collagePost Masters School Counseling Certificate Programs Online are contributing greatly to the field of education. It took me several months to analyze the best Post Masters School Counseling Certificate Programs Online for school counseling certification pa and school counseling certification ny . The programs that I have outlined, are great for either full-time or part-time. Either way, they all have one thing in common, they are affordable.
School counseling certification online is an important part of a school counselor’s life. If you want to provide counseling to children then it is imperative that you have this certificate. Learn about the details pertaining to obtaining a school counseling certification.
school counseling certificate online
- University of West Alabama
Education Specialist in Counseling (Non-Certification)
University of West Alabama offers an online, Non-Certification degree track to aspiring Education Specialists in Counseling. This program is designed to be flexible and accessible
- Aurora University
Post-MSW Professional Educator’s License
Take on Aurora University’s online Post-MSW Professional Educator’s License program. This accredited online program requires students to have their MSW degree, designed to broaden students
- University of West Alabama
Education Specialist in School Counseling
The University of West Alabama offers an online Education Specialist in School Counseling. This program focuses on leadership, advocating for students, and counseling them in
- Jackson State University
Education Specialist in School Counseling
The online Education Specialist in School Counseling program prepares masters and specialist level students for careers in professional counseling. The curriculum provides the professional skills
- Jacksonville State University
Educational Specialist in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The online EdS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program from Jacksonville State University prepares graduate students for success as they aspire to counseling positions in clinical…
- SUNY College at Brockport
Certificate of Advanced Study in School Counseling
The online Certificate of Advanced Study in School Counseling program from SUNY College at Brockport is designed specifically for professionals who already hold a master’s in…
- University of West Georgia
Education Specialist in Professional Counseling
University of West Georgia offers an online Specialist in Education degree with a major in Professional Counseling. This program is designed mainly for learners who…
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Post-Master’s Certificate in School Counseling
University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers an online Post-Master’s Certificate degree in School Counseling. Through this program, individuals will gain education on community counseling,…
- University of Missouri-Columbia
Educational Specialist in Mental Health Practices in Schools
Whether you are a school counselor, teacher, administrator or mental health professional, the EdS in Mental Health Practices in Schools online can enhance your resume…
- Valdosta State University
Education Specialist in School Counseling
Valdosta University offers an online Education Specialist degree in School Counseling. This program is for professionals who want to utilize their skills to the highest…
- University of the Cumberlands
Education Specialist in School Counseling
University of the Cumberlands offers an Education Specialist degree in School Counseling. This program is for those seeking an advanced degree after their master’s degree to…
- University of Georgia
Education Specialist in Educational Psychology, Gifted & Creative Education
University of Georgia offers an online Education Specialist degree in Educational Psychology, Gifted & Creative Education. This program is based around the philosophy of gifted…
- Morehead State University
Education Specialist in School Counseling
The online Education Specialist in School Counseling program prepares counselors for career advancement. This program is for students who want to gain a high level
- Hampton University
Specialist in Education in Counseling
The online Education in Counseling post-graduate program provides professionals who hold a master’s in counseling a path to further advance in their profession.
Types of Certificates in Counseling
Counseling is a broad field with many specializations to choose from. Licensed counselors can complete certificate programs to gain specialized knowledge or earn a dual license in another area of counseling. Certificate programs are available in all the major areas of counseling specialties and typically range in length from six months to two years of study that may be taken full-time or part-time. They may include a practicum or internship as part of the curriculum. Learn more about counseling certificate programs in each of these fields below.
Marriage and Family Therapy Certificate
Certificate programs in marriage and family therapy (MFT) provide practicing counselors with the opportunity to become dually-licensed to provide MFT services or can bridge the gap if your master’s in MFT doesn’t meet licensing standards. They can also be helpful for licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) to learn more about a specific area of practice. Certificates leading to licensure are offered in marriage and family therapy or marital and family therapy while areas of specialization in MFT include couples therapy, family therapy, child and adolescent development, and systems theories. A certificate in marriage and family therapy may require students to complete supervised work experience as this is a common licensure requirement. To learn more, read our MFT degree guide.
Mental Health Counseling Certificate
Mental health counseling involves the psychotherapeutic assessment and treatment of mental and emotional disorders in individual and group settings. Certificates in this area of specialization include clinical mental health counseling, mental health counseling, and professional counseling. In every state, a master’s degree in mental health counseling is required for state licensure; certificate courses can be helpful to candidates with a graduate degree that does not meet licensure requirements or to licensed counselors interested in focusing their practice in a specific area, such as child and youth mental health, co-occurring disorders, and mental health and aging. Learn more about the opportunities available to counseling degree and certificate holders in our Mental Health Counseling Degree Guide.
