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.

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.

List of Online or In-Person School Counseling Graduate Certificate Programs

Find an online or campus-based graduate certificate program in school counseling today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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Joel Gill

Joel Gill is a writer with a background in psychology. He earned his Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and has a deep interest in the human mind and behavior. Joel's writing often explores themes related to mental health, relationships, and personal growth. When he’s not writing, Joel enjoys cycling, meditation, and spending time with his family.

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