Counseling and Human Resource Development
South Dakota State University
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Requirements for Admission to the Counseling and Human Resource Development (CHRD) Program


Step 1: Acceptance by the South Dakota State University Graduate School

Students must be admitted to the Graduate School before enrolling in any graduate course, whether or not they are pursuing an advanced degree. A completed application must be filed with the Graduate School at least one month before the beginning of the first term of graduate work. Students applying for Special Student (non-degree) status must also complete an application and be admitted to Graduate School. NOTE: Being admitted to the Graduate School does not admit a student to the CHRD Department, it is simply the first required step toward admission.

Admission to the Graduate School requires that the applicant be a graduate of an Institution of higher learning. The institution must be one of recognized standing (regional accreditation) whose requirements are substantially the same as those of the South Dakota State University department(s) in which the advanced degree will be taken.

  • A completed application form must be submitted to the Graduate School and accompanied by a non-refundable application fee of $35. No application fee is required for non-degree seeking (Special) students.
  • For degree-seeking students, official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work must be sent directly to the Graduate School.
  • For those students not actively pursuing a degree, the Bachelor's degree must be stated on the application forma and the degree will be verified. Students will be withdrawn from graduate coursework if a degree cannot be verified.

If application is filed before the Bachelor's degree is completed, an incomplete transcript must be filed. When the Bachelor's degree is awarded, a final transcript must then be provided to the Graduate school. This final transcript must be filed during the first semester of graduate work. However, the bachelor’s degree must be conferred prior to the first registration as a graduate student.  If the bachelor’s degree for any reason is not conferred, you will be dropped administratively from any graduate courses you have registered.   

International students who cannot provide original transcripts may submit notarized or certified copies at the time of application. A Provisional degree will be accepted. Contact the department for more information about the application procedures for international students.

After an application for admission and all supporting documents are received and evaluated by the Graduate School, they are sent for review to the CHRD Department. Using recommendations made by the department, the Dean of the Graduate School acts on the application and notifies the applicant, department, and/or committee concerned.

Students will either receive Unconditional Admission, Conditional Admission, or Denial of Admission.  Those students who are “unconditionally admitted” or “conditionally admitted” will receive such a designation with the stipulation that their admission process is “pending completion of the admission process for the Counseling and Human Resource Development (CHRD) Department”. 

 

Applicants not meeting the required admission requirements may take courses as a Special Student (non-degree seeking).  Special Student status, as defined in the SDSU Graduate Bulletin:

 

Students not meeting the requirements (for conditional or unconditional status), those initially enrolled only in evening classes, and those not working toward a degree may be granted admission and take courses as Special Students. Special Students may not receive Graduate Assistantships, federal financial aid, or enroll for thesis/dissertation credits.  The Graduate Dean will act as advisor for these students unless they are assigned to a department advisor.  No more than ten (10) credits under Special Student status may be applied toward a degree.  To change admission status or to be reconsidered for admission to SDSU, an applicant may request and be granted a change in status to work toward a degree provided nine (9) credits of graduate work have been completed with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. 

 

Graduate School Checklist – The following items should be submitted to the SDSU Graduate School, Administration Building #130, Box 2201, Brookings, SD  57007: 

 

                           Application for Graduate School, including application fee,

 

               Transcripts - except for any courses taken from a South Dakota regental university; i.e., Black Hills State University, Dakota State University, Northern State University, School of Mines & Technology, South Dakota State University, University of South Dakota.

 

If you have questions regarding the application process to the SDSU Graduate School, please contact their office at 605/688-4181.  You are also encouraged to reference the South Dakota State University Graduate Bulletin for information regarding the admissions process, academic information and master’s degree requirements.



Step 2: Admission to the Counseling and Human Resource Development Department

Students are accepted to the CHRD Department twice each academic year.  Deadlines are April 1st for admission for Fall Semester and October 1st for admission for Spring Semester each year.

Requirements:

            1.         A one-page, typewritten goal statement including one or more of the following:

 

a.         your aspirations related to the field of counseling

b.         one significant life event that contributed to the development of these aspirations

c.         the single greatest personal asset that will serve you in realizing your aspirations   

d.         the one personal characteristic or quality that you most need to modify, improve, or change in order to realize your aspirations.

 

Goal statements that exceed 1 page will not be considered.

 

2.         A current typewritten resume that includes all previous work experience, volunteer service, and education that you feel has contributed to your desire to enter the counseling profession.

 

3.         Two (2) completed CHRD Recommendation forms. Click below to access a copy of the form.



RECOMMENDATION FORM
RecommendationForm.doc

 

 

Step 3: Participation in the CHRD Group Interview and Orientation Session 

 

The CHRD Group Interview and Orientation Session is the final step in the application process to the CHRD program and will determine each applicant’s acceptance or denial into the CHRD program.  Applicants are required to attend a group interview and orientation session, which is held during May for admission for Fall Semester and November for admission for Spring Semester.  Applicants wishing to attend the Higher Education Center - West River (HEC-WR) in Rapid City will need to contact that office for dates and times of the interview.

 

Soon after the interview and orientation, each applicant will receive a letter granting or denying admission to the CHRD master’s program.  Students granted admission should contact their advisor prior to registration.  Students who have not been granted admission and who have exceeded the 10 hours allowed as Special Student status will be administratively dropped from CHRD courses in which they enroll.

 

CHRD Admission Checklist – The following items should be mailed to the CHRD Department, SDSU, Box 507 Wenona Hall #312, Brookings, SD  57007 :

 

                          A one (1) page Goal Statement;

 

                          A typed Resume;

 

              The Resume and Goal Statement cover sheet with current contact information;

 

                          Two (2) CHRD Recommendation forms. 

 

If you have questions regarding the application process for the Counseling and Human Resource Development master’s degree program, please contact the CHRD Department at 605/688-4190. 







 
Counseling & Human Resource Development
Box 507, Wenona Hall
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD 57007
Phone: 605-688-4190