Are you driven to support and inspire others through a career in counseling? Do you already hold a bachelor’s degree but would like to focus your interests so you’re better able to serve? A graduate certificate in Counseling will help you reach your goal.
Choose from seven concentrations that lead to unique careers, all offered 100% online through PennWest’s highly regarded Global Online program.
You’ll be mentored by expert faculty who are committed to providing you with additional knowledge and a developmentally sound academic experience. Upon completion, you will have the skills you need to become an effective leader and practitioner.
The nation's first online graduate program in Sports Management.
Months of full-time study is all it takes to complete your degree. You can also choose to complete your degree part-time while you continue to work in your current role.
Credits may be utilized as ACT 48 continuing education units and be applied toward Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) continuing education requirements.
Rated a Top Program in the Northeast by Best Counseling Degrees
Varies by concentration
100% online
Graduate Admissions
gradadmissions@pennwest.edu
724-938-4187
12 credits
If you hold a master’s degree in Counseling or a related field and are seeking licensure or certification in Pennsylvania or another state, PennWest’s Post-Master’s Certificate program might be just what you need. It will help you meet the requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), gain school counselor certification, or ACT 48 and other professional development credits.
This certificate enhances graduate level written and oral communications skills as well as foundational counseling knowledge and skills. Because it is tailored to your specific interests and career goals, you need to take only the courses required to meet your career goals.
Delivered 100% online, this program allows you to work in a professional capacity while earning an additional certification or gaining graduate credits for licensure.
9 credits
Learn how to integrate spiritual perspectives into your counseling practice or pastoral care with this 100% online graduate certificate from PennWest University.
This specialized program embraces a cross-cultural approach and promotes diversity and inclusion. It helps you gain self-awareness and knowledge of ethics in spiritual and religious counseling as well as in grief and loss counseling and care. You will be prepared to serve diverse populations in a variety of counseling and ministry settings, including hospitals, private practice, community agencies, churches, rescue missions, shelters or faith-based counseling centers.
Coursework integrates the American Counseling Association (ACA) code of ethics and the Association for Spiritual, Ethical and Religious Values in Counseling (ASERVIC) competencies. The program will help you understand and apply spiritual and religious aspects of counseling in an ethical, client-centered manner.
9 credits
Help individuals overcome addiction to drugs, alcohol and gambling with this 100% online certificate. You’ll learn the theories and models of substance use, abuse and addiction as well as behavioral and process addictions. You’ll be given the opportunity to customize your courses to follow a particular interest such as gambling addiction, opioid abuse, public policy in addiction and recovery, and much more.
Coursework taught by leaders in the addiction counseling field will help you understand how to use evidence-based practice to address the neurological, behavioral, psychological, physical, social and spiritual effects of psychoactive substances and addictive disorders. You’ll also be prepared to conduct screenings and assessments to analyze the severity of symptoms and diagnose substance abuse disorders, and to reduce and limit harmful behaviors.
18 credits
This 100% online certificate focuses on the identification and treatment of substance use disorders and aligns with the educational requirements for the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential in Pennsylvania.
You’ll learn the theories and models of substance use, abuse and addiction as well as behavioral and process addictions while you apply evidence-based practices to address the neurological, behavioral, psychological, physical, social, and spiritual effects of psychoactive substances and addictive disorders.
Under the guidance of professors with extensive experience in substance use disorders and addiction treatment, you will delve into legal, ethical and culturally responsive practices. Coursework includes advanced substance use disorder, group counseling, assessment and testing, addiction counseling, treatment planning and referral.This certificate may be used to satisfy ACT 48 professional development units and be applied towards the educational requirements for the Pennsylvania Certification Board.
9 credits
College is more than a place to earn a degree. Once you’ve graduated, it can be the setting for a fulfilling career. Position yourself for employment as a student affairs professional with this 100% online certificate from PennWest.
Professionals in student affairs – sometimes know as student services or student development – support the academic and personal growth of both traditional and non-traditional college students.
Through this coursework, you will explore the characteristics, learning and developmental needs of college students, come to recognize the philosophical, legal and ethical foundations of the field of student affairs, and develop strategies for organizing, staffing and funding student affairs programs and events.
This certificate can be earned as a stand-alone credential or concurrently with a degree program.
9 credits
This graduate certificate provides opportunities for short term professional development and training in brain-based trauma informed care. The program content aligns with the trauma-informed educational awareness and training requirements outlined in Act 44 for P-12.
This program is well suited for individuals working in education, health care, counseling, athletic training, criminal justice, and allied health. Students will learn to understand the history and purpose of trauma-informed care, as well as the relevant systems, polices, procedures, and practices. Coursework will prepare students to understand definitions, symptoms, types, causes, diagnosis and assessment of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) or concussion.
The program also highlights the social and emotional impact of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) or concussion and identifies general conditions that are shown to promote wellness and recovery. Students will develop the ability to identify an individual’s environmental and personal resiliency and protective factors and ways these strengths might be utilized to help the client obtain a pre-injury level of functioning. Courses are taught by professors with work experience in the field of brain-based trauma.
12 credits
Help athletes maximize their mental and physical potential with this 100% online graduate-level certificate.
You’ll develop specialized counseling skills to improve the well-being, mental functioning and physical performance of athletes of all ages and in all settings, from schools to professional leagues and community recreation centers.
This flexible program utilizes best practices to incorporate the principles of counseling, career development, movement science, psychology and human development into effective therapeutic relationships. You’ll also learn practical strategies for helping athletes deal with grief and loss.
It is ideal for helping professionals who work with the athlete population in youth sports programs, interscholastic programs, colleges and universities, community and social agencies, professional sporting agencies and various recreational settings. It qualifies for ACT 48 continuing education credit.
Why Earn a Counseling Certificate at PennWest?
All certificate programs at PennWest are built on the foundation of our renowned graduate training in Counseling, which consistently receives national recognitions for excellence and affordability:
The demand for counselors is growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is projected to grow 22 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.Approximately 43,600 job openings for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors are projected each year over the next decade. As a counseling professional, you may work in a wide variety of settings, including outpatient and residential mental health centers, hospitals and other healthcare facilities, prisons, schools, businesses and governmental agencies.
PennWest’s three campuses, California, Clarion and Edinboro universities, have been delivering award-winning online programs for more than 20 years. You’ll graduate with a degree from Pennsylvania Western University, completely supported by the expertise and community of learners on our brick-and-mortar campuses.