School Counseling Certificate (Educational Staff Associate)

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About the program

This program is not accepting new admits as of Autumn 2023.

Applicants who otherwise qualify to enter the School Counseling program and already hold a master’s or other advanced degree need not complete a second master’s degree in school counseling to obtain ESA (educational staff associate) certification as a school counselor.

It is necessary to complete only the major courses (69 credits), internship (9 credits), and the comprehensive exam.

Course content delivery

For all program courses, the course content and skill development are taught and learned through a wide variety of instructional methods, including didactic and PowerPoint and online presentations, experiential (in class and in K–12 school settings) activities, individual student and small-group work, student presentations, professional speaker panels, in-class and in-K–12 supervised skill practice, online discussions, etc.

Internship

A year-long, 9-credit internship comprises a part of the degree program in school counseling. This vital, integrative experience, in which you will conduct supervised counseling in a school setting, has as its primary objective the provision of practical experiences in the duties and activities of the school counselor.

The internship includes a minimum of 600 hours participation in a variety of meaningful activities related to the competencies required by CACREP, as well as the state of Washington knowledge base for school counselors.

Comprehensive examination

A comprehensive exam is required in order to earn the certificate. Exams are typically taken online, in Winter Quarter of the third year of the program. 

Practicum

The school counseling practicum consists of individual and group practicum courses and a 100 experience in the schools spanning winter and spring term. The focus is on enhancing individual and group counseling skills as well as the opportunity to learn school culture and begin exploring the role of school counselors in K-12 settings.  The practicum experience is a pre-requisite to the internship.

Admission requirements

Applicants must submit the following items to the Graduate Admissions:

• Online application and $50 application processing fee.
• Official transcript(s) from each college/university attended.
• If your degree is not from a U.S. college or university, please arrange for your transcript to be evaluated by a NACES member-recognized credential service. Acceptable credential services include, but are not limited to, World Education Services (WES) and Foundation for International Services (FIS).
• Personal statement, including personal goals for the program and long-term professional goals (maximum of 500 words).
• Résumé.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Copy of current teaching certificate*, front and back (if applicable).
• Moral Character and Personal Fitness Policy form  (available in the online application).
• Character and Fitness Supplement form  (available in the online application).
• Personal interview with School Counseling faculty member.

* Teacher certification is not required.