Counseling, Post-master’s Certificates

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For professionals with a master’s degree in counseling interested in seeking additional licensure in clinical mental health or school counseling and certification in higher education counseling & student affairs.

Graduate counseling certificate program is designed for individuals who have a Master of Arts degree in counseling from Lakeland University or the equivalent from another accredited institution, and who are interested in acquiring additional knowledge and skills leading to licensure in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling and certification in Higher Education Counseling & Student Affairs.

Graduate coursework in counseling from an earned master’s degree may satisfy requirements where appropriate. For consideration, coursework must parallel current course requirements in the M.A. in Counseling degree program. Coursework should be a B- or better grade and be earned within the last ten (10) years of application to the M.A. in Counseling post-certificate program. Students working in the counseling field with courses earned prior to the ten (10) year threshold may receive an exception time waiver for specific courses.

Additional coursework between 12-18 semester hours may be required for each certificate program depending on the background of the individual and the intended emphasis. Fulfillment of at least all clinical experiences is required to complete a certificate program. See specific descriptions and coursework requirements for each program on the department website in addition to contacting a Lakeland Admissions Advisor at one of the seven centers across Wisconsin. Pursuing a certificate leading to a licensure may include additional non-course requirements be met.

Post-Master’s Certificate candidates must have a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative graduate GPA and are subject to the following requirements:

Meet all M.A. in Counseling program admission requirements including, application fees, paperwork, criminal background check, and one on-site meeting.
Provide official transcript of prior graduate degree
Provide two letters of reference
Provide a current resume
Complete the online Evening Weekend and Online application.

The Director of the Master of Arts in Counseling Program approves admission to program. Upon admission, students seeking a certificate will be assigned a M.A. in Counseling advisor. The certificate programs are supplemental to the original Master of Arts degree in counseling.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate

Lakeland University has approval from the Department of Safety and Professional Services as a post-secondary institution. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program meets educational requirements necessary to obtain a Licensed Professional Counselor-Initial Training (LPC-IT) license.

Students pursuing Clinical Mental Health Counseling certification are required to:

Complete the following courses:*

*Note: Completion of additional courses in clinical mental health counseling may be required to fulfill eligibility requirements. A student receives a course evaluation and individual course requirement plan upon admission.

School Counseling Certificate

Lakeland University’s School Counseling Program is Department of Public Instruction approved and qualifies graduate students to obtain the Provisional Educator license as a PK-12 professional school counselor.

Students pursuing School Counseling certification are required to:

Successfully pass the Praxis II exam OR
- Students may be exempt from the Praxis II exam if they meet the following criteria:
  - Achieve a cumulative 3.5 GPA in the required courses cited below
  - Approval of Program Director
- Complete a School Counseling Portfolio
Minimally complete the following courses:*

*Note: Completion of additional courses in school counseling may be required to fulfill certification requirements. A student receives a course evaluation and individual course requirement plan upon admission.

Higher Education Counseling & Student Affairs Certificate

Lakeland University’s Higher Education Counseling & Student Affairs Program prepares individuals interested in acquiring additional knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively in a post-secondary education setting. Students certified in higher education & student affairs seek careers in residence life, admissions, financial aid, career services, advising, and working with special populations. These careers may lead to other administrative positions on college or university campuses.

Students pursuing Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs certification are required to:

Complete the following courses:*

*Note: Completion of additional courses in high education counseling and student affairs may be required to fulfill eligibility requirements. A student receives a course evaluation and individual course requirement plan upon admission.