The Southern Arkansas University School Counseling Graduate Certificate provides a focused, non-degree pathway to K–12 school counselor licensure for individuals who already hold a master’s degree in a counseling-related field. The 12-credit-hour program allows qualified candidates to build upon their previous graduate education without completing a second master’s degree.
Program Format & Flexibility
- Delivery: Hybrid or online with a required five-day summer on-campus intensive
- Program Duration: Typically 1 year
- Start Dates: Rolling admissions with starts in Summer, Fall, and Spring
Overview
The School Counseling Graduate Certificate prepares candidates to become professional school counselors who advocate for the academic, career, and social/emotional success of all students. Based on the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, candidates learn to design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive school counseling programs using data-informed and evidence-based practices.
The certificate is designed for individuals who already hold a master’s degree in a counseling-related field and need specialized K–12 school counseling coursework and supervised school-based experiences to pursue Arkansas school counselor licensure.
Why Choose SAU for School Counseling?
- Focused Pathway: Build upon a previous counseling-related master’s degree without completing a second full master’s program.
- Personalized Support: Faculty and staff are dedicated to student success through SAU’s caring campus philosophy.
- Affordability: Complete the specialized school counseling requirements through a nationally accredited program at a competitive tuition rate.
- Real-World Readiness: Apply prior counseling knowledge within K–12 school settings through specialized coursework and supervised elementary and secondary experiences.
- Accreditation: Southern Arkansas University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and the School Counseling program is nationally accredited through the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
Skills You Will Gain
- Comprehensive School Counseling: Learn to design, implement, manage, and evaluate a data-informed comprehensive school counseling program aligned with the ASCA National Model while maximizing direct and indirect services for students.
- Counseling and Crisis Response: Develop the skills to provide individual student planning, responsive services, small-group counseling, and effective crisis prevention and response for K–12 students.
- Leadership, Advocacy, and Collaboration: Build the leadership, advocacy, consultation, and collaboration skills needed to advocate for students and work effectively with educators, families, and community partners.
- School-Based Practice: Apply counseling knowledge and skills through supervised experiences at both the elementary and secondary levels.
Faculty & Digital Learning Environment
Learn from experienced counselor educators and school counseling practitioners who bring real-world K–12 experience into every course. Our supportive learning environment is designed to prepare candidates for success while fostering meaningful connections with faculty and classmates.
- Flexible hybrid or online coursework designed for working professionals.
- Practical, hands-on resources and experiences to build your professional school counseling toolbox.
- Interactive learning, collaboration, and networking opportunities that foster lasting professional relationships.
- Personalized faculty support and advising throughout the program, including Program Director Suzy Toms, Assistant Professor and Director of Counseling Programs.
Curriculum & Pathways
The School Counseling Graduate Certificate requires 12 credit hours of specialized school counseling coursework and supervised experience.
Advanced Pathway
Add to a Standard Teaching License
For individuals who hold a master’s degree in a counseling-related field and a valid Arkansas teaching license.
Initial Licensure Pathway
For individuals who hold a master’s degree in a counseling-related field but do not hold a teaching license. Admission to the initial licensure pathway requires completion of the EDUC Certificate (four MAT classes).
Signature Course Experience – COUN 6763
This five-day summer intensive is the hallmark of the SAU School Counseling program. Candidates gain hands-on experience applying the ASCA National Model while developing and delivering a comprehensive school counseling program.
Curriculum
Core Courses (6 hours)
- COUN 6123 – Foundations of School Counseling
- COUN 6763 – Development and Administration of School Counseling Program
Supervised Experience (6 hours)
Select 6 hours from the following:
- COUN 6653 – Internship I in Elementary School Counseling *
- COUN 6673 – Internship II in Elementary School Counseling *
- COUN 6803 – Internship I in Secondary School Counseling *
- COUN 6823 – Internship II in Secondary School Counseling *
Note:
*Internships must consist of both an elementary and secondary experience.
Admissions
Prerequisites
- Applicants must hold a master’s degree in a counseling-related field from an accredited institution.
- Qualifying graduate degrees may include Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Rehabilitation Counseling, College Counseling and Student Affairs, or a closely related counseling discipline.
- Graduate degrees in Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Administration, or other non-counseling disciplines do not qualify for the School Counseling Graduate Certificate.
- Applicants must meet the admission requirements for the School Counseling program.
- Admission requirements differ depending on whether the applicant is pursuing the advanced or initial licensure pathway.
- Applicants pursuing the initial licensure pathway must complete the EDUC Certificate (four MAT classes).
- Each applicant’s previous master’s-level transcript will be reviewed to determine whether the coursework meets the foundational requirements of the School Counseling program. Depending on the applicant’s previous graduate coursework, additional courses beyond the 12-credit-hour certificate may be required.
- GMAT and GRE scores are not required.
- Prospective candidates should contact the Program Director to discuss their educational background, previous graduate coursework, licensure status, and professional goals.
Career Outcomes
Career Outlook: Employment of school counselors is projected to grow over the next decade, reflecting continued demand for qualified professionals in K–12 schools.
Career Readiness: Candidates complete supervised school counseling experiences at both the elementary and secondary levels.
Focused Investment: The 12-credit-hour certificate allows qualified candidates to build upon a previous counseling-related master’s degree while completing the specialized requirements needed to pursue Arkansas school counselor licensure.
Related Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the School Counseling Graduate Certificate?
Graduate degrees in Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Administration, or other non-counseling disciplines do not qualify for the certificate pathway.
Contact the Program Director to discuss your educational background and determine whether your graduate degree meets the admission requirements.
