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Counseling: K-12 School Counseling EmphasisCertificate

Effect systemic change within your school as a data-driven and culturally-responsive school counselor.

Make a difference by earning a graduate certificate in K-12 school counseling. This online program prepares school counselors to promote the academic, career, personal and social development of K-12 students.

Program type:
Certificate - Graduate
Format:
Online
Est. time to complete:
3-5 semesters
Credit hours:
15 or 36

Why earn a school counseling graduate certificate online?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
May 1
Spring:
Oct. 1
Summer:
March 1

Designed for working professionals, the online program prepares you to work as a school counselor —helping students overcome obstacles and reach their academic and career goals.

Features of the online school counseling graduate certificate program include:

  • "Live" online classes held in the evening
  • Two four-day visits to UND's campus during summer terms
  • A semester-long practicum and an internship in a school close to your home
  • Support services including library, tech support, accessible office hours and advising

Completion of coursework leads to eligibility for state department of education licensure in North Dakota and may be compatible with licensure requirements in other states.

Accredited School Counseling Program

The online M.A.in Counseling (K-12 School Counseling Emphasis) program is accredited by CAEP, Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and approved by the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices for School Counselor Competencies (ESPB).

Online K-12 Counseling Program at UND

  • Take classes with nationally recognized faculty who have diverse experiences working with children and adolescents in community and school settings.

  • Learn to work effectively with educational and community stakeholders to facilitate positive systemic change.

  • Build data-driven decision-making skills by completing a school-based scholarly project.

Careers as a School Counselor 

8%

Anticipated job growth for school and career counselors

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

575

Median salary for school and career counselors

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

An M.A. in Counseling (K - 12 School Counseling Emphasis) from UND prepares you for a fulfilling career as a professional school counselor in a range of school settings, including:

  • Elementary schools
  • Middle schools
  • High schools

School counselors typically do the following:

  • Evaluate students’ abilities and interests through aptitude assessments, interviews, and individual planning
  • Identify issues that affect school performance, such as poor classroom attendance rates
  • Help students understand and overcome social or behavioral problems through classroom guidance lessons and counseling
  • Counsel individuals and small groups on the basis of student and school needs
  • Work with students to develop skills, such as organizational and time management abilities and effective study habits
  • Help students create a plan to achieve academic and career goals
  • Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents to help students succeed
  • Teach students and school staff about specific topics, such as bullying, drug abuse, and planning for college or careers after graduation
  • Maintain records as required
  • Report possible cases of neglect or abuse and refer students and parents to resources outside the school for additional support

Graduate Courses in School Counseling

COUN 522. School Counseling and Program Management. 3 Credits.

Theory, research, and practice of K-12 school counseling and school counseling program management. S.

COUN 526. Educational Collaboration. 3 Credits.

The course focuses on the knowledge and skills essential to the consulting/collaboration process for professional school counselors in order to effectively support student adjustment and achievement. Collaboration for school improvement, program implementation, and work with parents, educators and professionals in the community is emphasized. Prerequisite: Enrollment in School Counseling Distance Program or permission of instructor.

COUN 534. Child and Adolescent Counseling. 3 Credits.

Theory, research, and practice of child and adolescent counseling. F.

COUN 581. School Counseling Practicum. 1-4 Credits.

Introduction to counseling practice in a school setting. Emphasis on improvement and evaluation of individual and group counseling relationships. Development of skills in applying the role of counselor to the school environment. Prerequisites: COUN 501, COUN 510 and COUN 530, or permission of the instructor; 10 completed COUN credits. Repeatable to 4 credits. S/U grading. S,SS.

COUN 532. Multicultural Counseling. 3 Credits.

This course offers an introduction to counseling theories and interventions appropriate for American ethnic and non-ethnic minority clients. The values suppositions of various cultural groups will be examined. In-class group experience is included.

COUN 519. Career Counseling. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the psychology of careers and to the practice of career counseling. Career development theories, occupational classification systems, assessment instruments, and the use of occupational information for career education and life planning are included. Career counseling strategies for use with a diverse population are introduced.

Explore More Options

Connect with the counseling faculty you'll work with or find additional educational opportunities.

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