Best Online Graduate Certificates in School Counseling
Pursuing an online graduate certificate in school counseling provides a valuable opportunity to augment your skill set, offering in-depth education that can complement your existing master’s degree and open doors to a rewarding career as a school counselor. These specialized certificates condense essential information and skill training into a concise program, allowing you to swiftly enhance your expertise in an area of personal interest.
2025 Best Online Graduate Certificate in School Counseling Programs
Looking for the best online graduate certificate in school counseling programs? CounselingPsychology.org has ranked the top options to help you advance your career. Online programs offer flexibility, making it easier for working professionals to balance studies with their jobs. Distance learning allows you to gain skills from anywhere, fitting education into your life. These programs prepare you to support students effectively, even in a virtual setting. Ready to find the right program for you? Check out our rankings and start your journey today. https://counselingpsychology.org/rankings-methodology/
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND - Public 4-Year - und.edu
Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate School Counseling for Educators
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of North Dakota's online Graduate Certificate in K-12 School Counseling is tailored for educators and mental health professionals seeking to enhance their skills in student support. This program stands out for its two distinct tracks: a 23-credit Re-Specialization Track for those with a mental health background and a 48-credit Educators Track for education professionals. Both tracks are fully online, featuring live synchronous classes and require practicum and internship experiences. Notably, the program does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible for busy professionals aiming for state licensure in school counseling.
- 100% Online Graduate Certificate
- Two specialized program tracks
- 23-48 credit hours
- 5-9 semester completion
- Leads to state licensure
- Practicum and internship required
- Live synchronous online classes
- Campus visits during summer
- Nationally recognized faculty
- Prepares for K-12 counseling
Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate School Counseling for Educators
Concentration: Educators Track - Online Learning - Visit Website
Focusing on the Educators Track, the University of North Dakota's Graduate Certificate in School Counseling is designed for educators holding a master's degree in education. This 48-credit online program spans nine semesters, emphasizing counseling strategies and multicultural understanding to foster student development. It includes synchronous online courses and mandatory campus visits, preparing graduates for licensure as K-12 school counselors. The program is military-friendly and does not require an entrance exam, offering a flexible pathway for educators to transition into counseling roles.
- 100% Online Educators Track
- 48 Total Credit Hours
- 9 Semester Completion Time
- State Licensure Eligibility
- Synchronous Live Online Courses
- Campus Visits Required
- Practicum and Internship Local
- Designed for Education Masters
Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate School Counseling for Educators
Concentration: Re-Specialization Track - Online Learning - Visit Website
The Re-Specialization Track at the University of North Dakota is an online Graduate Certificate in School Counseling aimed at professionals with a master's in mental health or community agency counseling. This 23-credit program can be completed in five semesters and focuses on preparing counselors for the K-12 setting with a curriculum that emphasizes data-driven and culturally responsive practices. Unique for its no campus visit requirement, this track is ideal for professionals seeking licensure without the need for an entrance exam, blending flexibility with comprehensive training.
- Online format
- 23 credit hours
- 5 semesters completion
- Re-Specialization Track
- Master's degree required
- State licensure eligibility
- Culturally-responsive curriculum
- Data-driven decision-making
- Flexible for professionals
- No campus visits required
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Whitewater, WI - Public 4-Year - uww.edu
Graduate Certificate - School Counseling Graduate Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers a School Counseling Graduate Certificate, a hybrid program tailored for professionals holding a master's degree in counseling. This 21-credit program emphasizes clinical experience and prepares graduates for state licensure, focusing on supporting student development in schools. With flexible start terms and affordable resident tuition at $585.74 per credit, it's designed for working professionals. The program, requiring a CACREP-accredited degree, does not mandate an entrance exam, making it accessible for eligible candidates seeking to advance their careers in school counseling.
- 21-credit post-graduate program
- Flexible start terms: spring/summer/fall
- Resident tuition $585.74 per credit
- Requires prior counseling master's degree
- CACREP-accredited institution prerequisite
- Clinical experience focused curriculum
- State professional licensure preparation
Graduate Certificate - Educator In School Counseling - Graduate Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
UW-Whitewater's Educator in School Counseling Graduate Certificate is a 25-credit hybrid program aimed at professionals with a master's degree, looking to obtain a Wisconsin School Counseling license. It combines online and in-person learning to develop skills for supporting students' academic and emotional growth. The program features affordable tuition, flexible scheduling, and includes clinical experience, with a 3.00 GPA requirement for admission. No entrance exam is required, offering a streamlined path for educators to enhance their qualifications and impact in school settings.
