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Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services
Graduate Certificate in Counseling
Expand your understanding of the mental health challenges faced by today’s students and explore the role of school counselors. Capella’s Graduate Certificate in Counseling examines the characteristics and risk factors of mental health issues and behavioral disorders as well as effective assessment and intervention strategies. The credits earned in these five master’s-level courses could potentially be applied toward a master’s degree at Capella, saving you time and money.
This certificate program is not designed or intended to prepare students for professional licensure in the fields of counseling or education in any U.S. jurisdiction.
At a glance
- 100% Online
- 5 Core courses
Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services course requirements
This Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services requires a total of 20 program credits:
- 5 core courses
Explore Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services specialization courses
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COUN5002
Lifespan Development for the Counseling Professions
4 quarter credits
Students examine theories and principles of lifespan development to include biological, cognitive, social, emotional, and moral frameworks. Students analyze a variety of contexts that support typical and adaptive development in all stages of life and are exposed to current research and knowledge in the field. Must be taken during the student's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
COUN5238
Crisis Assessment and Intervention
4 quarter credits
Students assess crisis intervention and emergency management models and strategies used in the counseling field and develop the crisis intervention skills needed to provide counseling services in mental health settings in a timely, effective, and ethical manner. Students also investigate related topics, including working with situational crises, assessing suicide and other risks, and supporting the implementation of emergency management plans. Prerequisite(s): MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and MS in School Counseling students must have completed COUN-R5861. Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services graduate certificate students must have completed COUN5002.
4 quarter credits
COUN5239
Theories of the Counseling Profession
4 quarter credits
Students investigate various theories of psychotherapy and their respective philosophical principles and assumptions. Students evaluate the theoretical concepts and evidence-based practices of psychotherapy and examine appropriate application of theories and interventions to different client populations.
4 quarter credits
COUN5280
Introduction to School Counseling
4 quarter credits
Students gain an understanding of the profession of school counseling. Students 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.
4 quarter credits
COUN5420
Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
4 quarter credits
Students examine common characteristics, risk factors, and warning signs of mental health and behavioral disorders affecting children and adolescents. Students also critically evaluate diagnostic models, methods, and approaches and explore current DSM classifications and diagnostic issues related to children and adolescents. In addition, students investigate the impact of common medications on learning, behavior, and mood in children and adolescents.
4 quarter credits
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What it's like to take courses in an Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services degree
You may have questions about how an Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services fits in your life. Explore the course room to see what you can expect. You'll experience the flexibility of online learning and get a feel for what it's like to be a Capella student.
How much does a graduate certificate in counseling cost?
The total cost of your certificate will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, tuition discounts and other factors. See cost information below.
- 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 quarter
- $525 per credit
- $175 resource kit
- 20 total quarter credits
- 0 max transfer credits
$10,500*
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 12 months
Are there scholarships available for certificates?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the graduate certificate in counseling admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the Graduate Certificate in Counseling, Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services program must provide the following information for admission:
- Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution
- Your official transcripts, minimum grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
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