Post-Master’s School Counseling Certificate Programs
A post-master’s school counseling certificate is a graduate credential for people who already hold a master’s degree and want the coursework and internship needed for a state school counseling credential. It doesn’t license you on its own. Your state decides that, so check its education agency before you enroll.
Priya has been a licensed clinical mental health counselor for six years. She’s good at it. But she keeps drifting toward the teenagers on her caseload, and she’d rather work with them where they spend their days. So she looks up school counseling, and she hits a wall. Her master’s doesn’t include the school counseling coursework her state wants. It doesn’t include a supervised internship in a school either.
Going back for a second master’s feels like starting over. A post-master’s certificate is the shorter route many people in Priya’s spot look at first. The programs below range from 12 to 48 credits, from online to hybrid, and from a single summer cohort to rolling admission. This guide explains how they work for someone who already holds a graduate degree: what you’ll take, what the internship demands, and who each program fits best.
What a Post-Master’s School Counseling Certificate Is
Who it fits
The certificate is built for people who already have a graduate degree. That usually means clinical or community counselors like Priya. Some programs also take teachers with a master’s in education or people with a closely related degree. If you don’t have a master’s yet, this isn’t your path. A full school counseling master’s is.
What it usually includes
Programs vary, so treat this as a general picture. Most certificates cover the school counseling coursework your first degree lacked, such as the school counselor’s role, consultation with teachers and families, and designing a school counseling program. Nearly all include a supervised internship in a school. The university reviews your transcript and decides which earlier courses count, which is why two people entering the same certificate can end up with very different course lists.
What it doesn’t do
A certificate is not a state credential. Depending on the state and pathway, the university may recommend you or verify that you completed the program, and the state agency issues the credential. It’s also worth being clear about accreditation. CACREP accredits school counseling degree programs, and you can browse our list of CACREP-accredited school counseling programs. It doesn’t accredit the certificate itself. When this page shows CACREP status, it describes the master’s program at that university. To check a specific program, search the CACREP directory.
Certificate vs. Ed.S. vs. a Second Master’s
A post-master’s certificate is the most targeted option. You take only the courses you’re missing, plus the internship. It’s usually the fastest of the three, though the length depends on how much of your earlier work the university accepts.
An Ed.S., or education specialist degree, sits between a master’s and a doctorate. Some Ed.S. programs are advanced degrees for working counselors. Others are a first route into school counseling. Kansas State, for example, describes its Ed.S. as its entry-level school counseling degree. Read each program’s description closely, because the same label can mean different things.
A second master’s is the longest route. It makes sense if a program won’t accept much of your earlier work, or if your state specifically requires a full school counseling master’s. Some universities will transfer part of your first degree, which can shorten it.
If you’re unsure which fits, ask each program for a written transcript review. It tells you exactly what you’d still need to take.
What to Look for in a Certificate Program
Credits and how they’re counted
The certificates here run from 12 credits to a 48-credit minimum. That gap can reflect how a program counts your earlier master’s work. Always ask how many credits you’d actually take after a transcript review, not just the headline number.
Whether your master’s qualifies
Several programs require a master’s in counseling from a CACREP-accredited program. Others accept education or a related field. If your degree comes from a non-CACREP program, expect to ask about extra coursework.
The internship
This is the make-or-break piece. The programs that state their hours require school-based internships of 300 to 600 hours. Ask who finds your site, whether you can complete it near home, and how it fits around your job.
Start dates and deadlines
Some programs admit one cohort a year. Others admit on a rolling basis. A missed deadline can cost you a year, so check before you plan.
Your state
Many post-master’s programs are designed around the credentialing requirements of the state where the university is located, but requirements and portability vary. That’s the factor that matters most if you plan to practice somewhere else.
How We Chose These Programs
We reviewed post-master’s school counseling certificates at universities whose school counseling master’s program is accredited by CACREP, verified against the CACREP register on September 30, 2026. For each university, we confirmed the certificate on its own program pages and recorded what they say about credits, format, fieldwork and who the program serves. Any program whose CACREP status shows a teach-out, closure, show-cause or withdrawal would be excluded. CACREP accredits the master’s program, not the certificate, so the accreditation shown describes the degree program at that university. Where CACREP lists a status other than plain Accredited, we give the status and the date. This list covers the programs we have confirmed, not every program that may offer a certificate. Universities are listed alphabetically, not ranked. Requirements, length and cost change, so confirm the details with the university before you enroll. CACREP accreditation is not the same as state approval, so check your own state board’s requirements.
