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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Recent Employers & Industry Connections
Bensalem School District
Chester & Delaware County Intermediate Units
Garnet Valley School District
Interboro School District
Community Mental Health Partners
School District of Philadelphia
School District of Lancaster
Holy Family University
Delaware County Community College
Outlook & Outcomes
Potential Careers
K–12 Professional School Counselor
Mental Health Therapist
College Admissions Counselor
Academic Advisor in Higher Education
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 8% by 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Increasing school enrollments is expected to lead to employment growth of these workers.
A visit is the best way to get to know us. You are invited to attend or shadow a class in the program at your convenience. This is an opportunity to engage with current students and determine if our professional learning community is an optimal fit for you.
At Widener, opportunities for financial aid extend to graduate students. Discover how Widener can help make obtaining your degree possible.
Next steps to 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.