Graduate Certificate in Educational Counseling
Designed for educators, administrators, and counselors, this Educational Counseling Certificate builds skills needed to support and guide students effectively.
Program Overview
Elevate your career with our Educational Counseling Graduate Certificate, designed for educators, administrators, and counselors. This three-course program provides essential skills in counseling techniques, ethics, and cultural responsiveness. Ideal for those looking to enhance their effective support of students as well as those interested in pursuing a master’s degree in school counseling, our program includes 10 hours of online field-based simulated experiences per course, providing relevant experience in educational counseling.
- Apply Credits Towards Your Master’s Degree - Students pursuing a Master of Arts in Counseling or Educational Psychology with the appropriate PPSC can apply these nine school counseling certificate credits toward their master’s degree, assuming they meet graduate admissions requirements.
- Three Year-Round Starts - The Graduate Certificate in Educational Counseling features three year-round starts: Fall II, Spring I, and Summer I.
Next Session
Spring I (Jan 6, 2025)
Estimated Tuition
$730/Credit
Help me estimate my costWays to Learn
Online
University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Admission Requirements
Applicants for this graduate certificate program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:
- Completed application
- Official transcripts showing the completion of the bachelor's degree (or higher degree)
If you have transcripts from a country outside of the United States, an official evaluation report by a NACES accredited institution will be required.
Students admitted to the standalone Educational Counseling certificate are not eligible for financial aid.
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Graduate Certificate in Educational Counseling Curriculum
Ways to Get Started
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few frequently asked questions about the Graduate Certificate in School Counseling.
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A Graduate Certificate in Educational Counseling can open doors to a variety of rewarding career paths. Here are some common opportunities:
- School Counselor: Help students navigate academic, social, and personal challenges, providing guidance on course selection, college applications, and career planning.
- College Admissions Counselor: Evaluate applications, interview prospective students, and assist with the admissions process.
- Career Counselor: Work with individuals of all ages to identify their strengths, interests, and goals, helping them explore and secure suitable career paths.
- Educational Consultant: Provide independent counseling and guidance to students and their families, offering personalized support and advice.
- Student Affairs Professional: Work in higher education settings to support student success, addressing academic, social, and personal needs.
- Training and Development Specialist: Design and deliver training programs to help individuals and organizations develop their skills and knowledge.
Additional roles might include working in community-based organizations, government agencies, or private counseling practices. The specific career opportunities available may vary depending on your location, experience, and specialization within educational counseling.
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The certificate program requires 30 hours of fieldwork, with 10 hours allocated for each of the three courses. Fieldwork involves fully online curated simulated experiences designed to increase candidates' familiarity with the field of educational counseling.
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This Graduate Certificate in Educational Counseling requires only 9 credits, three courses at UMass Global. Based on UMass Global’s 8-week sessions, you can earn this graduate certificate in only four months.
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A counseling certificate can be valuable for a variety of individuals, depending on their professional goals and personal interests. Here are some groups of people who might consider pursuing a counseling certificate:
- Aspiring Counselors and Therapists — For those who want to start a career in counseling or therapy but may not yet be ready to commit to a full degree program, a certificate can provide foundational knowledge and skills.
- Educators and Teachers — Teachers or education professionals who want to better support their students’ mental health and emotional well-being might pursue a counseling certificate to enhance their ability to identify and address students’ needs.
- Social Workers — Social workers who want to specialize in counseling or add counseling skills to their toolkit may find a certificate useful for expanding their practice.
- Healthcare Professionals — Nurses, doctors, or other healthcare providers who wish to improve their ability to support patients’ mental and emotional health may benefit from counseling training.
- Human Resources Professionals — HR professionals dealing with employee relations, workplace stress, or conflict resolution might pursue a counseling certificate to enhance their ability to manage these issues effectively.
- Clergy and Religious Leaders — Religious leaders who provide pastoral care may seek counseling certification to better support their congregants in times of need.
- Coaches and Mentors — Life coaches, career coaches, and mentors who work closely with individuals on personal or professional development may find a counseling certificate helps them address deeper issues with their clients.
- Individuals Seeking Personal Development — Those interested in personal growth or in helping friends and family members through difficult times may pursue a counseling certificate for personal enrichment.
- Volunteers and Community Workers — People involved in volunteer work, especially in roles that support vulnerable populations, may pursue counseling certification to better serve their communities.