Post-Master’s Certificates at a Glance
| Program | State | Credits | Format (per the university) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Michigan University | MI | 15 | Online | Michigan counselors who want a near-home internship |
| East Carolina University | NC | 12 semester hours | Confirm with the program | Counselors who want a short course list and a 600-hour internship |
| Governors State University | IL | 27 | Hybrid | Illinois counselors seeking the Professional Educator License |
| Gwynedd Mercy University | PA | 48 minimum on the curriculum sheet | Online, seven-week courses | Master’s holders who want one class at a time |
| Indiana Wesleyan University | IN | Confirm with the program | Online with 2 to 3 day intensives | Counselors who want online classes with short campus visits |
| Missouri Baptist University | MO | 12 (certified-teacher track) | Online | Missouri students who want a newly launched program |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | NC | 12 | Online, cohort | Counselors from clinical, family or rehabilitation backgrounds |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | WI | Confirm with the program | Confirm with the program | Counselors whose master’s has a different emphasis |
| Western Michigan University | MI | 15 minimum | Confirm with the program | Michigan counselors, with or without a teaching certificate |
| Winthrop University | SC | Confirm with the program | Alternating in-person and online terms | Counselors in the Carolinas |
Post-Master’s School Counseling Certificate Programs
Programs are listed alphabetically. Each profile starts with the student it fits best, then explains how the certificate works, what the internship asks of you, and what to confirm before you apply.
Central Michigan University: Postgraduate School Counseling Certificate
Best for: Licensed counselors who want Michigan school counselor licensure without leaving their jobs
Location: Mount Pleasant, MI | Credits: 15 | Length: 2 to 3 semesters
Format: Online, per the university
Start dates: Fall only. Applications are due August 1 for the first fall term and September 15 for the second
Fieldwork: A school internship you can complete near home, as long as a qualified site supervisor is available
Admission: A master’s in counseling from a CACREP-accredited program
Accreditation: CMU’s school counseling master’s program is CACREP-accredited through October 31, 2029
CMU built this certificate for counselors who want to add a Michigan school counselor license. Every class is online, and the curriculum teaches the ASCA National Model. The university estimates two to three semesters from start to finish. Our guide to becoming a Michigan school counselor covers the state path.
The detail that matters most for working counselors is the internship. CMU says you can complete it in a location convenient to you, as long as a qualified site supervisor is available. If you already work near a school that would host you, that removes the hardest logistical step. The tradeoff is timing. The program starts only in the fall, so a missed deadline can cost you a full year.
Good to know: CMU says the certificate itself is not CACREP-accredited. It also says students from non-CACREP master’s programs may need additional coursework. Before you apply, ask for a transcript review so you know which category you fall into.
East Carolina University: School Counseling Certificate
Best for: Professionals with a graduate degree in counseling who want a short course list and a substantial school internship
Location: Greenville, NC | Credits: 12 semester hours
Fieldwork: A 600-hour internship in a school, including at least 240 hours of direct service
Admission: A graduate degree in counseling. Apply through the ECU Graduate School’s online application
Accreditation: ECU’s school counseling master’s program is CACREP-accredited through March 31, 2030
ECU’s certificate has just four courses: Counseling in Schools, Counseling Children and Adolescents, and two counseling internships. The curriculum follows the ASCA National Model and emphasizes culturally responsive practice and equitable programs for all students. For a counselor who already has strong clinical skills, that mix focuses on what’s different about school settings.
The coursework is light, but the fieldwork isn’t. The internship requires a school placement and 600 clock hours, with at least 240 of them spent working directly with students. If you work full time, line up your placement before you apply, because that’s where most of your time will go.
Good to know: ECU’s page doesn’t state the delivery format, so confirm whether coursework is online. Also confirm with North Carolina’s Department of Public Instruction that the certificate meets licensure requirements for you.
