COLLEGE ADMISSIONS COUNSELING CERTIFICATE

Faculty member walking with Villanova students on campus

Every year, the college admissions process becomes increasingly complex and competitive. Villanova University is at the forefront in providing school counselors with a professional edge – our online Graduate Certificate in College Counseling.

College and Career Counseling is a major focus of primary and secondary education today. School counselors are often expected to be experts in the field of college admissions, despite limited training at the graduate level. Even seasoned counselors can be overwhelmed with the constantly changing nature of the profession.

The Graduate Certificate in College Counseling is a specialized online program designed for current high school, career and independent counselors looking to enhance their skills and sharpen their knowledge of the subject. The program combines both theory and practice in diverse cohorts from across the country, providing counselors with unique perspectives on a variety of admission-specific subjects.

Highlights of our program include:

  • 100% online modality
  • Graduate-level credits
  • Designed for practicing professionals
  • Competitive tuition
  • Distinctive credential in the field
  • Taught by experienced faculty

If you have questions about the application or program curriculum, please contact Program Director, Amber Haley.
 

PROGRAM DETAILS

The 12-credit program curriculum includes four required courses (10 credits) and two electives (2 credits). 

  • Three-credit online courses are 8 weeks.
  • One-credit online courses are 4 weeks.

Required Courses: (10 credits)

  • Theoretical Foundations and Skills of College Counseling (3 credits)
  • The College Application Process (3 credits)
  • Advanced Topics in College Admissions Counseling (3 credits) 
  • Financial Aid: Fundamentals and Ethical Considerations (1 credit)

Sample Elective Courses: (2 credits)

  • Diversity and Inclusion within College Admission (1 credit)
  • College Counseling and Advising First-Generation College Students (1 credit) 
  • Advising the College Athlete (1 credit)
  • Advising Students with Disabilities (1 credit)
  • College Counseling for the Creative Arts and STEM (1 credit)
  • Planning for Military, Trades and Technical Careers (1 credit)
  • College Assessment and Standardized Tests (1 credit)

Students may also take elective credits from Villanova’s MA program in Education with a Higher Education Concentration (1 credit, on campus).

Admission to the graduate certificate in College Admissions Counseling requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. A master’s degree and work experience in counseling is preferred, but not required. Transcripts, a resume, a written statement of purpose and career goals, plus at least two letters of recommendation, will be required. Students can begin in the Summer, Fall or Spring semester.

            

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

“Each course in the College Admissions Counseling program has been relevant to my work with students as a school counselor, in addition to providing some great insight and professional energy. The program is tailored to working professionals, and I have appreciated that professors have consistently inquired with the class about feedback pertaining to content as a means to make certain the courses are focusing on topics that are most applicable. The opportunity to collaborate with professionals in the field has been very rewarding.”

- Kellie McGavin-Wiedlich, College and Career Counselor, Radnor High School, Radnor, Pa.
 

Alison Elf '23 MS

"The College Admissions Counseling program has helped me in numerous ways as a school counselor working with high school students. It has provided me with great insight into the college admissions and college application process, the fundamental and ethical considerations with financial aid, advising students for post-secondary options beyond four-year colleges, and planning careers that match my students’ personal interests. The program has rewarded me with great resources and great connections in the field of counseling and working professionals, and I am grateful for this opportunity to enhance my skills and sharpen my knowledge in the field of college admissions."

- Alison Elf '23 MS, School Counseling


READY FOR THE NEXT STEP?

Education & Counseling
St. Augustine Ctr.- Rm 302
Villanova University
800 Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085

     

      

DEADLINES

EDUCATION

  • Fall Assistantship: March 1
  • Fall: Rolling until August 1
  • Spring: Rolling until December 1
  • Summer: Rolling until May 1


EDUCATION PLUS TEACHER CERTIFICATION

Summer and Fall admittance only

  • Assistantship: March 1
  • Summer Admission: Rolling until May 1
  • Fall Admission: Rolling until August 1
  • Students interested in enrolling on a part-time basis should contact Dr. Lisa Marco-Bujosa directly.


CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING

Fall admittance only

  • Fall Assistantship: January 8
  • Fall: January 8
     

SCHOOL COUNSELING

Fall admittance only

  • Fall Assistantship: March 1
  • Fall: March 1
     

COLLEGE COUNSELING CERTIFICATE

  • Fall: Rolling until August 1
  • Spring: Rolling until December 1
  • Summer: Rolling until May 1