School Counseling Certificate
Grand View University now offers a dynamic 27-credit graduate certificate program in school counseling. This flexible program is designed for individuals who have completed other graduate programs in counseling-related areas, such as clinical mental health counseling or marriage and family counseling and wish to meet the Iowa educational requirements for school counseling.
The Department of Counselor Education Programs at Grand View University is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every student can engage in the most rewarding work of their career. We actively encourage individuals from all backgrounds and identities to join us as diversity enriches learning and advances the counseling profession. Our curriculum includes a wide range of perspectives and prioritizes multicultural competence, addressing social justice, equity, and issues facing underrepresented groups. We strive to diversify our faculty and staff to enhance our educational offerings and provide varied mentorship opportunities. Additionally, we engage with diverse communities and organizations to enrich our academic programs and provide practical experiences in diverse settings. Each new student brings a unique perspective, enhancing the inclusivity of our program and helping to diversify the counseling profession.
Why Grand View?
- No GRE Required: Streamline your admission process as we focus more on your potential and less on standardized tests.
- Transfer Friendly: Bring up to 12 credit hours of equivalent graduate work from regionally accredited schools (B or better).
- Flexible and Inclusive: Engage in our 27-credit hour program through online coursework tailored for professionals balancing life’s demands. Our program offers Spring and Fall cohorts, allowing you to start your journey when it best fits your schedule.
- Local Internships: Complete your internships and practicums in your geographical area, integrating learning with your community.
- A Commitment to Flexibility and Support: Recognizing the diverse needs of our students, we offer online, seven-week courses that allow you to work around your schedule. Each course is crafted to ensure you are engaged and can manage your studies effectively without sacrificing your personal and professional responsibilities.
View Course Requirements
| Admission and Program Requirements |
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling certificate is competitive and not guaranteed by meeting the minimum requirements. We begin reviewing complete applications in January and continue on a rolling basis. Late applications will be waitlisted until openings are available.
Minimum Eligibility:
- A baccalaureate degree or a completion plan meeting the program's requirements.
- A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or greater, or a GPA of 2.75 or higher in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.
- Completion of the application for admission.
Submit the following:
- Two references (academic or professional) who must complete an online recommendation form.
- Professional resume/cv.
- Unofficial or official transcript from the institution granting your baccalaureate degree.
- Writing Sample: Submit a sample that demonstrates your writing ability and proficiency with APA citations. This sample does not need to be newly written for the application.
- Dedication to Counseling Video: Submit a video (no longer than 7 minutes) addressing the following:
- What motivates your interest in this program?
- What are your career aspirations?
- How do your skills and experiences contribute to the counseling profession?
- How do you approach and overcome personal biases when working with diverse backgrounds?
Video Submission Guidelines:
- One video submission per applicant.
- Upload your video directly through our application portal or email it via WeTransfer as an MP4 file to admissions@grandview.edu.
- If using WeTransfer, create a free account and follow the instructions for uploading. Detailed instructions and support for video submissions are available here.
- Title your video with your full name and include it in the subject line of your email to ensure proper application processing.
Program Requirements (Post-Acceptance)
The following requirements will be met after acceptance but prior to the start of classes:
- Membership in the American Counseling Association (ACA) and professional liability coverage will be required when starting clinical work. Detailed information on how to obtain these will be provided.
- A non-refundable enrollment deposit of $125.00 is required after acceptance to secure your place. This deposit will be credited towards your first semester's fees.
- Ensure the use of relevant keywords throughout the text like "accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program," "online counseling degree," and "flexible counseling education" to improve search engine visibility.
|
| Instructional Methods |
|
Graduate study has often kept non-traditional students away due to barriers such as finances or life circumstances (e.g., disability). This is why this program is perfect for an individual who needs flexibility. Our online, eight-week courses allow students to work around their schedules. Each week, students will be expected to review the course materials, participate in learning activities and complete required assignments. All online classes are led by faculty who are licensed practitioners, leaders, and researchers in the field of counseling and whose work is prominent in the field.
|
After completing the School Counseling Certificate, you will:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the school counseling profession and legal and ethical practice basics.
- Show knowledge, awareness, and skills for counseling work and diverse groups nationally and internationally.
- Express how human growth and developmental stages interact with the counseling process.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills in building, maintaining, and utilizing counseling relationships to address school-related issues and meet student goals.
- Show knowledge and understanding of career development, assessment, and group planning.
- Understand and demonstrate competency with counseling assessments, including knowledge of types of assessments, statistical concepts, and assessment tools.
- Understand the significance of research in informing counseling practice, and demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate available research to inform their counseling work.
- Demonstrate the ability to manage, de-escalate, and appropriately intervene in crisis settings involving students experiencing trauma, significant instability, and risk of suicide.
- Demonstrate skill in assessing and treating students in their practicum and internships clinical experiences.