100% Online Coursework
Complete in as few as 16 months
Internship placement support
Become a more versatile Counselor
Ready to unlock a new chapter in your counseling career? Pursue a second specialization in School Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling through our online Advanced Certificate program. Whether you've recently completed your 60-credit master's degree or are currently enrolled in our MSED counseling program and seeking to diversify your skillset, our program empowers you to:
- Expand your expertise in a specialized counseling area.
- Gain valuable credentials to broaden your career options.
- Enhance your marketability in the ever-evolving counseling industry.
Students currently enrolled in our MSED counseling program can request to add this certificate toward the end of their master’s program. Your advisor will guide you through the steps to express interest and the approval process.
About The Program
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Already have a CACREP-accredited graduate degree in counseling or finalizing your MSED in Counseling with St. Bonaventure? Get ready to complement your degree by specializing in one of two areas of expertise and set yourself apart from the rest.
School Counseling Certificate - develop extended research-based knowledge and skill development in the areas of theory, counseling children and adolescents, clinical interventions, ethics, and current trends and needs in school counseling.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate - gain expertise in the areas of theory, diagnosis, clinical interventions, crisis counseling, ethics, addiction counseling, family counseling, and human sexuality.
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Already have a CACREP-accredited graduate degree in counseling or finalizing your MSED in Counseling with St. Bonaventure? Get ready to complement your degree by specializing in one of two areas of expertise and set yourself apart from the rest.
School Counseling Certificate - develop extended research-based knowledge and skill development in the areas of theory, counseling children and adolescents, clinical interventions, ethics, and current trends and needs in school counseling.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate - gain expertise in the areas of theory, diagnosis, clinical interventions, crisis counseling, ethics, addiction counseling, family counseling, and human sexuality.
Curriculum Highlights
Our post-graduate certificate programs act as a licensure-qualifying bridge program. They build on your master's education, allowing you to expand your skillset and experience to make a lasting difference in the lives of your patients and students. When you apply, we will review your transcripts to ascertain the number of credits required for the advanced certificate.
- CE 636. Ethical & Legal Issues in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling: 3 Credits
- CE 637. Management for Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs: 3 Credits
- CE 640. Intro to Addictions: 3 Credits
- CE 642. Intro to Crisis Counseling: 3 Credits
- CE 649. Family and Couples Counseling: 3 Credits
- CE 625a. Internship 1: Clinical Mental Health Counseling: 3 Credits (300 Hours)
- CE 625b. Internship 2: Clinical Mental Health Counseling: 3 Credits (300 Hours)
- 2 Electives: 6 Credits
- CE 628. Foundations of School Counseling: 3 Credits
- CE 629. Ethical and Legal Issues in School Counseling: 3 Credits
- CE 632. Child and Adolescence Counseling: 3 Credits
- CE 650. School Counseling and Special Education: 3 Credits
- CE 633. Special Topics in School Counseling: 3 Credits
- CE 620a. Internship 1: School Counseling: 3 Credits (300 Hours)
- CE 620b. Internship 2: School Counseling: 3 Credits (300 Hours)
- 2 Electives: 6 Credits
Ready to Learn More?
Next Term: Summer 2026
Start Date: May 18, 2026
Limited seats are available. Secure your spot today!
Licensure and Careers
New York State is committed to maintaining the highest standards for its licensed and certified professionals. To ensure the protection of its citizens, each license and certification has specific requirements that individuals must meet to practice in New York State. Since other states may have their own requirements, it is essential to check the specific requirements for practicing in the state where you intend to work. View our State Authorization page to access state requirements.
Helpful links: New York State License Requirements for Mental Health Counselors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both the Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling post-graduate certificates consist of 27 credit hours which can be completed in 16 months. The core courses run one at a time and are seven weeks in duration. The internship courses are completed across two 15-week semesters. Upon application, your transcripts will be reviewed to determine your recommended course plan which may be more or less than what is noted in the curriculum section to meet NYSED requirements for licensure or certification.
To be eligible for this program, you must have completed your CACREP-accredited master's in counseling within the past five years. This ensures that you have a strong foundation in the latest counseling theories and practices.
Yes, SBU partners with students as they approach the practicum and internship courses in the MSED program. SBU supports students throughout the internship approval process to ensure a high-quality experience that meets program requirements. Students are strongly encouraged to begin networking about six months before the practicum starts to ensure all approvals are completed before beginning the 100-hour practicum and the two 300-hour internships.
Time is precious - use it wisely. By doing your master’s online, you are not just eliminating the time it takes to commute to and from campus. You also have the option to choose what day and time you study because courses are delivered asynchronously. Successful students display grit, are well organized (for example, develop week-by-week plans) and lean on support from friends and family when needed.
You will have a Student Success Advisor to lean on for support during your program. Faculty are also contactable by phone and email via MySBU.
Courses will include a variety of videos, live sessions, role plays, demonstrations, discussion boards, and weekly interactive lessons for review.
We will work with you to identify the different financial aid options available to you as an online student. To learn more about financial aid click here.