Graduate Studies

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.

Program Overview

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.

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, the University 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 Master's Degree Options

You'll complete a range of 400 to 700 hours of field experience in all specializations to fulfill the practicum and internship requirements. Accommodations are managed on an individual basis.

Counselor Education Certificate & Certification 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

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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. 

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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. 

Admissions Information

  • Complete the online application form.
  • Submit your resume.
  • Personal Statement
  • Have an official transcript sent from all previous graduate and undergraduate programs.
  • Submit two letters of recommendation from colleagues, supervisors, or college professors

You will be invited by the program director to meet and learn about the program. 

Admissions to the certificate, certification, and master's degree programs are welcome on a year-round basis. 

Program Highlights

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. The clinical track is a pathway to licensure as a professional counselor. With an emphasis on student-faculty engagement and a commitment to professional development, graduate students discover their passion.

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.

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. 

Relationships & Individualized Attention

Choosing Widener’s counselor education program is an investment in you—your education, your career, 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.  
 

Faculty

Our expert faculty engage students with diverse counseling models and individualized attention.

Your Inside Track to Success

Your Inside Track to Success

With a counselor education degree, you will take the inside track to numerous rewarding career paths and be equipped to assist others.

Outlook & Outcomes

Recent Employers

  • Bensalem School District
  • Chester & Delaware County Intermediate Units
  • Garnet Valley School District
  • Interboro School District
  • Community Mental Health Partners

Additional Careers in Counselor Education

  • Mobile Therapist or Behavior Specialist Consultant
  • Student Affairs Professional in Higher Education
  • Career Counselor

Industry Growth

Employment of school and career counselors is projected to grow 10% by 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. Increasing school enrollments is expected to lead to employment growth of these workers.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 

Take the Next Steps

Apply

We’re glad you made the decision to apply. All applications and supplemental materials are submitted through the online application system. There is a $35 application fee to apply to Widener. 

Center for Education