School Counseling, Sixth Year Certificate

Counseling and School Psychology |View/Print PDF

For further information: SchoolCounselingGrad@southernct.edu

Application Deadlines

January 15th for fall admission and September 1st for spring admission.

Please note, this certificate program is not accredited by CACREP.

Sixth Year Professional Diploma in School Counseling

The sixth-year professional diploma in counseling provides the opportunity for students holding a Master 's degree in counseling or counseling related areas to further their counseling competence and/or complete Connecticut State Department of Education School Counseling certification requirements. This program is not CACREP accredited. 

Admission Criteria for SYC School Counseling

  1. Academic background: Student's must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. GPA Waivers are possible under certain circumstances.
  2. Connecticut State Department of Education's special education requirement: This requirement is a course that is offered at many colleges and universities in Connecticut (at SCSU this is SED 481 or 482). A list of those courses is available at the CT State Department of Education's Website. You may apply even through you have not completed this final course requirement. Many students opt to take this course in the summer prior to beginning their school counseling program. It is possible for students to complete this prerequisite after acceptance.
  3. Letters of Recommendation: Strong recommendations from at least three individuals who know the candidate in a professional and/or academic setting.
  4. Admission Essay: A 500-word essay describing the basis of their interest in the School Counseling program at Southern. Evidence of a desire to enter the program and knowledge in the field. Evidence of superior writing skills.
  5. Resume: Evidence of training and or experience related to working with school-aged children.
  6. Admission Interview: Meeting with the School Counseling Admission Committee for an admission interview, if invited.  Evidence of interpersonal skills. Knowledge of profession.                             

Note: Prior to being admitted to the program, students may take up to 9 credits on non-matriculated basis. However, taking such courses does not guarantee admission.

Application Process

In order to be considered for admission to the program the following fall, all admissions materials must be received by January 15. In order to be considered for the spring, all admissions materials must be received by September 1. To apply to the program, please follow the steps below:

  1. Make a formal application to Southern Connecticut State University's Graduate School. The application can be found and completed online. A non-refundable fee of $50 must be paid at time of admission with a credit card.
  2. Send official transcripts to:
  3. Southern Connecticut State University
    School of Graduate and Professional Studies
                          Application Processing Center
                          PO Box 8057
                          Portsmouth, NH 03802
  4. Send Personal Statement via email to GradDocs@southernct.edu or hard copy via US mail to the address above. Personal statements should be 500 words and include the basis of your interest in the school counseling program at Southern and you desire to enter the profession.
  5. Send Current Resume to GradDocs@southernct.edu or hard copy via US mail to the address above.
  6. Provide contact information to three recommenders, at least one recommendation should be from someone who can speak to your intellectual and academic skills. An automated email will be sent to them with a link to upload your recommendations. No letters are to be mailed or emailed. They will not be accepted in hard copy.

In addition to the Graduate Application, candidates need to create an additional admission account at the School of Education portal, found at: https://southernct.edu.tk20/ 

Where they submit:

  1. Personal statement. Personal statements should be 500 words and include the basis of your interest in the school counseling program at Southern and your desire to enter the profession.
  2. Current resume.

Program Sequence - 41 credits

As sequencing changes, it is highly recommended that students meet with their program advisor to finalize a list of requirements for graduation.  

Students who are admitted to the Sixth Year Certification program in School Counseling will meet with an advisor to determine which Masters level courses they need to meet graduation and state certification requirements for School Counseling. Students may choose from the following:

Program Prerequisite:
SED 481/482 - Teaching Exceptional Children in Education Classrooms - 3 credits (or approved alternative)

Program Requirements
CSP 567 - Professional Orientation to School Counseling Services - 3 credits
CSP 570 - Ethical and Legal Issues in School Counseling Services - 2 credits
CSP 572 - Psychology of Career Development - 3 credits
CSP 606 - Counseling Children and Adolescents in Schools - 3 credits
CSP 656 - Group Counseling - 3 credits
CSP 674 - Consultation in Schools - 3 credits

Required SC Field Work
CSP 659 - Individual Supervision and Practicum Seminar in School Counseling - 4 credits
CSP 550 - Counseling Skills and Techniques - 3 credits
CSP 569 - Theories in Counseling - 3 credits
CSP 540 - Intro to Assessment in Counseling and School Psychology - 3 credits
CSP 573 - Equity-Based College and Career Readiness Counseling - 3 credits
CSP 675 - Internship & Seminar in School Counseling - 8 credits

Please note: 4 credits of CSP 675 may be waived with approved teaching experience.