Online Post-Master's Certificate in Counseling

Post-Master's Certificate in Counseling

At Indiana Wesleyan University, we understand the evolving landscape of counseling professions and the importance of specialized academic preparation to meet these challenges. That's why we offer a Post-Master's Degree Certificate through our Graduate Counseling program, designed for individuals who seek to deepen their expertise in a specific area of study without the need for an additional degree. This counseling certificate is ideal for those who have completed a Master of Arts in Counseling but find that their academic and post-graduate clinical experiences do not align with state licensure or national certification standards.

Why Pursue My Counseling Post-Master’s Certificate at IWU?

Our program is distinguished by its collaborative approach, where faculty members work closely with each student to tailor a program of study that addresses the unique academic requirements for their chosen path. Our expert, Christian faculty teach through the same biblical worldview found on our main campus, so that students can implement these principles in a fulfilling counseling career. We’ll also lock in your tuition rates on your start date, so you never have to worry about tuition increases while you study through IWU.

What Will I Learn in this Counseling Program?

This educational experience ensures that you, as a student, gain the precise knowledge and skills needed to advance in your career. It is incumbent upon students to engage with the relevant licensure or certification boards to identify the specific academic content or coursework needed. This proactive engagement is a critical step in customizing your educational journey to meet the exact standards of your counseling certificate credentials.

Program FAQs

Dr. Amanda Davis brings more than 20 years of experience in public education as both a classroom teacher and school counselor. She serves as program director and full-time faculty at Indiana Wesleyan University and owns a private counseling practice, partnering with local schools. Her areas of expertise include school counselor leadership, principal and counselor collaboration, counselor wellness, and grief support. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, crafting, traveling with her family, and spending time with her two Labrador retrievers.

Dr. Judy Justice approaches counseling and teaching as a calling to serve others, modeling Christ-centered care in her work. She serves as a counselor with the American Red Cross Disaster Team, responding to local and national crises. With decades of experience in school counseling and higher education, she prepares graduate students to become compassionate, effective counselors. She has also served as a program director and contributed extensively to university and professional committees.

Dr. Erin Davis is a dedicated educator known for her strong relationships with students and commitment to service. She is passionate about supporting underserved communities and brings global perspective through experiences such as teaching at sea. With extensive experience in counseling and higher education, she equips students with both clinical skill and empathy.

Practicum and internship experiences provide hands-on training in real school settings. Students apply counseling skills, build professional confidence, and gain practical experience that prepares them for immediate employment as school counselors.

This CACREP-accredited school counseling program prepares graduates for careers as licensed school counselors in public, private, and charter schools serving Pre-K–12 students. Students in the dual School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling track are also prepared for careers in community mental health agencies, private practice, hospitals, and other behavioral health settings.

Key courses include Foundations of School Counseling, School Counseling Programming, and internship placement courses that provide supervised, real-world experience.

Graduates typically pursue licensure and begin working as school counselors. Dual-track graduates often pursue associate licensure in clinical mental health counseling while completing supervised hours toward full licensure.

School counseling is a comprehensive, school-based profession focused on academic, career, and social-emotional development. Students are trained to design and implement counseling programs, collaborate with educators and families, and use data to guide decision-making.

This program is primarily online with required in-person intensives and field experiences. Students complete coursework online, attend 2–3 day intensives for key courses, and complete practicum and internship hours in approved local school settings.

Courses are delivered primarily in an asynchronous online format, allowing flexibility for working adults. Students complete weekly modules, engage in discussions, and submit assignments within set deadlines.

Yes. Students complete a practicum and two internships in school counseling settings. The program provides guidance, approved site lists, and faculty support throughout the placement process.

Indiana Wesleyan University’s program is Christ-centered, CACREP-accredited, and designed for working adults. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized mentorship, and the option to pursue a dual track in clinical mental health counseling.

Successful students are motivated, self-directed learners who are passionate about helping children and adolescents. They are collaborative, adaptable, and committed to personal and professional growth.

Students describe the program as supportive and relational. Faculty provide consistent guidance, and the flexible structure allows students to balance coursework, work, and family responsibilities.

Students develop an individualized counseling approach grounded in evidence-based practices. The program integrates Christian faith and counseling theory, encouraging students to align their clinical work with their personal beliefs and professional goals.

This certificate supports both licensure expansion and professional specialization. Many students pursue additional credentials such as clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, or addictions counseling, while others deepen expertise in areas like trauma, grief, or family therapy.

Students practice counseling skills through recorded role-plays, faculty feedback, telehealth experiences, and in-person intensives when required. Practicum and internship experiences provide real-world application.

Coursework includes diverse populations and family systems, helping students build multicultural counseling competencies and effectively serve a wide range of clients.

Program Requirements

Admission Requirements

A master's degree in Counseling from an accredited college or university, or an institution accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education.
A graduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from the graduate degree-granting institution from which at least 30 semester hours were completed.
A completed application form and all required documents for admission to the IWU Graduate Studies in Counseling Certificate Program.
A letter of intent needs to identify what specific courses are needed and clearly state reason(s) for seeking admission into the certificate program.
In those cases where the applicant is seeking to fulfill requirements for any licensure/certification, identification of a specific plan of study (typically 15-18 credit hours) for any license/certification process is the responsibility of the applicant.
Students seeking licensure for Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy/Counseling, and Addictions Counseling, need to submit an application for licensure to the Professional Licensing Agency or respective state licensing board, and provide the letter received from the board specifying content area deficiencies.
If clinical hours (practicum and/or internship) are needed, the student must demonstrate evidence of entry-level proficiency in the delivery of counseling services. This is accomplished by presenting a recorded sample of the applicant's direct service to a client and a reference from a qualified supervisor. This tape and reference will be reviewed by the Graduate Counseling Director of Clinical Training and be considered in the admission process.

Graduation Requirements

Successful completion of all coursework identified on certificate plan of study.
All course grades at or above level of "C."
Overall cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a certificate.

If it is determined by a licensure or certification board that only clinical hours (practicum and/or internship) are needed, the student must demonstrate evidence of entry-level proficiency in the delivery of counseling services. This is typically accomplished by presenting a recorded sample of the applicant's direct service to a client and a reference from a qualified (master's level with at least two years of experience) supervisor. This tape and reference will be reviewed by the Graduate Counseling faculty and be considered in the acceptance process.

NOTE: State regulations may prohibit licensure for individuals who have ever been convicted of a crime of violence or of any crime that has a direct bearing on the ability to practice competently. The applicant is responsible to check the licensing requirements with his or her state licensing agency prior to beginning the program.

Accreditation

Successful completion of all coursework identified on certificate plan of study.
All course grades at or above level of "C."
Overall cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a certificate.

Online Post-Master's Counseling Certificate

Post-Master's Certificate in Counseling

Why Pursue My Counseling Post-Master’s Certificate at IWU?

What Will I Learn in this Counseling Program?

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

Rooted in Christ

Superior Support

Tuition & Aid

Program FAQs

Program Requirements

Accreditation

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