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Are you interested in creating safe and supportive learning environments for children and young adults? Our graduate certificate in contemporary theory in school-based services can be your first step toward meeting your goals as a school counselor. This program is designed to help you advance in your knowledge of school-based services.
This graduate certificate is not designed to meet licensure requirements for the counseling professions.
Use the code SPRING to waive the $50 application fee.
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 |
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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 |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
The total cost of your certificate will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, tuition discounts and other factors. See cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
$497 per credit, 20 total quarter credits, 0 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 10, 2023, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. Books, supplies, and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include an application fee, travel expenses, and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50-$175, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
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See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Admission requirements
Applicants to the Graduate Certificate in Counseling, Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services program must provide the following information for admission:
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
Learn more about international student admissions.
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