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Welcome to Capella
Select your program and we'll help guide you through important information as you prepare for the application process.
Classes Start May 10th
Ready to get started? We’re ready for you. Chat with an enrollment counselor or apply now to take the first step on the journey toward your future.
$50 application fee (waived w/promo WINTER).
What you’ll learn
Understand current theory
Articulate a competent understanding of current theory related to the field of school counseling.
Apply ethics and standards
Uphold ethical and professional standards that integrate diversity awareness and scientific research.
Employ theory in real-world settings
Gain mastery of counseling theory and its application as it relates to school-based services.
Program features
Our program offers additional benefits you might be interested in.
Work toward your next degree
Learn with scholar-practitioner faculty
Our faculty is made up of scholar-practitioners who are active within their professions and bring real-world experience to the courseroom.
Engage in blended, flexible learning
Access our engaging, online learning environment anytime, anywhere, with any device, and set your own schedule while meeting deadlines.
Cost & learning format
Online education isn’t one-size-fits-all. We know you’re busy—you need a learning experience tailored to your life, not the other way around. Capella has learning and tuition formats to suit you, however you learn.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$9,740
estimated tuition*
$487 per credit,
20 total quarter credits,
0 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, using general program pricing, and it does not include fees (including application and resource kit fees). Your price may be higher or lower depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. If transfer credits are allowed in this offering, the prices above show what you would pay if you brought in the average number of transfer credits and the price if you brought in the maximum allowed transfer credits.
Get the details
Speak with an enrollment counselor to get a personalized cost estimate for what you can expect to pay.
Accredited & recognized
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all of our accreditations and recognitions.
Ways to save
At Capella, we believe your education is an investment in your future. It’s also an investment within your grasp. Your goals are achievable—there are more ways to save than you might think.
10% military discount
If you're an active-duty military service member, spouse, or veteran, discounts may be available.
Employer & association discounts
If your employer or organization is a partner with Capella, you may be eligible for a tuition discount.
Employer reimbursements
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement to employees. Ask your manager about options.
Sample courses
The Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services graduate certificate is designed for professionals seeking to build your knowledge in a broad range of topics related to the work performed by school counselors. (Note that it is not designed to meet licensure requirements for the counseling professions.)
| COUN5004 |
Survey of Research in Human Development for Professional Counselors
Learners in this course examine theories of lifespan development and behavior from a counseling perspective. Learners describe effective approaches in counseling, evaluate its historical and philosophical relevance to current practice, and apply theories and practices to advocate for diverse clientele. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate certificate learners only. Must be taken during the first quarter by learners who have been admitted to the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and MS in School Counseling degree programs and the Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services, and Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services graduate certificate programs. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| COUN5280 |
Introduction to School Counseling
This course introduces learners to the profession of school counseling. Learners examine the history and development of school counseling; investigate ethical and legal requirements for school counselors; explore the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model and service delivery systems, including specific programs and interventions; and analyze the multiple roles and functions of school counselors with various stakeholders. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate certificate learners only. |
4 quarter credits |
| COUN5338 |
Crisis Intervention, Trauma Response, and Emergency Management
Learners in this course examine skills and strategies for crisis intervention and prevention, response to trauma, and emergency management as they apply to the school counseling profession within K–12 school settings. Topics include responding to trauma; providing trauma-informed care; working with victims of trauma, abuse, or violence; developing crisis intervention and prevention plans; assessing risk of suicide and other risks; and analyzing and implementing emergency management plans. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate certificate learners only. |
4 quarter credits |
| COUN5420 |
Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
In this course, learners examine common characteristics, risk factors, and warning signs of mental health and behavioral disorders affecting children and adolescents. Learners also critically evaluate diagnostic models, methods, and approaches and explore current DSM classifications and diagnostic issues related to children and adolescents. In addition, learners investigate the impact of common medications on learning, behavior, and mood in children and adolescents. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate certificate learners only. |
4 quarter credits |
| COUN5812 * |
Theories of Counseling with Children and Adolescents
Learners in this course expand upon foundational counseling and relationship-building skills by integrating brief and strengths-based theoretical approaches and interventions relevant to the practice of counseling in P–12 schools. Learners analyze the influence of biopsychosocial factors on child and adolescent development and design individualized interventions that enhance wellness and resilience. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate certificate learners only. Prerequisite(s): COUN5280. |
4 quarter credits |
Faculty & support
You’re never going it alone at Capella. Our dedicated faculty and support teams are waiting to guide, help, and advise you through every step of your educational journey.
Faculty
Our courses are taught by distinguished faculty members who hold top credentials and have hands-on expertise in their fields. They know what you need to know today.
Advisors
Advisors know the details of your program. Got questions about courses? Instructors? Resources? Advisors have answers.
Enrollment counselors
These experts will set you up for success. They’ll help you find the right degree and program, and answer all your questions about Capella.
Career center
For this team, it’s more than resumes and interview tips. It’s about thoughtful and strategic career planning—beyond graduation.
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