GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING 12 HOURS
The Graduate Certificate in Professional Counseling will be offered by the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Individuals who have a master’s degree in counseling (or a related field), but who lack coursework necessary to become licensed as a professional counselor, can pursue this certificate to assist them in meeting the requirements for licensure within their respective state. The Certificate Program will give students the opportunity to strengthen and refine their skills and to obtain foundational knowledge within core counseling areas as required for state licensure.
Admissions Requirements
1. Prerequisites: The applicant must have completed a master’s degree in counseling or a related field with a minimum of 3.00 GPA.
2. Personal essay specifying goals and how the FHU program will help meet those goals (300- 500 words).
3. Freedom from Conviction of Crimes Form.
4. Interview with the Counseling Admissions Committee.
Program Requirements
Certificate students must maintain a minimum of 3.00 GPA in FHU coursework needed for the certificate. A course grade below “C” is not applicable toward meeting certificate requirements. Courses must be completed within a six-year period.
At least four (4) sections must be met to obtain the certificate:
A. Theories of Human Behavior, Learning, and Personality: COU 505 Life-Cycle Development OR 3 COU 555 Theories of Personality (3)
B. Abnormal Behavior and Psychopathology: COU 514 Psychopathology I (3)
C. Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy: COU 510 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3)
D. Evaluation and Appraisal Procedures: COU 520 Assessment I (3)
E. Group Dynamics, Theories, and Techniques: COU 530 Group Counseling (3)
F. Counseling Techniques: COU 501 Clinical Intervention I (3)
G. Multicultural Counseling: COU 560 Counseling Diverse Populations (3)
H. Ethics: COU 535 Ethical Issues in Counseling (3)
I. Research: COU 540 Research Methods in Counseling (3)
J. Use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual: COU 515 Psychopathology II (3)
K. Treatment and Treatment Planning: COU 599B Diagnosis and Treatment Planning (3)