- 25-credit flexible program
- Blended online/in-person format
- Resident tuition $585.74 per credit
- Requires master's degree
- Wisconsin School Counseling license
- Clinical experience included
- 3.00 GPA admission requirement
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA - Private 4-year - regent.edu
Graduate Certificate - Certificate of Graduate Studies in School Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
Regent University offers an online Certificate of Graduate Studies in School Counseling, designed for professionals aiming to deepen their expertise in educational mental health support. This 12-credit program focuses on K-12 counseling, blending advanced assessment techniques with comprehensive strategies to address developmental needs. Unique for its Christian worldview, it prepares graduates to meet national school counselor standards without requiring an entrance exam. Flexible online delivery allows working professionals to balance studies with commitments. At $730 per credit, the total cost is $8,760. Ideal for those with a graduate counseling degree seeking to specialize in school settings.
- Online and On-Campus Options
- 12 Total Credit Hours
- Christian Worldview Perspective
- Focuses on K-12 Counseling
- Cost per Credit: $730
- Total Certificate Cost: $8,760
- Requires Graduate Counseling Degree
- Meets School Counselor Standards
What Will I Learn in an Online School Counseling Graduate Certificate Program?
An online graduate certificate in school counseling offers a specific and targeted curriculum designed to refine and expand your skills, all in about one year of study. While the content may vary across providers, students commonly gain additional insights into school counseling at the K-12 level.
Some certificate programs will also allow students to specialize. For example, USC Rossier’s School Counseling Post-Master’s Certificate program offers the choice between 3 focused areas of study:
- College and Career Readiness – to prepare students to meet their future goals.
- Restorative Justice – to help guide students through obstacles like poverty or racism within institutions.
- Trauma-Informed Practice – to interact with students who may have had physical, emotional, and/or mental trauma in their lives.
Alternatively, other certificate programs may adopt a research-based approach, offering advanced studies in school counseling for the purpose of counseling program development and evaluation.
Admissions Requirements for a Graduate Certificate in School Counseling
Enrolling in an online graduate certificate in school counseling requires meeting specific prerequisites, and expectations may vary among colleges and universities. Common admission requirements for such programs typically include:
- Completion of a Related Master's Degree: While the most common pathway is having a master’s degree in a related field (such as a master’s degree in general counseling), some programs may consider applicants with a bachelor’s degree.
- Licensing Status: The requirement for holding an active counseling license may vary among institutions, with some programs accepting students without a current license.
- Transcripts: Submission of official transcripts from previous education and certificates is a standard requirement to evaluate academic background.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): A current resume or CV outlining relevant education and professional experience is often requested as part of the application.
- Essay Questions or Admissions Statements: Many programs seek insight into applicants’ career goals and motivations through essay questions or admissions statements.
- Letters of Recommendation: Applicants are commonly required to provide letters of recommendation, often from non-academic sources who can vouch for the candidate’s qualifications.
- For International Students: Additional educational credentials or skills verification may be necessary for international students.
- GRE Requirement: Some programs may not mandate GRE scores, depending on the school’s policies and the specific type of graduate program selected.
- GPA and Academic Performance: Information regarding GPA and other academic performance indicators may be a requirement for admission.
2025 Affordable Grad Certificate in School Counseling Program Options
Finding an affordable grad certificate in school counseling is key for many students. The table lists options across the USA, showing program highlights and tuition ranges for 2025. Low-cost programs help students manage expenses while gaining valuable skills. It includes details on three schools, focusing on economical choices without sacrificing quality. This info helps you compare and find the best fit for your budget and career goals.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater |
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| Regent University |
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| Campbellsville University |
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2025 Shortest School Counseling Grad Certificate Program Options
Finding the shortest school counseling grad certificate programs can help you start your career faster. These programs are designed for those who want to enter the field quickly without spending years in school. The table lists options across the USA, showing program highlights, graduation rates, and retention rates. Choosing a quickest program means you can begin working sooner, making it a great choice for busy professionals. With options available in various states and cities, you can find a program that fits your needs and schedule.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California |
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| University of North Dakota |
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| Syracuse University |
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List of School Counseling Graduate Certificate Programs By State
Find an online school counseling graduate certificate program today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.