Rehabilitation Counseling Certificate
Rehabilitation counselors specialize in assessing and helping clients with disabilities adapt to daily life and develop functional abilities. Certificates in this field are offered in rehabilitation counseling and related fields such as rehabilitation studies and disability studies among others. State licensing requirements vary and applicants should determine whether a certificate program meets the guidelines if they hope to earn licensure as a rehabilitation counselor. Earning a certificate in rehabilitation counseling may also increase employment opportunities or enable graduates to command a higher salary. If you’d like to learn more about degrees and certificates in rehabilitation counseling, read our rehabilitation counseling degrees guide.
School Counseling Certificate
School counselors work with students of all grades ranging from pre-K to 12th grade and provide guidance and support related to personal, academic, and behavioral issues. Some states require school counselors to complete educator preparation programs and earn teaching experience before they are eligible for school counselor roles. A master’s degree is required for full licensure in all states, but those who have a master’s degree in a subject other than school counseling may often complete a school counseling certificate to meet licensure requirements. Review our guide to school counseling degrees to learn more about the degree and certificate options in this specialty of counseling.
Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate
Substance abuse counselors, also known as addiction counselors, have specialized knowledge in substance abuse, addiction, chemical dependency, and recovery issues and help clients and their loved ones address these challenges. In many states, a high school diploma and related work experience are acceptable to earn licensure, and certificate programs can help substance abuse counselors gain in-depth knowledge and training and may provide greater employment opportunities. Some states require prospective substance abuse counselors to complete specific training in substance abuse and addiction; completing a certificate may be one way to meet these requirements. Certificates may be offered in substance abuse counseling, substance abuse studies, addiction counseling, addiction studies, and chemical dependency counseling. Take a look at our Substance Abuse Counseling Degree Guide to learn more about these options.
Post Masters School Counseling Certificate Programs Online
Clark College
Clark College in Washington offers an undergraduate Certificate of Completion (CP) in Addiction Counselor Education that requires a minimum of an associate degree to apply. This National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC)- and National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC)-approved 60-credit program is intended to equip people who are already in counseling or a related field to deliver substance abuse services to clients. Students in the CP program are from many fields, including law enforcement, healthcare, corrections, social services, and teaching. Graduates will be prepared to take the Washington Chemical Dependency Professional exam and to provide quality care to patients suffering from addictions. The CP-Addiction Counselor Education can be completed in 12 months of full-time study. Clark also offers a related Associate of Applied Science (AAS) qualifying students to become certified in Washington as Chemical Dependency Professionals (CDPs) and an Associate of Arts (AA) for future transfer students.
Indiana State University
Aspiring mental health counselors may be interested in the graduate-level Mental Health Counselor Certificate offered by Indiana State University (ISU). This program is designed for individuals with a 48-credit master’s degree in counseling who require additional graduate-level coursework in counseling to meet Indiana counseling licensure requirements. The certificate curriculum focuses on providing additional hours of clinically-supervised work experience and meeting any coursework deficiencies according to Indiana state regulations. As state guidelines vary, prospective applicants practicing in other states should confirm whether the ISU program meets out-of-state licensure requirements. Applicants must have pre- and post-degree clinical experience and provide clinical supervision references. Financial aid may be available to qualified students.
John Hopkins University
John Hopkins University (JHU) in Baltimore offers a part-time, post-master’s Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling for applicants with a master’s degree in counseling or a related field. Students must complete 15 credits in a maximum of three years with applications accepted for the fall and spring terms. Courses are chosen in consultation with an academic advisor to ensure each student meets their study and career goals. Course examples include Appraisal and Testing for Counselors, Diagnosis in Counseling, and Counseling Techniques. The application package includes college and university transcripts, a resume, a reflective essay, two references, and the online application form. JHU also offers a Master of Science in Counseling with concentrations in school counseling or clinical mental health counseling.
St. Thomas University
St. Thomas University (STU) in Biscayne, Florida, has a Post-Master’s Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy designed to help counseling professionals develop in-depth understanding of marital, family, and systems theories. The program may appeal to licensed social workers, nurse practitioners, mental health counselors, and school counselors seeking dual licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). The curriculum includes 18 credits of graduate coursework; examples of courses include Theory and Practice of Counseling Couples and Human Sexuality Counseling. Applicants should have a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, such as social work or psychology. STU also offers master’s degrees in Guidance and Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling.