Governors State University: Post Master’s School Counseling Certificate
Best for: Illinois counselors with a master’s in counseling or psychology who want the Professional Educator License
Location: University Park, IL | Credits: 27
Format: Hybrid, with on-campus and online components, per the university
Start dates: Fall or spring. Applications are due February 15 for fall and August 15 for spring
Fieldwork: A school practicum and two school counseling internships
Admission: A master’s in counseling, psychology or a related field
Accreditation: Governors State’s school counseling master’s program is CACREP-accredited through March 31, 2031 (Progress Report Required)
The Illinois State Board of Education has approved this program to prepare candidates for the Professional Educator License in school counseling. The 27 credits include an introduction to school counseling, school counseling program development, the practicum and two internships. If you plan to work in an Illinois district, state approval is the feature that matters most. Our guide to becoming an Illinois school counselor covers the state path.
The university also lists 18 hours of counseling prerequisite coursework, so check whether your master’s already covers it. Two start terms give you more flexibility than a once-a-year cohort. Governors State says it requires evidence that you’ve passed the Illinois Licensure Testing System school counselor content exam before it recommends you for the license. Illinois generally includes this test in its pathway, though some applicants may qualify for a waiver or alternative, so check with the Illinois State Board of Education.
Good to know: Governors State’s page describes the certificate as accredited by CACREP through March 31, 2031. That date matches the master’s program in CACREP’s register, and CACREP accredits degree programs, not certificates. Hybrid means some campus time, so ask what the schedule looks like.
Gwynedd Mercy University: Online Post-Master’s School Counseling Certification
Best for: Master’s holders in counseling, education or a related field who want Pennsylvania certification through a structured online path, one class at a time
Location: Gwynedd Valley, PA | Credits: 48 minimum on the curriculum sheet
Format: Online, one class at a time in seven-week blocks
Fieldwork: Over 500 hours of in-person field experience
Admission: A master’s degree from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 GPA, plus official transcripts
Accreditation: Gwynedd Mercy’s school counseling master’s program is CACREP-accredited through October 31, 2032
Gwynedd Mercy’s certification program is built for people who already hold a master’s and want Pennsylvania school counselor certification. Coursework is online, and the accelerated format means you take one class at a time in seven-week blocks. That rhythm suits people who can’t juggle several courses alongside a job, and it makes each term’s workload predictable. See our Pennsylvania certification requirements for the state side.
Unlike some programs here, Gwynedd Mercy accepts master’s degrees in education or closely related fields, not only counseling. The curriculum sheet lists a practicum and two internships, and the field experience totals over 500 hours in person, so you’ll need a school site near you.
Good to know: The curriculum sheet we reviewed sets a 48-credit minimum and is for the 2022-23 year. That’s far higher than the 12-credit programs here, so ask for a transcript review to see how many credits you’d actually take. Also confirm the current requirements and the exact field hours. Pennsylvania testing requirements depend on your pathway, so ask the program and the state about any exemptions for licensed counselors.
Indiana Wesleyan University: Post-Master’s Counseling Certificate, School Counseling
Best for: Counselors whose master’s doesn’t line up with state school counseling standards, and who want online coursework with a few short campus visits
Location: Marion, IN
Format: Online coursework with 2 to 3 day intensives for key courses, per the university
Fieldwork: A practicum and two internships in approved local school settings
Admission: A master’s in counseling from an accredited institution, including institutions accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education
Accreditation: Indiana Wesleyan’s school counseling master’s program is CACREP-accredited through October 31, 2030
Indiana Wesleyan offers a post-master’s certificate for people who hold a master’s in counseling and find that their coursework and clinical experience don’t match their state’s school counseling requirements or national certification standards. That’s a common situation for clinical counselors, and the program is designed around it. Most coursework is online, and you attend short intensives for key courses. See our Indiana certification requirements to compare.
The internships take place in approved local school settings, which helps if you live far from campus. Ask the program how placements are arranged and who supervises them.
Good to know: The intensives mean travel and time off, so ask for the dates before you apply. Also ask for the credit total and confirm that the certificate meets your own state’s requirements.
