certificate

College Counseling

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

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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.

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.

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 (5)

Elective (2)

Required Courses

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

Introduction to Counseling for College Admission

EDUC X 414.83