Online School Counseling Certification Information

Many school counseling programs are secondary, focusing on grades 5-12, but some programs offer training for elementary school and college admissions counseling as well. Because school counselor certification often requires the completion of a master's degree, many colleges and universities offer training online.

School Counseling Certification Requirements

The certification requirements for school counselors vary, and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) provides state-specific information on certification, continuing education requirements and more (www.schoolcounselor.org). Although some candidates do not need to complete a master's degree program, most states require it. On top of a master's degree, many states also require licensing.

Online School Counsel Certification Training

School counseling programs differ in many aspects. While most schools offer a Master of Arts in School Counseling, others offer a Master of Science or a Master of Education. These degree programs are usually available through the human services, counseling or education departments and can be completed with approximately 48-credit hours. For those who already hold a master's degree in a related field, such as psychology, counseling or education, online post-graduate certificates in school counseling, which require the completion of 12-24 credit hours, are available.
Online programs follow the same faculty-led curriculum as on-campus programs; however, online programs differ in the method of delivery. Although some online courses allow students to participate at their own leisure, others have set meeting times each week for online lectures; however, those are often scheduled during the evenings for the convenience of most participants. Upon completion, graduates will be prepared to provide students of all ages and their parent's guidance on social and emotional development, career paths, educational focus and life skills.

School Counselor Distance-Learning Courses

The curriculum trains students to deal with developmental and social issues in children. Students also explore the creation and design of school counseling programs. The following course topics are offered online:

• Counseling theories
• Career counseling
• Lifespan development
• Appraisal, assessment and evaluation
• Group dynamics and process
• Multicultural counseling
• Family systems