Alaska
Fairbanks, AK
University of Alaska Fairbanks
- Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate, School Counselor
Online Learning - Website
- 30 credit graduate certificate
- Digitally delivered program
- State of Alaska approved
- Requires existing master's degree
- Personalized course planning
Arkansas
Magnolia, AR
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
- Graduate Certificate - School Counseling Graduate Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- Focus on school counseling
- Flexible career advancement
- Skills for student success
- Tailored admissions requirements
California
Los Angeles, CA
University of Southern California
- Graduate Certificate - School Counseling, Post-Master's Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- Online program
- 12 months duration
- $2,244 per unit
- 20 units required
- Focus on college readiness
- Focus on restorative justice
- Focus on trauma-informed practice
- Prepares for PPS credential
Colorado
Alamosa, CO
Adams State University
- Graduate Certificate - School Counseling Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited Master's degree required
- 18 total credit hours
- 600-hour school internship
- Hybrid program format
- Cohorts begin in May
- Requires Colorado residency
- Synchronous weekly internship class
- Three diverse school settings
Delaware
New Castle, DE
Wilmington University
- Graduate Certificate - Advanced Study in School Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- Flexible scheduling
- Taught by experienced faculty
- Supports career advancement
- Contributes to re-certification
- Multiple start dates
- Focus on K-12 students
- Practical learning approach
Georgia
Columbus, GA
Columbus State University
- Graduate Certificate - Post Graduate Certificate in School Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CACREP nationally accredited program
- 61 semester hour degree
- Hybrid learning format
- No teaching experience required
- P-12 school counseling certification
- Eight comprehensive counseling areas
- Flexible learning environments
Illinois
Chicago, IL
DePaul University
- Graduate Certificate - School Counselor Endorsement
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Illinois State Board approved program
- Flexible course scheduling
- 700-hour internship experience
- 32 quarter hours coursework
- Multiple course delivery formats
- Comprehensive counseling curriculum
- Professional educator license path
University Park, IL
Governors State University
- Graduate Certificate - Post Master's School Counseling Certification
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 27-credit hybrid certificate program
- ISBE Licensed Professional Counseling
- Master's degree prerequisite
- 3.0 minimum graduate GPA
- Multiple internship opportunities
- K-12 counseling focus
- Crisis intervention training
- Career coaching components
Kansas
Wichita, KS
Wichita State University
- Graduate Certificate - Clinical Mental Health Counselor to School Counselor Graduate Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 18 total credit hours
- Hybrid program format
- 3.25 minimum graduate GPA
- Licensure preparation program
- Professional counselor transition
- Kansas state licensure focus
- Two professional references required
- Internship and practicum included
Kentucky
Campbellsville, KY
Campbellsville University
- Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in School Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- 12 credit hour certification
- Fully online program
- No teaching certification required
- $310 per credit hour
- Accredited by SACSCOC
- Accepts 9 transfer credits
- Christian values-based education
- Expert doctorate-holding faculty
Massachusetts
Springfield, MA
Springfield College
- Graduate Certificate - Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in School Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 32-credit program
- Hybrid online and on-ground
- Flexible full or part-time
- Prepares for licensure
- Personalized academic advising
- Financial support available
- Starts in September
- Located in Springfield, MA
Maryland
Frostburg, MD
Frostburg State University
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Masters Certificate in Advanced School Counseling Practice
Online Learning - Website
- Online classroom environment
- Summer and Winter Session scheduling
- Prepare for National Counselor Exam
- Advanced electives available
- NCSC credential pathway
Michigan
Kalamazoo, MI
Western Michigan University
- Graduate Certificate - School Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Graduate Certificate for Licensed Counselors
- K-12 School Counselor Licensure
- No Teaching Certificate Required
- Michigan State Regulation Compliant
- Post-Master's Professional Development
Mount Pleasant, MI
Central Michigan University
- Graduate Certificate - Postgraduate School Counseling Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- 15-credit online program
- For CACREP-accredited master's holders
- Flexible online classes
- Onsite internships required
- ASCA National Model focus
- Prepares for Michigan licensure
- 2-3 semesters completion time
Minnesota
Moorhead, MN
Minnesota State University Moorhead
- Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in School Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Online plus hybrid delivery
- 13-credit certificate program
- Requires existing master's degree
- Licensure preparation focus
- Covers counseling theory/practice
- Includes internship/practicum
- ASCA National Model aligned
- Multiple course options
North Carolina
Charlotte, NC
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate in School Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Delivery
- 12 Credit Hours Total
- Summer Program Start
- 300-Hour Internship
- ASCA Standards Aligned
- Multiple School Counseling Roles
- Flexible Professional Schedule
- Master's Degree Required
Greenville, NC
East Carolina University
- Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in School Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- Online graduate certificate program
- 12 semester credit hours
- 600-hour internship requirement
- Leads to NC school counselor licensure
- Designed for existing counseling professionals