Missouri Baptist University: Graduate Certificate in School Counseling
Best for: Missouri counselors and certified teachers who want a newly launched certificate aligned with state requirements
Location: St. Louis, MO | Credits: 12 for the certified-teacher track
Format: Online, per the university
Admission: A CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling. Students in Missouri Baptist’s clinical mental health counseling master’s can enroll at the same time
Accreditation: Missouri Baptist’s school counseling master’s program is CACREP-accredited through August 31, 2027 (Progress Report Required)
This certificate launched for fall 2026. It’s designed for people who already hold a CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling, and the university says it aligns with Missouri’s requirements for K-12 school counselor certification. Because it’s tied to state requirements, it’s most useful if you plan to work in Missouri. See our Missouri certification requirements for the details.
The page lists 12 credit hours for certified teachers, so check what other applicants need. If you’re still finishing a clinical mental health counseling master’s at Missouri Baptist, you can take the certificate alongside it.
Good to know: The program is brand new, so there’s no graduate track record yet. Missouri Baptist’s CACREP cycle also ends August 31, 2027, sooner than any other program on this list, and CACREP lists a progress report requirement. Ask where it stands before you apply.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte: Post-Master’s Certificate in School Counseling
Best for: Licensed counselors with a master’s in clinical mental health, rehabilitation, couples and family or another counseling specialty
Location: Charlotte, NC | Credits: 12
Format: Online, cohort model, one course at a time, per the university
Start dates: One summer start a year. The application deadline is February 1
Fieldwork: A 300-hour supervised internship with weekly supervision seminars
Admission: A master’s in counseling, three recommendations, a statement of purpose, a resume and transcripts
Accreditation: UNC Charlotte’s school counseling master’s program is CACREP-accredited through October 31, 2034
UNC Charlotte’s certificate has four courses: the professional school counselor, consultation, advocacy and leadership, and an advanced internship. You take one course in each summer session and two in the fall, moving through the cohort together. For a working counselor, one course at a time keeps the load manageable.
Your path depends on your first master’s. The university reviews your transcript and designs a program of study. Counselors from 60-credit CACREP programs follow the shortest route, while graduates of shorter or non-accredited programs may take more courses. After the certificate and passing North Carolina’s required Praxis school counseling exam, you can be recommended to the NC Department of Public Instruction for licensure. See our North Carolina certification requirements for the full picture.
Good to know: The cohort is admitted once a year, so a missed February 1 deadline means waiting until the next cycle. Out-of-state applicants are welcome but must check their own state’s requirements first. Alumni work in districts including Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Cabarrus County and Guilford County schools.
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater: School Counseling Certificate
Best for: Counselors with a CACREP-accredited master’s in another emphasis who want school counseling training
Location: Whitewater, WI
Fieldwork: A 600-hour internship over one or two semesters, with experience at both the elementary and secondary levels
Admission: A master’s in counseling from a CACREP-accredited institution, in an emphasis other than school counseling
Accreditation: UW-Whitewater’s school counseling master’s program is CACREP-accredited through March 31, 2032
This certificate is built for counselors who trained in another emphasis, such as clinical mental health, and now want school counseling preparation. Courses are taken in sequence and cover crisis intervention and trauma counseling, the role of the school counselor, and consultation and collaboration, ending with an advanced internship. Trauma and crisis work is a strong fit for counselors who already have clinical backgrounds. Our guide to becoming a Wisconsin school counselor covers the state path.
Faculty decide whether your internship takes one semester or two, based on your needs. That individual approach can help or slow you down, so ask early what your plan would look like. You’ll need placements at both the elementary and secondary levels, which gives you a full view of the role before you finish.
Good to know: If your master’s isn’t from a CACREP-accredited counseling program, UW-Whitewater says additional coursework, or its counseling master’s, may be required. The catalog excerpt we reviewed doesn’t state the format or credit total, so confirm both.
Western Michigan University: School Counseling Certificate
Best for: Michigan counselors seeking a school counselor license without a teaching certificate, or an endorsement on an existing Michigan teaching certificate
Location: Kalamazoo, MI | Credits: 15 minimum
Start dates: The application deadline is in January
Admission: A CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling, two letters of recommendation and transcripts. No graduate admissions test is required
Accreditation: WMU’s school counseling master’s program is CACREP-accredited through October 31, 2031 (Progress Report Required)
WMU’s certificate serves people with a CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling who want to qualify in Michigan. It leads to either a K-12 school counselor license, with no Michigan teaching certificate required, or a counseling endorsement on a current Michigan teaching certificate. That two-route design makes it useful for both career changers and teachers who already hold a Michigan certificate.
