The Educational Specialist Certificate program in Counseling is intended for those who are presently counseling professionals who want to improve their competency in counseling and/or receive training in counselor clinical supervision. The Specialist Certificate does not meet eligibility requirements for the Professional Counselor License in the State of Michigan.

Admission Requirements

Admission to this program is contingent upon admission to the Graduate School. After admission to the College, program requirements also include a master’s degree from an accredited graduate school in counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or a closely related field that includes entry-level curricular experiences and demonstrated knowledge and competency in each of eight common counseling areas required by CACREP:

• human growth and development
• social and cultural foundations
• helping relationships
• groups
• life and career development
• appraisal
• research and evaluation
• professional orientation

A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (‘B’ or above) on the master’s degree is required for admission consideration. Additionally, applicants to the educational specialist certificate program must hold professional counselor licensure (LLPC or LPC) prior to admission.

Applicants are also required to conduct a single 45-minute counseling session in the College of Education Counseling and Testing Center. This session will be audio and/or video taped for evaluation by the Advanced Admissions Advisory Committee. An interview with the Advanced Admissions advisory Committee is also required.

Program Requirements

A minimum of thirty credits is required for this certificate. Course requirements for the program are determined in consultation with an advisor. All course work must be completed in accordance with the academic procedures of the College of Education and the Graduate School's regulations governing graduate scholarship and degrees.