School Counselor Certification

  • Certificate
A woman in a red dress and navy blue blazer holding a laptop speaks with a student in casual wear in a hallway

Our School Counselor Certification is a post-master’s program designed for students who already hold a master’s degree in counseling and wish to become certified school counselors in New Jersey. This flexible, individually tailored program meets the New Jersey Department of Education requirements to become a school counselor. 

Based on prior coursework, students complete between 12-18 credits, which includes a 600 hour internship experience in a school setting. If you’re already a professional counselor, and would like to transition into the school system, this is your next step. 

See the curriculum.

Admission Requirements

  • Equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
  • Applicants with non-U.S. degrees: Please visit the international applicants page to review U.S. degree equivalency information.
  • This is a post-master’s program, requiring a master’s in counseling or counselor education from an accredited U.S. college or university.
  • Applicants with a GPA below 2.9 will not be considered for admission.
  • *F1/J1 visa seeking students are not eligible for this program.

Application Checklist

  • Application Deadline: Rolling admission.
  • Online Application: Submit application and $60 non-refundable fee (or waiver if applicable).
  • Transcript: One from each college attended.
  • Essays/Personal Statement: Please write an integrated essay providing a response to each of the following questions.
  • What are your goals for graduate study and your future career?
  • In what ways do your academic background and your professional experiences provide evidence of your potential for success in the program you selected and in your eventual career?
  • Please give specific examples of relevant coursework and/or experience.
  • Is there any further information we should consider in assessing your candidacy?
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two.

Questions? We're Here to Help.

Graduate Admissions Office

Get guidance on every step of the application process, from admission requirements and deadlines to transcripts, test scores and next steps toward enrollment. The Office of Graduate Admissions provides the information and resources needed to put forward a strong application.

Program Coordinator: Allison Dickens

Explore the curriculum, faculty, research and outcomes. The Program Coordinator can help you connect the program to your goals.