certificate

College Counseling

This seven-course certificate provides the skills needed to guide high school students to college. Format: Online

This program is perfect for...

  • High school college and career counselors who want to develop their professional competencies
  • Individuals working in an educational non-profit or community-based organization, guiding under-resourced students to college
  • Individuals who are interested in developing an independent educational consulting practice
  • Teachers who want to be better informed about post-secondary options for their students
  • College admissions personnel who want to become more familiar with high school processes and other institutions' protocols

What you can learn.

  • Explore the differences between guidance and college counseling, the college counselor's unique responsibilities, and available resources
  • Discover the fundamentals of financial aid, including types and sources of financial aid, how to apply, who is eligible, and how to use scholarship search services
  • Learn the college admissions process, including choosing a school, writing letters of recommendation, and determining admissions criteria
  • Become familiar with college counseling for groups of students with unique needs, such as those with learning disabilities, undocumented students, students who are members of the LGBT community, and transfer students

About this program.

student meeting with college counselor

The College Counseling Certificate is designed for secondary school counselors, teachers, career counselors, admissions personnel, and others who want to develop their professional competencies, or are interested in establishing an independent educational consulting practice. This program is also ideal for college admissions professionals who want to help high school students identify post-secondary options.

Format: 100% online

Duration: 1-2 years to complete (typical progress is 1-2 courses per quarter). Start any quarter.

 

counselor meeting with a student

Two-Week Intensive Courses

Explore the field of College Counseling or learn new skills with these short, intensive two-week courses. These courses are a compliment to the certificate program.

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

Introduction to Writing College Essays
Explore techniques, standards and ethics for supporting students through the college essay writing 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.

Mentorship Program: One-on-One Guidance

Work one-on-one with an instructor of your choice to help build your path to a successful career in college counseling. This unique mentoring program is available to alumni and current students who have taken at least three College Counseling certificate courses.

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What this certificate has done for our students.

82%

feel the certificate helped them switch positions

73%

feel more confident in their counseling skills

90%

work in a position they envisioned doing after graduating

25%

found a new position in less than 3 months after graduating

Source: UCLA Extension College Counseling Alumni Survey

Courses

Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.

Required Courses
We recommend taking these courses in the following order: X414.83, X414.89, X414.90, X414.84, X414.85.
EDUC X 414.83
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
EDUC X 414.89
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
EDUC X 414.90
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
EDUC X 414.84
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
EDUC X 414.85
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Elective Courses
Students must complete two elective courses.
EDUC X 414.96
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
EDUC X 414.98
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
EDUC X 414.99
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
EDUC X 414.80
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Estimated Cost Breakdown

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 & Candidacy Fee

100.00

Estimated Program Tuition

5320.00

Estimated program textbook/materials

200.00

*The Application & Candidacy Fee establishes your candidacy in the program for a period of time covering normal progress toward completion and may allow you to access a variety of program benefits.

**Federal Financial Aid Gainful Employment Disclosures

The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges and universities to disclose certain information for any financial aid eligible program that, “prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation”. This information includes program costs; occupations that the program prepares students to enter; occupational profiles; on time completion rate; and for the most recent award year: the number of students who have completed the program, the number of students who complete the program within the estimated duration, the job placement rate, and the median Title IV and private loan debt incurred by those who complete the program. For gainful employment information for this program, visit our Financial Aid page.

Contact Us

Speak to a program representative. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.
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