University of Massachusetts Boston
The University of Massachusetts Boston offers a Certificate in Rehabilitation Counseling designed for applicants with a graduate degree in a related field, such as behavioral health, occupational therapy, and disability studies. The program prepares students to take the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) exam through a curriculum of seven courses that cover topics such as rehabilitation foundations, case management, and counseling theory. Applicants must have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, related experience, and a letter of reference. New students are admitted in the spring and summer terms. The University of Massachusetts Boston also offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in Rehabilitation Counseling.
Columbus State University
Individuals looking for an MFT program with maximum flexibility may be interested in the Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy offered fully online through Columbus State University. This certificate is a 15-credit program taken through asynchronous methods, enabling students to complete course requirements from anywhere at any time. The program was created to help professionals working with couples and families gain in-depth knowledge of the theories and methods underlying marriage and family therapy. The courses may meet continuing education requirements or dual licensure requirements in Georgia, but applicants are advised to check state guidelines before enrolling. Courses are taught in seven-week blocks and cover topics such as the psychological needs of couples and families, professional ethics, and treatment planning.
University of North Carolina-Charlotte
Prospective school counselors may wish to consider the University of North Carolina-Charlotte’s Post-Master’s Certificate in School Counseling. This certificate is intended for professionals with related graduate degrees, such as mental health counseling or marriage and family therapy, who would like to earn state licensure as a school counselor. Students are admitted for a summer term start date and complete all certificate requirements online. Out-of-state applicants are accepted but are responsible for ensuring the certificate meets state requirements in their practice location. Applicants must have an accredited counseling degree and apply with three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and all college and university transcripts, including undergraduate study. Completed application packages are due in March.
University of South Dakota
The University of South Dakota (USD) offers a Certificate in Mental Health Counseling to help mental health counselors who do not have a 60-credit graduate degree meet state licensure requirements. Students take four courses, comprising 12 credits, fully-online; course topics include clinical supervision, crisis intervention, and psychopathology. These online courses are based on the same content as USD’s on-campus CACREP-accredited Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. New applicants are admitted during the fall, spring, and summer terms, although not all courses are offered during each term. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate and graduate degrees and submit three letters of reference. Work experience in the mental health counseling field is considered advantageous. USD also offers an MA degree with a specialization in school counseling and a PhD in counseling education and supervision.
Utah State University
The post-graduate Certificate in Rehabilitation Counseling offered at Utah State University (USU) is a one-year online program that prepares students to take the CRCC exam. It is designed for applicants with graduate-level training in a field other than rehabilitation counseling, such as behavioral health, psychology, or human services. Applicants must have at least 36 months of related work experience including 24 months of supervised rehabilitation counselor work. The program includes eight courses comprising 22 credits including courses such as Psychosocial Aspects of Disability and Rehabilitation Services and Resources. Applications are accepted for fall, spring, and summer start dates.
school counseling certification ny
There are more than 2.6 million students in New York state. School counselors support each student’s academic, social, emotional, and vocational development by providing comprehensive standards-based services through guidance counseling, family support, and community collaborations.
Initial New York School Counselor Certification
The state of New York offers two pathways to school counselor certification, depending upon your earned education and experience. The initial certification for counselors is a Pupil Personnel Service- Provisional Certificate. This certificate is valid for five (5) years.
Step 1: Education Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
- Master’s degree in school counseling from a New York State registered program with institutional recommendation for school counselor (obtained with an online statement on the institution’s website), such as programs offered from the following schools:
- Capella UniversityMS in School Counseling, PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision Click here to contact Capella University and request information about their programs.
- Grand Canyon UniversityM. Ed in School Counseling (leads to initial Licensure) Click here to contact Grand Canyon University and request information about their programs.
- USC – Rossier School of EducationBecome a professional school counselor in K-12 settings with an online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling from top-ranked USC Rossier School of Education. Complete in as few as 20 months. Click here to contact USC Rossier School of Education and request information about their programs.
- University of DenverEarn a Master’s degree in School Counseling online from the University of Denver. Learn from doctoral-level faculty in live classes and gain experience through mock counseling and in-field training. No GRE required. Click here to contact University of Denver and request information about their programs.
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university with at least 30 completed graduate credit hours that focus on subjects related to school counseling and a supervised internship completed in a K-12 school setting.
Step 2: Criminal Background Check
All applicants must be cleared by the New York State Education Department. In order to complete these requirements, you will need to submit fingerprints by using MorphoTrust/IDEMIA to complete the process. The application fee for this service is $101.75.