North Dakota
Bismarck, ND
University of Mary
- Graduate Certificate - School Counseling Graduate Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 15 credits/5 courses
- Blended learning format
- $640 per credit
- 9-10 months program length
- Meets school counseling credential requirements
- In-person and online options
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required
- Supports elementary/secondary counseling
Grand Forks, ND
University of North Dakota
- Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate School Counseling for Educators
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Graduate Certificate
- Two specialized program tracks
- 23-48 credit hours
- 5-9 semester completion
- Leads to state licensure
- Practicum and internship required
- Live synchronous online classes
- Campus visits during summer
- Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate School Counseling for Educators
Concentration: Educators Track - Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Educators Track
- 48 Total Credit Hours
- 9 Semester Completion Time
- State Licensure Eligibility
- Synchronous Live Online Courses
- Campus Visits Required
- Practicum and Internship Local
- Designed for Education Masters
- Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate School Counseling for Educators
Concentration: Re-Specialization Track - Online Learning - Website
- Online format
- 23 credit hours
- 5 semesters completion
- Re-Specialization Track
- Master's degree required
- State licensure eligibility
- Culturally-responsive curriculum
- Data-driven decision-making
New York
Brockport, NY
SUNY Brockport
- Graduate Certificate - School Counseling (CAS)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 12-credit advanced certificate
- Online/hybrid program format
- Requires prior master's degree
- New York state certification
- Two required core courses
- Two elective courses available
- Must maintain B grade minimum
- Develops advanced counseling skills
Troy, NY
Russell Sage College
- Graduate Certificate - Certificate in School Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 60-credit professional counseling program
- $685 per credit tuition
- Two-year completion timeline
- AAQEP accredited program
- 100-hour practicum experience
- 600-hour internship included
- Late afternoon/evening classes
- Multiple program track options
Ohio
Dayton, OH
University of Dayton
- Graduate Certificate - Certificate in School Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- Four semester program
- 23 total credit hours
- Online/hybrid learning options
- Prepares for OAE Exam
- For current LPC license holders
Oregon
Eugene, OR
Bushnell University
- Graduate Certificate - Certificate in School Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid evening and online format
- 33 total credit program
- 22-month completion time
- Practitioners as instructors
- TSPC accredited program
- 600 hours internship experience
- Requires existing graduate degree
- Preliminary PK-12 Counseling License
Pennsylvania
Bloomsburg, PA
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
- Graduate Certificate - Post Master's Certificate in School Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- Online program delivery
- PDE approved certification
- No GRE required
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Practical in-school experiences
- Flexible start dates
- 48 credit curriculum
- Multicultural counseling focus
Gwynedd Valley, PA
Gwynedd Mercy University
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate in School Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- CACREP-accredited program.
- 100% certification test pass rate.
- Online accelerated format.
- 510 in-person field hours.
- Focuses on PreK-12 counseling.
- Seven-week course blocks.
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
- Master’s degree prerequisite.
Saint Davids, PA
Eastern University
- Graduate Certificate - Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in School Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program delivery.
- 12-24 months completion.
- Multiple start dates.
- Affordable tuition rates.
- Alumni discounts available.
- Financial aid options.
- PK-12 Certification focus.
- Master's degree required.
Texas
San Angelo, TX
Angelo State University
- Graduate Certificate - Texas School Counselor Certification
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online certification program
- 18 total credit hours
- No GRE required
- Bachelor's GPA 2.75 minimum
- Six courses total
- Eight-week term format
- TEA accredited program
- Master's degree prerequisite
Virginia
Virginia Beach, VA
Regent University
- Graduate Certificate - Certificate of Graduate Studies in School Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- Online and On-Campus Options
- 12 Total Credit Hours
- Christian Worldview Perspective
- Focuses on K-12 Counseling
- Cost per Credit: $730
- Total Certificate Cost: $8,760
- Requires Graduate Counseling Degree
- Meets School Counselor Standards
Wisconsin
Plymouth, WI
Lakeland University
- Graduate Certificate - School Counseling Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Post-Master's Certificate Program
- K-12 Professional School Counselor Licensure
- Approved by Department of Public Instruction
- Requires Praxis II Exam
- Includes Practicum and Internship
- Minimum 3.0 Graduate GPA Required
- Hybrid Program Format
- Additional Coursework May Be Required
Whitewater, WI
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
- Graduate Certificate - Educator In School Counseling - Graduate Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 25-credit flexible program
- Blended online/in-person format
- Resident tuition $585.74 per credit
- Requires master's degree
- Wisconsin School Counseling license
- Clinical experience included
- 3.00 GPA admission requirement
- Graduate Certificate - School Counseling Graduate Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 21-credit post-graduate program
- Flexible start terms: spring/summer/fall
- Resident tuition $585.74 per credit
- Requires prior counseling master's degree
- CACREP-accredited institution prerequisite
- Clinical experience focused curriculum
- State professional licensure preparation
