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.
Thank you for visiting Widener University’s Counselor Education program, a professional learning community, and the ideal place to pursue your graduate education.
Our program attracts current education professionals who are 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.
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Course Scheduling
Most students in the program are working full-time and enroll in 3 to 6 credits per semester. Courses are scheduled in the late afternoon and early evening, meeting once per week. Flexible course delivery options are offered: hybrid and synchronous online venues.
Internships & Field Experiences
Students complete a range of 400 to 700 hours of field experience in all tracks to fulfill the practica and internship requirements. Accommodations are managed on an individual basis with the program director to fulfill the field experience requirements.
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.
Student Affairs in Higher Education Certificate
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Our expert faculty engage students with diverse counseling models and individualized attention.
The essential question is: "What will you do today to make a difference in others' lives?"
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.
With a counselor education degree, you will take the inside track to numerous rewarding career paths and be equipped to assist others.
Hyatt Hall, Office # 212
503 E. 13th Street
Chester, PA 19013
Room 312