Recent Employers
- Bensalem School District
- Chester & Delaware County Intermediate Units
- Garnet Valley School District
- Interboro School District
- Community Mental Health Partners
Graduate Programs
Counselor Education Master's Degree & Certification Programs
A master's degree, certification, or certificate in counselor education can put you on the path to a rewarding career as a PK-12 school counselor, student affairs professional in higher education, or clinician in a counseling setting.
At a Glance
Click to Open
Offered as
MEd, Certification, & Certificates
Hybrid (Online & On Campus)
Credits
Vary by specialization & degree. See program options for details.
College/School
Campus Location
- Chester, PA
Explore the Counselor Education Programs
Widener University’s Counselor Education program is geared towards education professionals seeking a master's degree and/or certification in PK-12 school counseling, student affairs in higher education, or clinical/community settings. In addition, we are also an option for those seeking a career change to the counseling profession.
You'll complete 400-700 hours of field experience in all specializations to fulfill the practicum and internship requirements. Widener accommodates busy schedules by typically holding classes in the late afternoon or early evening—with many offered as flexible hybrid or synchronous online formats.
Each state/jurisdiction has requirements that candidates must meet in order to obtain licensure and/or certification to teach. It is the student’s responsibility to seek appropriate guidance before beginning any academic program. If you intend to seek certification outside of Pennsylvania, Widener recommends that you contact the appropriate state licensing agency to obtain specific licensure/certification requirements per state and the most up-to-date information.
To view Widener’s licensure eligibility by state/jurisdiction, please visit the Center for Education: Program Licensure page.
Counselor Education (MEd) Program Options
The clinical track is a pathway to licensure as a professional counselor.
Certificate & Certification Program Options
Whether earning a master's degree or pursuing the certification only, students are eligible for PK-12 school counselor certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. See the Loading....
The certification courses may also serve as a pathway to the master's degree. Students may complete the master's degree in one additional semester.
Counselor Coach Certificate
Following satisfactory completion of the counselor coach certificate, students may matriculate in and complete the school counselor certification and/or master’s degree in counselor education in two to four additional semesters.
By stacking the certificate and master's degree programs, students may complete the master’s degree in counselor education in two years while working full-time. Furthermore, the combined counselor coach certificate and school counselor certification are offered at a reduced tuition cost.
The student affairs certificate is a pathway to explore higher education careers at a reduced cost. By stacking the certificate and master’s degree programs, students may complete their master’s degree in only 18—24 months while working full-time.
Career Outlook & Outcomes for School Counselors
Why Study Counselor Education at Widener?
Join a Professional Learning Community
The program emphasizes a professional learning community (PLC) concept, where individual knowledge and work experience are integrated in course work. You will be on the fast track to building leadership, consultative, and collaborative skills, while developing dispositions to make meaningful contributions in the field.
Experience Experiential & Field-Based Learning
Experiential and field-based learning are embedded in the program; you will develop a professional identity and hone the requisite skills for service in PK-12, student affairs, or clinical mental health settings. Our integrated curriculum fosters critical thinkers, effective communicators, and ethical leaders prepared for careers in mental health settings, PK-12 schools, and higher education institutions.
Build Relationships & Get Individualized Attention
Choosing Widener’s counselor education program is an investment in you—your education, your career, your passions, and your future. Relationships are created and valued between faculty and graduate students. A collaborative and shared responsibility for learning and student success results in an individualized academic plan that best suits your needs and career goals.
Student Stories
Our Faculty
The counselor education program is steeped in a professional learning community model that engages the pre-service counselors and home school visitors to think critically and serve as change agents.
Recent News
Widener Grad Gets a Long-Awaited Chance to Walk at Graduation After Battling Cancer
Shawn Ryan celebrated his undergrad commencement from a hospital room while battling cancer. Now in remission, he will finally get to walk across the platform as he earns a master's degree in counselor education.
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions Information
- Completed online application
- $35 application fee
- Resume
- Personal Statement
- Official transcripts sent from all previous graduate and undergraduate programs
- Two letters of recommendation from colleagues, supervisors, and/or college professors
- Admissions interview
Admissions to the certificate, certification, and master's degree programs are welcome on a year-round basis.
Financial Aid
Paths to Savings
85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
Applying For Financial Aid as a Graduate Student
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
Save up to 50% on Your Master's by Stacking Certificates
Widener's stackable certificates enable you to achieve your master's or doctoral degree by saying yes to one affordable certificate at a time. Here, you'll follow a more relaxed timeline and course load while earning certificate credits at a significant cost saving. Most of our certificate courses cost 50% less than master's courses.
Learn more about stacking certificates
Graduate Assistantships
Widener offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to enrolled students. GAs receive tuition assistance for their work. Once you're a student, contact your program director for more information.
Widener Scholarships
A limited number of university-based scholarships are made available to enrolled graduate students made possible directly from our academic department or thanks to the generosity of university donors. No extra steps are needed to be taken prior to admission. Once enrolled, contact your program director to learn more.
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
20% Discount for Widener Alumni
(some restrictions apply)
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
Program Cost
Graduate Admissions Office
-
Hyatt Hall
14th St
Chester, PA 19013 - 610-499-4282
- gcs@widener.edu
Center for Education
-
503 East 13th Street
Chester, PA 19013
- 610-499-4345