Approved locations are across the U.S. For more information, or to schedule an appointment to submit your fingerprints, call MorphoTrust/IDEMIA at 877-472-6915. You can also schedule your appointment online.
Step 3: Examination Requirements
As of February 2020, there is no examination requirement for New York school counselor certification.
Step 4: Know the Fees
Applicants for a New York school counselor certification will pay either $50 or $100, depending on the type of education and experience used for obtaining a certification.
Step 5: Organize Your Application Materials
Your application materials include the following:
- Completed profile and application through the through the TEACH online services system
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities you have attended, including transfer credits that led to earned degree
- Verification of paid experience form, if applicable, downloadable here
- Completion of training in the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), which addresses forms of discrimination in schools. This training totals nine (9) clock hours. For a list of all approved training providers, visit this website
- Completion of Child Abuse Identification and School Violence Prevention and Intervention workshops, if you are applying without a completed master’s degree in school counseling.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
New York school counselor certification applications are only submitted online through the TEACH online services system.
All supporting materials should be sent in one complete packet to:New York State Education Department
Office of Teaching Initiatives, Room 5N EB
89 Washington Avenue
Albany NY 12234
Supporting documentation must contain identifying information, including:
- Date of birth or a portion of date of birth
- Last four digits of your Social Security Number
- Your current name, as it is listed exactly in your TEACH account
school counseling certification pa
School counselors in Pennsylvania serve more than 1.7 million students. Because the effectiveness of counseling programs depends on successful implementation of comprehensive programming, school counselors develop guidance plans for each campus, and collaborate with multiple stakeholders who make up the District Advisory Council:
- Teachers and Administrators
- Students
- Parents
- Business and Community Leaders
- Post-Secondary Education Representatives
Using the American School Counselors Association Framework, Pennsylvania counselors incorporate prevention and intervention services for students at all grade levels.
Initial Pennsylvania School Counselor Certification
The school counseling credential in Pennsylvania is an Education Specialist I certificate (Type Code 31) with an Elementary and Secondary School Counselor (Subject Code 1839) credential. Counselors who hold this certificate are qualified to serve students in prekindergarten through grade 12. This certificate is valid for six (6) years.
Step 1: Education Requirements
Master’s degree in school counseling from a department approved certificate program, such as the following programs:
- Capella UniversityMS in School Counseling, PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision Click here to contact Capella University and request information about their programs.
- Grand Canyon UniversityM. Ed in School Counseling (leads to initial Licensure) Click here to contact Grand Canyon University and request information about their programs.
- USC – Rossier School of EducationBecome a professional school counselor in K-12 settings with an online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling from top-ranked USC Rossier School of Education. Complete in as few as 20 months. Click here to contact USC Rossier School of Education and request information about their programs.
- University of DenverEarn a Master’s degree in School Counseling online from the University of Denver. Learn from doctoral-level faculty in live classes and gain experience through mock counseling and in-field training. No GRE required. Click here to contact University of Denver and request information about their programs.
Step 2: Criminal Background Check
In order to obtain a Pennsylvania counselor credential, you must complete a criminal background check, which includes:
- Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance – $13 processing fee
- Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Records Check – $22 processing fee
- Federal Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) – $23.85 processing fee
Step 3: Examination Requirements
To obtain a School Counselor certificate in Pennsylvania, you must earn a combined GPA and qualifying score on the Professional School Counselor Exam (ETS Test Code 5421). For more information about this exam, or to register for a test date, visit the Praxis website.
| Qualifying Score | GPA |
|---|---|
| 161 | 2.80-2.99 |
| 156 | 3.0 |
| 155 | 3.01-3.25 |
| 154 | 3.26-3.50 |
| 152 | 3.51-3.75 |
| 151 | 3.76-4.0 |
Step 4: Application Materials Checklist
Your application materials include the following:
- Completed profile and application through the through the Pennsylvania Teacher Information Management System (TIMS)
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities you have attended, including transfer credits that led to earned degree
- Proof of qualifying score for the Professional School Counselor Exam (ETS Test Code 5421) and GPA
- $200 or $260 initial application fee, depending upon where you completed your school counseling preparation program
Step 5: Know the Fees
Application fees vary based on where you completed your school counseling preparation program. The $200 or $260 feed is payable online via the TIMS portal with a VISA, MasterCard, or Discover card only.
You can also submit your application fee with a U.S. Money Order, payable to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with the printable coversheet you receive at the end of the TIMS application process.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
The Pennsylvania application for school counseling credential is submitted online via the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS).
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