The Graduate Certificate in Counselor Education provides graduates of counseling programs, with continuing professional preparation as counselors in public schools and community agencies.  The graduate certificate program builds on the knowledge and skills acquired through previous master's level study in counselor education and related fields.

Student Outcomes:

The outcomes for the program are based on the National Board of Certified Counselors standards. Students who complete this program will be able to:

• Articulate a personalized meaning of the professional and ethical issues in the counseling field.
• Demonstrate mastery in the counseling field content areas of:
• Research including program evaluation
• Appraisal of the individual
• Social and cultural foundations
• Human growth and development
• Group work
• Career development through the lifespan
• Helping relationships

This graduate certificate provides structured support to those seeking continuing education for maintaining current certifications or obtaining additional credentials through the Alaska Board for Professional Counselors and/or the National Board of Certified Counselors, NBCC.  It is designed to supplement each candidate's existing experience and academic preparation and the degree to which each candidate achieves the program outcomes.  Therefore, specific required courses are not listed since individual graduate studies plans may vary considerably based on prior coursework of each candidate.  Faculty advisors will use the academic preparation requirements set forth by the licensing boards to guide the coursework selections included on graduation plans.


Candidates seeking the Alaska LPC credential must have a total of 60 credits approved by the Alaska Board of Professional Counselors. 

Alaska Certification Notes:


Alaska Type C Special Services:
 This program does not lead to certification or endorsement from the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.  Individuals holding master's degrees in counseling related fields who are interested in certification as an Alaska school counselor should consider applying to the M.Ed. in Counselor Education as a second master's degree program.



Alaska Licensed Professional Counselor & National Certified Counselor:
This program addresses academic preparation for the Alaska Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and the National Certified Counselor (NCC).  Other requirements apply.  Completion of the graduate certificate program does not automatically result in an LPC or NCC credential, but focuses on professional development and advanced practice for counseling professionals under the guidance of a faculty advisor.  However, through advisement, candidates completing the graduate certificate program are well prepared to take the examinations and fulfill other requirements set forth by the licensing boards. 


A student who completes the Graduate Certificate in Counselor Education (in conjunction with their previous coursework) can demonstrate mastery in the counseling field content areas of:

• Research, including program evaluation
• Appraisal of the individual
• Social and cultural foundations
• Human growth and development
• Career development through the Lifespan
• Helping relationships

These graduates are able to articulate a personalized meaning of the professional and ethical issues in the counseling field.


To receive a Graduate Certificate in Counselor Education it is required to:

• Complete a minimum of 12 credits
• Submit a professional disclosure statement
• Pass a comprehensive exam
  

Academic advisors will work with students to create a graduate studies plan that will meet the program and students’ needs.

For more information contact:

Dr. Debra Russ
Coordinator Counselor Education
907-786-4418
druss@uaa.alaska.edu   

Dr. Keith Cates
Coordinator Graduate Certificate
907-786-6314         
kcates@uaa.alaska.edu   

Loretta Caldwell
Administrative Assistant
907-786-6317  
case@uaa.alaska.edu                

1-888-822-8973