Graduate Certificate: Educational Counseling

The Educational Counseling Certificate is designed to equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge needed to support and guide students in educational settings. This three course, nine-credit online certificate program emphasizes best practices in educational counseling techniques, ethics, cultural responsiveness, and collaboration abilities. It serves as a pathway to a Master of Arts in Counseling for interested and qualified candidates.

Students admitted to or seeking the Educational Counseling certificate only are not eligible for financial aid.

Program Start Dates

The Graduate Certificate: Educational Counseling starts in the following terms: Fall II, Spring I, and Summer I. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Admission Requirements 

Admission to this certificate program has a stand-alone admission policy, separate from our graduate level admission policy. Students who wish to pursue a Master of Arts in Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling (PPSC) with Child Welfare and Attendance Authorization or the Education Specialist Degree in School Psychology (Ed.S) and a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Psychology (PPSP) may use the credits in this certificate program, providing that the graduate admission requirements for each respective program are met. 

Criteria for Admission: 

A completed bachelor's degree from a college or university is required for admission. If an applicant holds a master's degree or higher from a college or university, that degree may be used for admission in lieu of the bachelor's degree.  

Application Documents Required:  

1) Online application 

2) Official transcripts showing the completion of the bachelor's degree (or higher degree). If your transcripts are from a country outside of the United States, an official evaluation report by a NACES accredited institution will be required.

Certificate Requirements

The certificate is awarded upon successful completion of all coursework with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above. A grade of “B-” or higher must be achieved in all certificate coursework.  No transfer credit may be used.

Required Courses

CSPU 500Introduction to Counseling and Interpersonal Relations: Concepts and Skills3
CSPU 511Introduction to the Ethical Practice of School Counseling3
CSPU 512Advanced Counseling and Intervention3
Total Credits9