School Counseling Certificate
Department of Interdisciplinary Professions
Are you interested in becoming a licensed professional school counselor?
Do you currently hold a Master’s degree in counseling (e.g.. Clinical Mental Health, Student Affairs and College Counseling)?
Are you interested in pursuing a career in school counseling and licensure in the state of North Carolina?
If so, a school counseling certificate may be the perfect fit for you! This program will prepare counseling professionals for a position as a school counselor at the elementary, middle, or high school level. The certificate is appropriate for counseling professionals who hold a master’s degree in a different counseling specialization from a CACREP-accredited program (accredited at the time of graduation) and are seeking licensure in North Carolina as a school counselor.
Through its programs in counselor education, East Carolina University® now offers this interdisciplinary graduate certificate.
Addressing needs for school counselors
This certificate will equip graduates for positions as professional school counselors working in school settings to support the academic, personal, social-emotional, and postsecondary development of all students. The certificate is appropriate for professionals who currently hold graduate degrees in counseling. This certificate is intended to increase awareness of the roles and responsibilities of school counselors in accordance with the ASCA National Model and to adequately prepare counselors to demonstrate culturally responsive practices, delivering a comprehensive school counseling program that is equitable for all students.
Curriculum
For this certificate, students complete 12 semester hours of required courses and an internship experience. The internship experience requires placement in a school setting and a total of 600 clock hours, to include at least 240 clock hours of direct service.
- COAD 6406: Counseling in Schools (3 semester hours).
- COAD 6370: Counseling Children & Adolescents (3 semester hours).
- COAD 6991: Counseling Internship I (3 semester hours).
- COAD 6992: Counseling Internship II (3 semester hours).
Frequently asked questions
Below are some frequently asked questions, and more questions can be answered by inquiring ECU’s certificate for school counseling.
What is the current job outlook for professional school counselors?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of school and career counselors is likely to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030. School counselors play a vital role in the academic, personal, social-emotional, and postsecondary development of all students.
When are classes held?
The certificate is offered online, including synchronous and asynchronous courses.
How do I apply?
Applicants should apply through the ECU Graduate School online application. Faculty review applications and contact interested individuals. Visit gradschool.ecu.edu for more information.
How long does it typically take for students to complete the certificate?
Most students complete the program in one full year, including two summer sessions.
Will the coursework enable me to become licensed as a school counselor?
The curriculum for the certificate program is in accordance with the NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), that qualify students to obtain their license as a school counselor.