COLLEGE ADMISSIONS COUNSELING CERTIFICATE
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)
- CHR 8915 Foundations of College Counseling (3 credits)
- CHR 8910 College Admissions Process (3 credits)
- CHR 8920 Advanced Topics in College Admissions (3 credits)
- CHR 7820 FinancialAid College Admission (1 credit)
Sample Elective Courses: (2 credits)
- CHR 7801 Counsel College Bound Athletes (1 credit)
- CHR 7810 Elite Admissions and Scholarship (1 credit)
- CHR 7815 Alternatives to 4-Yr College (1 credit)
- CHR 7816 Homeless and College Bound (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.
Our course credit costs are very reasonable. See “Arts” in the Graduate Program Rates tab on our Tuition and Fees page.
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.
"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