{"id":13486,"date":"2019-10-23T10:26:59","date_gmt":"2019-10-23T15:26:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/?post_type=program&#038;p=13486"},"modified":"2026-09-18T15:45:10","modified_gmt":"2026-09-18T20:45:10","slug":"counseling-non-degree","status":"publish","type":"program","link":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/program\/counseling-non-degree\/","title":{"rendered":"School Counseling Graduate Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW213167204 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW213167204 BCX0\">The <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW213167204 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW213167204 BCX0\">Southern Arkansas University <strong>School Counseling Graduate Certificate<\/strong><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW213167204 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW213167204 BCX0\"> provides a focused, non-degree pathway to K\u201312 school counselor licensure for individuals who already hold a master\u2019s degree in a <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW213167204 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW213167204 BCX0\"><strong>counseling-related field<\/strong>.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW213167204 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW213167204 BCX0\"> The 12-credit-hour program allows qualified candidates to build upon their previous graduate education without completing a second master\u2019s degree.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW213167204 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Program Format &amp; Flexibility<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Delivery<\/strong>: <span class=\"TextRun SCXW41582238 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW41582238 BCX0\">Hybrid or online with a required five-day summer on-campus intensive<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Program Duration<\/strong>: <span class=\"TextRun SCXW2120971 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW2120971 BCX0\">Typically 1 year<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Start Dates<\/strong>: Rolling admissions with starts in Summer, Fall, and Spring<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Overview<\/h3>\n<p>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. <strong>Based on the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model<\/strong>, candidates learn to design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive school counseling programs using data-informed and evidence-based practices.<\/p>\n<p>The certificate is designed for individuals who already hold a master\u2019s degree in a counseling-related field and need specialized K\u201312 school counseling coursework and supervised school-based experiences to pursue Arkansas school counselor licensure.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"TextRun SCXW55272897 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW55272897 BCX0\">Why Choose SAU for School Counseling?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW55272897 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Focused Pathway<\/strong>: Build upon a previous counseling-related master\u2019s degree without completing a second full master\u2019s program.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Personalized Support<\/strong>: Faculty and staff are dedicated to student success through SAU\u2019s caring campus philosophy.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Affordability<\/strong>: Complete the specialized school counseling requirements through a nationally accredited program at a competitive tuition rate.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Real-World Readiness<\/strong>: Apply prior counseling knowledge within K\u201312 school settings through specialized coursework and supervised elementary and secondary experiences.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Accreditation<\/strong>: Southern Arkansas University is accredited by the <strong>Higher Learning Commission (HLC)<\/strong>, and the School Counseling program is nationally accredited through the <strong>Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Skills You Will Gain<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Comprehensive School Counseling<\/strong>: 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Counseling and Crisis Response<\/strong>: Develop the skills to provide individual student planning, responsive services, small-group counseling, and effective crisis prevention and response for K\u201312 students.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Leadership, Advocacy, and Collaboration<\/strong>: Build the leadership, advocacy, consultation, and collaboration skills needed to advocate for students and work effectively with educators, families, and community partners.<\/li>\n<li><strong>School-Based Practice<\/strong>: Apply counseling knowledge and skills through supervised experiences at both the elementary and secondary levels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"TextRun SCXW72623192 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW72623192 BCX0\">Faculty &amp; Digital Learning Environment<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW72623192 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:60,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Learn from experienced counselor educators and school counseling practitioners who bring real-world K\u201312 experience into every course. Our supportive learning environment is designed to prepare candidates for success while fostering meaningful connections with faculty and classmates.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Flexible hybrid or online coursework designed for working professionals.<\/li>\n<li>Practical, hands-on resources and experiences to build your professional school counseling toolbox.<\/li>\n<li>Interactive learning, collaboration, and networking opportunities that foster lasting professional relationships.<\/li>\n<li>Personalized faculty support and advising throughout the program, including Program Director Suzy Toms, Assistant Professor and Director of Counseling Programs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Curriculum &amp; Pathways<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW243759325 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243759325 BCX0\">The School Counseling Graduate Certificate requires 12 credit hours of specialized school counseling coursework and supervised experience.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW243759325 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW249021351 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW249021351 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 3\">Advanced Pathway<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW249021351 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:281,&quot;335559739&quot;:281}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Add to a Standard Teaching License<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For individuals who hold a master\u2019s degree in a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">counseling-related field<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and a valid Arkansas teaching license.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Initial Licensure Pathway<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For individuals who hold a master\u2019s degree in a counseling-related field but do not hold a teaching license. Admission to the initial licensure pathway requires completion of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/program\/teaching-certificate\/\">EDUC Certificate <\/a>(four MAT classes).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Signature Course Experience \u2013 COUN 6763<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW125131854 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW125131854 BCX0\">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.