Oct 06, 2024  
Graduate Catalog | 2021-2022 
    
Graduate Catalog | 2021-2022 Previous Edition

School Counseling, Post-Master’s Certificate


The Post-Master’s Certificate in School Counseling provides graduate level coursework related to school counseling.  Successful completion of the program requirements enables the counselor to be recommended for licensure in school counseling from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.  A minimum of 12 credit hours is required for the post-master’s certificate.  All coursework applied to a certificate must be completed within five years.  Transfer credit is not accepted into the certificate program.  

This program has been designed for counselors who want to become eligible for licensure as school counselors by the Department of Public Instruction in North Carolina.  The completion of this program, in addition to passing the PRAXIS II Specialty Area Test for School Counselors, qualifies students to become licensed School Counselors.  In addition to the required courses, an additional internship may be required should the student need further clinical training.  Any additional coursework is based on the individual review of each applicant’s graduate transcript(s) and selected program option.

The certificate program is available online through Distance Education only for those applicants from CACREP-approved programs who qualify for CAS-level licensure [Options A and B].  Visit distanceed.uncc.edu for additional information. 

Additional Admission Requirements


  1. A master’s degree in counseling from a college or university accredited by an accepted accrediting body in Agency Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Community Counseling, or Rehabilitation Counseling
  2. Written application to Graduate Admissions accompanied by the application fee in effect
  3. A Statement of Purpose
  4. Letter(s) of Recommendation
  5. Official transcripts (undergraduate/graduate)

Candidates wishing to begin in Summer or Fall semesters must submit their application by March 1 to the Graduate School.

Certificate Requirements


Program Options


Option A


For counselors who graduated from a 60 credit CACREP accredited program in Agency Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Community Counseling, or Rehabilitation Counseling. 

Based on a review of the applicant’s transcript, a program of study is designed that indicates the counselor has completed the below Course Requirements. 

Upon successful completion of Option A and a passing score on the PRAXIS II test, candidates are eligible for CAS-level Licensure in School Counseling.

Option B


For counselors who graduated from CACREP accredited programs in Agency Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Community Counseling, or Rehabilitation Counseling with less than 60 credit hours.

Based on a review of applicant’s transcript, a program of study is designed that is equivalent to a 60 credit school counseling program, including the below Course Requirements. 

Upon successful completion of Option B and a passing score on the PRAXIS II test, candidates are eligible for CAS-level Licensure in School Counseling.

Option C


For counselors who graduated from non-accredited counseling programs in Agency Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Community Counseling, or Rehabilitation Counseling. 

Based on a review of applicant’s transcript, a program of study is designed that is equivalent to a 48 credit school counseling program, including the below Course Requirements.

Candidates successfully completing Option C and passing the PRAXIS II test are eligible for M-level Licensure.

Total = 12 Credit Hours


Additional Program Requirements and Information


In addition to completing required courses, students must pass the PRAXIS II Specialty Area Test for School Counseling to qualify for state licensure. Registration and information are available at ets.org.

Upon completion of all coursework and passing the PRAXIS II, candidates are admitted to candidacy and must apply for graduation at the start of their last semester.  Candidates must also make application for their school counseling license a month prior to program completion in the TEAL Office.