Counseling Certificates

Person receiving trauma counseling in group setting in office

Unlock new possibilities in the field of counseling with our range of specialized graduate and post-master’s certificate programs.

Designed to meet the diverse needs of counseling professionals, our certificates empower you with targeted expertise, setting the stage for impactful careers and licensure opportunities.

These certificates are open to students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Counseling program. Post-master’s certificates are open to those who have previously earned a graduate degree in counseling. See each certificate program for details.

Whether you’re interested in clinical mental health counseling, school counseling or trauma counseling, our programs offer tailored coursework seamlessly integrated with your existing degree.

With options for financial aid* support, you can advance your education and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those you serve.

*Please note: Students who have obtained a previous graduate degree in counseling do not quality for financial aid when completing any of our counseling post-master's certificates. Financial aid is available to currently enrolled students seeking a Master of Arts in Counseling degree and a specialized certificate.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Graduate Certificate (10 hours)
The Graduate Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is open to students enrolled in the School Counseling program who wish to complete the requirements in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, as well. This certificate (combined with the completed degree in School Counseling) will provide students with the educational requirements to apply for licensure as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina. The CMHC Certificate program includes three courses, one of which can take the place of the required elective in the School Counseling degree program. Note that students must apply for the Graduate Certificate Program in order to be eligible for financial aid to cover the additional course requirements.
- COU 520 - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- COU 566 - Advanced Counseling Techniques, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning
School Counseling, Graduate Certificate (12 hours)
The Graduate Certificate in School Counseling is open to students enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program who wish to complete the requirements in School Counseling, as well. This certificate (combined with the completed degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling) will provide students with the educational requirements to apply for licensure as a School Counselor in NC. The School Counseling Graduate Certificate program includes four courses, two of which can take the place of the required electives in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program. Note that students must apply for the Graduate Certificate Program in order to be eligible for financial aid to cover the additional course requirements.
Trauma Counseling, Graduate Certificate (12 hours)
The Trauma Certificate is open to any student enrolled in the Counseling program. The Trauma Certificate consists of four courses, two of which can take the place of the required electives in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program, or the one required elective in the School Counseling degree program. Note that students must apply for the Graduate Certificate Program in order to be eligible for financial aid to cover the additional course requirements.
- COU 556 - Foundations of Trauma Counseling
- COU 557 - Child Trauma Effects Across the Lifespan
- COU 558 - Advanced Trauma Interventions
- One approved elective (3 credits) that may include interdisciplinary courses (Narrative Medicine, Public Health, etc.), and other trauma-related electives within Counseling or other graduate programs.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Post-Master's Certificate (9-12 hours)
The Post-Master's Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is open to applicants who have previously earned a graduate degree in Counseling, in a different specialty area (e.g. School Counseling). This certificate will provide students with the educational requirements to apply for licensure as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor in NC (and most other states). The number of courses will be determined based on a transcript review and letter of requirements from the licensure board. 

Please note that courses taken in the post-master's certificate program are not eligible for financial aid, because they are not part of a degree-seeking program.
- Most likely, the courses would include the following:
- COU 520 - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- COU 566 - Advanced Counseling Techniques, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning
- COU 592 - Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling I (300)
- Any other courses required by the licensure board.
School Counseling, Post-Master's Certificate (12 hours)
The Post-Master's Certificate in School Counseling is open to students who have previously earned a graduate degree in Counseling in a different specialty area (e.g., Clinical Mental Health Counseling). This certificate will provide students with the educational requirements to apply for licensure as a School Counselor in NC (and most other states).

Please note that courses taken in the post-master's certificate program are not eligible for financial aid, because they are not part of a degree-seeking program.
- The number of courses will be determined based on a transcript review and letter of requirements from the licensure board.  Most likely, the courses would include the following:
- COU 510 - Introduction & Foundation of School Counseling
- COU 515 - Advanced School Counseling
- COU 516 - School Counseling and Special Education
- COU 590 - Internship in School Counseling I (300)
- Any other courses required by the licensure board.
Trauma Counseling, Post-Master's Certificate (12 hours)
The Post-Master's Certificate in Trauma Counseling is open to applicants who have previously earned a graduate degree in Counseling. This certificate will provide students with advanced training in working with survivors of trauma.
- The Trauma Certificate includes the following four courses:
- COU 556 - Foundations of Trauma Counseling
- COU 557 - Child Trauma Effects Across the Lifespan
- COU 558 - Advanced Trauma Interventions
- One approved elective that may include interdisciplinary courses (Narrative Medicine, Public Health, etc.), and other trauma-related electives within Counseling or other graduate programs. 3 credits.