the supervision of a licensed counselor and accumulating a specific number of supervised hours (often 2,000 to 4,000 hours, depending on state requirements).
Obtain Supervisor Recommendation
: After the supervised practice period, you’ll need a recommendation from your supervisor, confirming that you’ve met the necessary clinical competencies.
Apply for State Licensure
: Submit all required documentation to your state’s licensing board, including proof of education, exam scores, supervised hours, and the supervisor's recommendation.
Because each state has its own requirements, it's essential to consult the specific licensure requirements in the state where you intend to practice.
Yes, it is possible to work while attending our program, but it will require balancing your schedule, as classes are held from 2 PM to 5 PM and from 5 PM to 8 PM, 2 to 4 days a week. Students take two or three classes per semester, attending one or two classes per day. Many students find part-time or flexible work schedules most manageable, allowing them to focus on coursework, in-class learning, and the experiential training integral to the program. It’s recommended to consider your personal and professional commitments to find a balance that supports both your education and well-being.
$650 per credit hour plus fees. Check out what
financial aid
may be available to you.
A cohort model means you'll progress through the program with the same group of students from start to finish. Students take all classes together in a set sequence, promoting peer support and collaborative learning while building lasting professional relationships.
Practicum:
100 total hours required
40% must be direct client contact
Completed in one semester
Internship:
600 total hours required
40% must be direct client contact
Usually completed over two semesters
For both experiences:
The practicum/internship coordinator assists in securing your placement
Sites may include counseling agencies, hospitals, and other settings aligned with your interests
Placements are matched to your professional goals and area of focus
Questions?
Jennifer Jordan
Founding Director of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
j.jordan@wingate.edu