• A Hybrid program with classes in the evening and online
• Courses taught by practitioners with experience in the field
• A cohort model designed to provide you with resources and support
• Practical application via counseling internships in local schools
• Blend your experience in the mental health field with coursework
  tailored to school counseling for a comprehensive approach to
  supporting children and youth for success academically, emotionally
  and socially

For full course descriptions, visit our academic catalog.

• Academic/Behavioral Appraisal and Intervention
• Introduction to the Counseling Profession
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling
• Career Development and Counseling
• Early Childhood/Elementary Counseling
• Middle School/High School Counseling
• Child/Adolescent Development and Mental Health
• Instructional Strategies and Classroom Management
• Teaching Practicum
• Curriculum, Development and Technology
• School Counseling Internship/Group Supervision (Elementary)
• School Counseling Internship/Group Supervision (Secondary)

Prerequisite Courses

Human Development or an equivalent upper-division course in human development and behavior is required for the School Counseling Certificate program. This course may be taken concurrently in the first semester of coursework.

1. A free application for admission
2. Official transcripts showing completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0
3. A statement of purpose 2-3 pages double spaced that clearly indicates career history, professional goals, and professional guiding principles
4. Current resume
5. One letter of recommendation that specifically addresses the academic ability, work performance and character of the applicant
6. Two disposition assessments
7. A personal interview with the admissions committee

Per Semester:

Housing & Food: $5,650
Books & Supplies: $55 per credit
Personal: $700
Transportation: $700
Tech Fee: $150

Rachel Grant
Admission Counselor

541-684-7348
rgrant@bushnell.edu

Ray Ricks, M.Ed.
Program Director, School of Education

541-684-7277
rricks@bushnell.edu

Bushnell University’s School Counseling programs are accredited by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC), ensuring they meet the highest standards for preparing professional school counselors. These programs are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to support the success of K-12 students.

1. How much does the program cost?

The Certificate of School Counseling is offered at the same cost per credit as the School Counseling program. Current tuition and fees are listed on our Graduation and Tuition page. The certificate program consists of 33 credits.

2. How long does it take to complete the program?

Students can complete any of our certificate programs in 22 months.

3. Can I work while doing this program?

Students in the Certificate of School Counseling program must make a personal choice about working while pursuing their education. Throughout the program, students will complete coursework on campus in the evening once a week, in addition to completing their practicum and internship in the school. Because schools operate during the hours of a typical workday, students often adjust their work schedules in order to complete program requirements.

4. Is Bushnell accredited?

Yes. Our certificate program is accredited through TSPC (Teacher Standards and Practices Commission).

Have other questions? Contact our admission counselor for education programs at 541-684-7201.

Upon completion of the Certificate of School Counseling, candidates:

• Demonstrate ethical and legal considerations specifically related to the practice of school counseling
• Demonstrate knowledge of theories and processes of effective counseling and wellness programs for individual students and groups of students
• Demonstrate multicultural competencies and advocacy in relation to diversity, equity, and opportunity in student learning and development
• Understand the influence of multiple factors that may affect the personal, social, and academic functioning of students and the use of various forms of assessments for these
• Demonstrate how to critically evaluate research relevant to the practice of school counseling and apply those research findings to the field
• Understand and evaluate programs designed to enhance student academic, school-to-work transition, career planning, social, and emotional development
• Know strategies and methods for collaborating with school staff, parents, families, and community members to empower them to act on behalf of their children
• Understand the school counselor’s role in student assistance programs, school leadership, curriculum, and advisory meetings

Oregon Licensure

In accordance with the rules established by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC), the Bushnell University School of Education offers a comprehensive program leading to a PK-12 Preliminary School Counseling License.

All school counseling candidates must create an eLicensing account on the Oregon TSPC website. For more information on Oregon licensure requirements, visit our Teacher Education page.

Out of State Licensure

For more information on out-of-state licensure, visit the TSPC website.

The classroom practicum is an abbreviated student teaching experience offered during the second semester of the program. This supervised practicum consists of a minimum of 200 clock hours in a regular classroom in an accredited school. The experience consists of 75 clock hours of full responsibility for directing learning with a work sample illustrating the ability to foster student learning.

Fingerprinting (as required by law)

• Education Program Fingerprinting Procedures
• Fingerprint packets and forms can be obtained in the Teacher Education Department. Fingerprint clearance by TSPC is required prior to official admission into the program.

Civil Rights

To hold a school counseling license, Oregon educators are required by statute to demonstrate knowledge of civil rights laws and laws prohibiting discrimination. In accordance with ORS 342.123 (1), pre-service teachers must pass all components of the Civil Rights in the Educational Setting learning modules. All modules must be successfully passed prior to starting any field experience, or by the second week of the fall semester, whichever comes first. A passing score of 100% is required.

More information on testing requirements can be found on our teacher education testing requirements page.

Candidates in the School Counseling Certificate program engage in 600 hours of internship, under the guidance of a licensed school counselor and with support from a Bushnell Field Supervisor.

To ensure a full range of experience, the internship is split between an elementary and secondary setting; 300 hours, each. For Track II candidates, an additional 200-hour field placement in a classroom setting is also required.