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW125131854 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Southern Arkansas University School Counseling Graduate Certificate provides a focused, non-degree pathway to K\u201312 school counselor licensure for individuals who already hold a master\u2019s 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\u2019s degree.\u00a0 Program Format &amp; Flexibility Delivery: Hybrid&#8230; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/program\/counseling-non-degree\/\"> Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":12761,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":"","_genesis_title":"","_genesis_description":"","_genesis_noindex":"","_genesis_nofollow":"","_genesis_noarchive":"","_genesis_canonical_uri":"","_open_graph_title":"","_open_graph_description":"","_twitter_title":"","_twitter_description":"","_social_image_url":"","_social_image_id":"","redirect":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"college_department":[18312,75,18307],"delivery":[28836,28834],"types":[28851,28839],"class_list":["post-13486","program","type-program","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","college_department-counseling-and-professional-studies","college_department-college-of-education","college_department-school-of-graduate-studies","delivery-hybrid","delivery-online","types-graduate","types-grad-certificate","entry"],"acf":{"page_layout":"standard","landing_page_url":"","department_college":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/education\/academic-programs\/cps\/\">Counseling and Professional Studies<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/education\/\">College of Education and Human Performance<\/a>","badge_text":"","Number_of_Hours":"12","tuition_instate":"","tuition_outstate":"","estimated_total_tuition":"","start_dates":"Rolling admissions (Fall, Spring, and Summer)","duration":"1 year","Degree Plans":"<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.saumag.edu\/preview_program.php?catoid=11&amp;poid=2707&amp;returnto=407\">2026-2027<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","Program_Contact_Info":"[dirswitch contacts=\"toms-suzy\"]","Catalog Entry":"<strong>Core Courses (6 hours)<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>COUN 6123 - Foundations of School Counseling<\/li>\r\n \t<li>COUN 6763 - Development and Administration of School Counseling Program<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Supervised Experience (6 hours)<\/strong>\r\nSelect 6 hours from the following:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>COUN 6653 - Internship I in Elementary School Counseling *<\/li>\r\n \t<li>COUN 6673 - Internship II in Elementary School Counseling *<\/li>\r\n \t<li>COUN 6803 - Internship I in Secondary School Counseling *<\/li>\r\n \t<li>COUN 6823 - Internship II in Secondary School Counseling *<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nNote:\r\n*Internships must consist of both an elementary and secondary experience.","minor_requirements":"","Admission Requirements or Deadlines":"<h3>Prerequisites<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Applicants must hold a master\u2019s degree in a <strong>counseling-related field<\/strong> from an accredited institution.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>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.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Graduate degrees in Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Administration, or other non-counseling disciplines do <strong>not<\/strong> qualify for the School Counseling Graduate Certificate.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Applicants must meet the admission requirements for the School Counseling program.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Admission requirements differ depending on whether the applicant is pursuing the advanced or initial licensure pathway.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Applicants pursuing the <strong>initial licensure pathway<\/strong> must complete the <strong>EDUC Certificate<\/strong> (four MAT classes).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Each applicant\u2019s previous master\u2019s-level transcript will be reviewed to determine whether the coursework meets the foundational requirements of the School Counseling program. Depending on the applicant\u2019s previous graduate coursework, additional courses beyond the 12-credit-hour certificate may be required.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>GMAT and GRE scores are not required.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Prospective candidates should contact the <a href=\"shtoms@saumag.edu\">Program Director<\/a> to discuss their educational background, previous graduate coursework, licensure status, and professional goals.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","careers":"<strong>Career Outlook<\/strong>: Employment of school counselors is projected to grow over the next decade, reflecting continued demand for qualified professionals in K\u201312 schools.\r\n\r\n<strong>Career Readiness<\/strong>: Candidates complete supervised school counseling experiences at both the elementary and secondary levels.\r\n\r\n<strong>Focused Investment<\/strong>: The 12-credit-hour certificate allows qualified candidates to build upon a previous counseling-related master\u2019s degree while completing the specialized requirements needed to pursue Arkansas school counselor licensure.","faq":[{"faq_question":"Who is eligible for the School Counseling Graduate Certificate? ","faq_answer":"The certificate is intended for individuals who already hold a master\u2019s degree in a <b> counseling-related field<\/b>, such as Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Rehabilitation Counseling, College Counseling and Student Affairs, or a closely related counseling discipline. \r\nGraduate degrees in Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Administration, or other non-counseling disciplines do <b>not<\/b> qualify for the certificate pathway. \r\nContact the Program Director to discuss your educational background and determine whether your graduate degree meets the admission requirements. "},{"faq_question":"How many credit hours are required? ","faq_answer":"The School Counseling Graduate Certificate requires 12 credit hours: 6 hours of specialized school counseling coursework and 6 hours of supervised internship experience. "},{"faq_question":"Will I need to take any courses beyond the 12-credit-hour certificate? ","faq_answer":"Possibly. Each applicant\u2019s previous master\u2019s-level transcript will be reviewed to determine whether the coursework meets the foundational requirements of the School Counseling program. Candidates whose previous graduate program did not include all required foundational content may need to complete additional coursework. "},{"faq_question":"Is a teaching license required? ","faq_answer":"No. The School Counseling Graduate Certificate offers pathways for both licensed teachers and individuals seeking initial school counselor licensure. Prospective candidates should contact the Program Director to determine which pathway and requirements apply to them. "},{"faq_question":"Are both elementary and secondary internship experiences required? ","faq_answer":"Yes. The 6 hours of supervised experience must include both an elementary and a secondary school counseling placement. "},{"faq_question":"Can I become licensed in another state? ","faq_answer":"The SAU School Counseling program is designed to meet Arkansas school counselor licensure requirements. Candidates seeking licensure in another state should contact their state\u2019s licensing agency to determine specific requirements and whether additional coursework or experiences may be needed. "},{"faq_question":"Is this program entirely online? ","faq_answer":"The certificate is offered in a hybrid or online format and includes a required five-day summer on-campus intensive as part of COUN 6763. Supervised internship experiences are typically completed in approved elementary and secondary schools within or near the candidate\u2019s local community. 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