The university recommends you for the credential, and you must pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) School Counselor exam and send your scores to WMU. Depending on your background, WMU may require added foundational coursework, which can lengthen the 15-credit minimum.
Good to know: WMU says the certificate doesn’t qualify for federal financial aid unless you take it alongside a master’s or doctoral degree. Ask about funding before you commit.
Winthrop University: Post-Graduate Certificate in School Counseling
Best for: Counselors in the Carolinas who want a recommendation for both South Carolina and North Carolina school counseling licenses
Location: Rock Hill, SC | Length: 1 to 2 years
Format: In-person and online terms alternate, per the university’s course listings
Start dates: Rolling admission, with no deadline
Admission: A master’s from a CACREP-accredited program, or one that follows the CACREP curriculum, completed within the last 10 years
Accreditation: Winthrop’s school counseling master’s program is CACREP-accredited through October 31, 2033
Winthrop’s certificate is for people with a master’s in community counseling, clinical mental health counseling or a related field. On completion, the university says you’ll be recommended for school counseling licensure in both South Carolina and North Carolina. That’s useful if you live near the state line or might move. See our South Carolina certification requirements for the state side.
Rolling admission means you can apply when you’re ready instead of waiting for a cohort. The university lists some courses online and others in person in a given term, so ask which terms offer which before you plan around your job.
Good to know: The 10-year recency requirement can rule out older degrees. Ask the program how it counts your graduation date, and ask for the credit total.
Before You Enroll: Your State Decides
This is the part people skip, and it’s the part that matters most. Finishing a certificate doesn’t give you a state credential. Each state sets its own requirements for school counselors, including the degree, the coursework, the internship hours and any exams. Exam requirements vary by state and pathway. Michigan, Illinois and North Carolina each use their own exams, and some pathways offer waivers or alternatives, so confirm what applies to you. A program in another state may prepare you well and still leave you short of your own state’s list.
So work backward. Start with your state’s education agency, find what it requires, and then ask each program whether its certificate meets it. ASCA keeps a state-by-state requirements page that’s a useful starting point. Ask about financial aid too, since Western Michigan notes that its certificate doesn’t qualify unless paired with a degree. Our guide to how school counselor certification works by state explains the process and where to find your state’s requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a school counselor with a post-master’s certificate?
Often, yes, but it depends on your state and your first degree. The certificate fills the school counseling coursework and internship your master’s didn’t cover. Your state then decides whether that combination meets its requirements. Ask the program and your state agency before you enroll.
How long does a post-master’s certificate take?
It varies a lot. Central Michigan estimates two to three semesters. Winthrop says one to two years. UNC Charlotte runs a single cohort that starts each summer. The main factor is how much of your earlier coursework the university accepts, so ask for a transcript review.
Do I need a teaching license or classroom experience to enroll?
It depends on the program and the state. Western Michigan, for example, says its license route needs no Michigan teaching certificate. Missouri Baptist lists a separate 12-credit track for certified teachers. Teaching experience can affect credential or internship requirements in some states, so check the current rules for your state, along with the program’s admission rules.
Is a post-master’s certificate the same as an Ed.S.?
No. A certificate is a set of targeted courses. An Ed.S. is a degree, usually with more credits. Some Ed.S. programs prepare you to enter school counseling and others advance a counselor’s existing career, so read the program description closely.
Can I finish the internship while working full time?
Be cautious here. Central Michigan lets you complete the internship near home with a qualified site supervisor, and UNC Charlotte has you take one course at a time. But school internships run 300 to 600 hours and usually happen during the school day. Ask each program how its students manage that.
- Built for people with a master’s: A post-master’s certificate adds school counseling coursework and an internship to a graduate degree you already hold.
- Credits vary widely: The programs here run from 12 credits to a 48-credit minimum, so ask for a transcript review before you compare.
- Not a state credential: Your state agency issues the credential, so check its requirements before choosing a program.
- Accreditation applies to the master’s: CACREP accredits the university’s school counseling master’s, not the certificate itself.
- The internship is the real commitment: Plan for 300 to 600 school hours and line up your site early.
If you’re comparing paths, start with the state where you plan to practice. Your state’s requirements should decide which program fits, and which route is shortest for you.
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