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College Counseling

college counselor advising a student

Gain the skills and credentials to guide high school students through the college admissions process.

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Courses
5 Required
2 Elective
Methods
Online
F-1 Visa Eligible

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This program is perfect for...

High school college and career counselors seeking to develop their professional competencies
College admissions personnel interested in high school and institutional processes and protocols
Professionals planning on creating independent educational consulting practices
Teachers and administrators pursuing greater expertise in post-secondary options for their students
Individuals working for educational non-profits or community-based organizations to guide under-resourced students to college

What you can learn.

Explore the unique responsibilities and resources available for guidance and college counselors
Discover the fundamentals of financial aid; types and sources; how to apply; eligibility; and how to best use scholarship search services
Learn the college admissions process, including choosing a school, writing letters of recommendation, and determining acceptance criteria
Discuss the unique needs of specialized college-bound groups, including students with learning differences, undocumented students, LGBTQ+ students, and military veterans

Chart a path to success.

If you have a passion for helping students succeed, an aptitude for working with parents, and the capacity for coaching and goal setting, it’s worth exploring a career in college counseling.

The College Counseling Certificate is designed for secondary school counselors, teachers, career counselors, admissions personnel, and professionals interested in expanding their skillset or establishing independent educational consultancies.

The program is also ideal for college admissions professionals seeking to advise high school students on post-secondary options.

Format: 100% online

Duration: 1-2 years to complete. Typical pace is 1-2 courses per quarter. Start any quarter.

 

student meeting with college counselor

Is a Career in College Counseling Right for You?

college counselor with a student

Perhaps you’re already involved in college admissions counseling or have done some undergraduate study in the field.

Maybe you’re seeking a promotion, contemplating a career change, or looking to open your own consultancy. In all of these circumstances, a certificate program can be right for you.

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Two-week intensive courses.

Explore the field of College Counseling or learn new skills with these short, intensive two-week courses. These courses accompany our main certificate program.

Introduction to College Admissions
An introduction to the numerous aspects of the college admissions process. 

Introduction to Making College Affordable 
Examine issues around the cost of college and college affordability, including the relationship between the admission and financial aid applications.

Introduction to Writing College Essays Part 1: Brainstorming
Explore techniques, standards and ethics for supporting high school students through the college essay writing process.

Introduction to Writing College Essays Part 2: Structure and Review
Learn the essential skills that high school students need to compose college essays: identifying prompts, structuring the essay, managing drafts, and final editing.

 

counselor meeting with a student

Cost and Fees

All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. An application form is required to establish candidacy in this program. From the 'Apply Now' button, complete the online application and pay the application fee if applicable.
Application and Candidacy Fee
$200
Estimated Textbooks and Materials
$200
Estimated Program Tuition
$5620
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Payment Options

Required Courses

We recommend taking these courses in the following order: X414.83, X414.89, X414.90, X414.84, X414.85.

Elective Courses

Customize your experience
Students must complete two elective courses.
EDUC X 414.93

Advanced Business for the Independent Educational Consultant

This course is designed for the IEC who has been in practice for a minimum of four years. This course allows students to re-evaluate the goals, values, and practices of their existing independent educational consulting business in order to move to the next level in this field. 

View Course

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