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.
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.
Jump to Your State Listings
Alabama
Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849
(334) 844-4000
Arizona
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ 85287
(855) 278-5080
California
Point Loma Nazarene Universit
, CA
Louisiana
Louisiana State University Shreveport
, LA
Minnesota
Minnesota State University Moorhead
, MN
Missouri
Missouri State University-Springfield
Springfield, MO 65897
(417) 836-5000
New York
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549
(516) 463-6600
SUNY Brockport
Brockport, NY 14420-2919
(585) 395-2361
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