Admissions Process
Come Meet Us
We encourage all applicants to visit Whitworth University to learn more about our graduate programs from current students, faculty and staff. To arrange a visit, please call 509.777.3222.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- A minimum of six semester credits in psychology, social work, human services, human development, or a related behavioral science field. Applicants who have not completed six credits in behavioral sciences may satisfy this requirement by passing CLEP examinations in relevant subjects, or applicants with professional experience in mental health, behavioral health, social work, human services, or a related field may petition to waive the six-credit prerequisite based on verified, equivalent life or work experience.
- Complete application file, as outlined below.
How to Apply
Step 1: Apply Online
Create an account to complete your online application. As you complete your application you will be prompted to submit your $35 application fee. Please note: The application fee is temporarily waived.
The online application includes the following:
- Three reference forms – sent directly to each reference via an online recommendation request
- Résumé
- Personal essay – 600-900 words explaining how the program fits with your career and educational goals, why you have chosen Whitworth, and why now is the right time for you to enroll in a graduate program
Step 2: Submit Official (Unopened) Transcripts
Order official transcripts from ALL colleges or universities previously attended and have them sent electronically to gradadmissions@whitworth.edu or by mail directly to this address:
Whitworth University
Graduate Admissions
300 W. Hawthorne Road
Spokane, WA 99251
Step 3: Submit GRE, MAT or Exam Alternative
Whitworth will waive the entrance-exam requirement for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. (If your cumulative GPA is lower than 3.0 due to first- or second-year grades, we will consider the last 90 quarter/60 semester credits your calculated GPA.) If your undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, please submit one of the following:
- Exam Options: Submit official GRE or MAT scores from exams taken in the last five years. Scores should be above the 25th percentile in each category.
- Exam Alternative: You may submit an analytical essay in lieu of GRE or MAT scores. Please prepare a 1,000- to 1,200-word essay that demonstrates your ability to analyze, synthesize and critically reflect upon information. Please address what you believe to be the major challenges in the counseling profession today; then offer a solution to surmount those challenges. Your essay may be based on research, or it may be a review of a book that is central to your interest in counseling.
What to Expect
Once you have returned all application documents, the admissions committee will review your application file and notify you, in writing, of your status. If an interview is required you will be contacted to schedule that interview after the committee has reviewed your application file. Interviews are required for all marriage & family therapy.
If you have any questions about this process, please contact us at 509.777.3222.
International Graduate Students
Whitworth welcomes international students to apply for graduate programs. Whitworth is a safe and comfortable place to study, with small class sizes that give you the opportunity to get to know your professors and classmates. Whitworth is located in Spokane, Wash., a mid-sized city with a four-season climate, so you'll want to be prepared for snow in the winter and for warm, sunny summers.
Please complete the application process as indicated above and visit the international graduate admissions page for more detailed information.