Graduate Certificate Programs in Counseling
Graduate Certificates in Counseling
The Graduate Certificate Programs in Counseling offers three certificate programs which are Counseling for Church Leaders, Advanced Counseling and Professional Counseling.
If you later decide that you want to pursue a full master’s for doctorate degree, some graduate certificate credits may be transferable, potentially reducing the time and cost of earning a graduate degree.
Learn more about our Graduate Certificates in Counseling
Graduate Certificate in Counseling for Church Leaders
(Graduate Certificate; non-degree program)
The College of Biblical Studies and the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Masters of Science in Counseling program offers a Graduate Certificate in Counseling for Church Leaders. Ministers, associate ministers, youth ministers, family life ministers and/or elders who have interest or duties in counseling are encouraged to enroll in this certificate program. The interdisciplinary design of the certificate is reflected in a combination of graduate Bible and counseling courses. Students will gain an understanding of basic counseling skills, using scripture in counseling and specific areas of counseling that church leaders are often called upon to perform. The certificate program will give students an opportunity to strengthen and refine their skills whether for members inside the congregation or as an outreach for those in need. Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Counseling for Church Leaders will be better prepared to meet individual and family needs of those seeking help and support within a church context. This certificate can be taken for audit or graduate credit.
Those students completing a Graduate Certificate (for credit) will be presented an official certificate when the program of study is completed.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
- Submit an application for admission.
- The applicant must have completed a master’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum graduate-level cumulative GPA of 3.00 OR be currently enrolled in a graduate program at Freed-Hardeman University.
- Must submit all official transcripts from previously attended institutions.
- An essay of personal goals and how FHU will contribute to those goals (300-500 words).
- An interview with the Counseling Admissions Committee.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
| GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN COUNSELING FOR CHURCH LEADERS | ||||
| Required Courses | 19 HOURS | |||
| COU | 000 | Orientation to Grad Studies in Counseling | 1 | |
| BIB | 535 | Family Ministry OR | 3 | |
| COU | 599D | Premarital Counseling | (3) | |
| BIB | 536 | Pastoral Counseling | 3 | |
| BIB | 545 | Spiritual Leadership | 3 | |
| COU | 535 | Ethical Issues in Counseling | 3 | |
| COU | 565 | Addictions Counseling OR | 3 | |
| COU | 570 | Crisis Counseling | (3) | |
| COU | 599E | Grief Counseling | 3 | |
EXIT REQUIREMENTS
- Successful completion of identified coursework with a 3.00 GPA and other requirements met. A course grade below “C” is not applicable toward meeting certificate requirements.
- Courses must be completed within a six-year period.
- Recommendation by the Director of M.S. in Counseling and program faculty.
Graduate Certificate in Advanced Counseling
(Graduate Certificate; non-degree program)
The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Counseling is offered within the Graduate Studies of Counseling overseen by the Department of Behavioral Sciences and the Director of the Master of Science in Counseling. Individuals who have a master’s degree in counseling (or a related field) can pursue this certificate to further strengthen and enhance their counseling skills. Master’s level counselors frequently desire to take coursework to meet continuing education requirements, to gain training in specific areas, and/or to meet professional credentialing requirements. The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Counseling enables them to also receive a recognized graduate certificate while pursuing these other areas of interest.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
- Submit an application for admission.
- Prerequisites: The applicant must have completed a master’s degree in counseling or a related field with a minimum of 3.00 GPA.
- Personal essay specifying goals and how the FHU program will help meet those goals (300- 500 words).
- Freedom from Conviction of Crimes Form.
- Interview with the Counseling Admissions Committee.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
| GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN ADVANCED COUNSELING | |||
| Required Courses | 13 HOURS | ||
| COU | 000 | Orientation to Grad Studies in Counseling | 1 |
| Complete twelve (12) or more hours from the following courses: | 12 hours | ||
| COU | 525 | Marriage and Family Counseling | (3) |
| COU | 536 | Pastoral Counseling | (3) |
| COU | 550 | Career Counseling | (3) |
| COU | 555 | Theories of Personality | (3) |
| COU | 565 | Addictions Counseling | (3) |
| COU | 570 | Crisis Counseling | (3) |
| COU | 575 | Agency Counseling | (3) |
| COU | 585 | Psychopharmacology for Counselors | (3) |
| COU | 590 | Counseling and the Law | (3) |
| COU | 599A | Counseling Children and Adolescents | (3) |
| COU | 599B | Diagnosis and Treatment Planning | (3) |
| COU | 599D | Premarital Counseling | (3) |
| COU | 599E | Grief Counseling | (3) |
| COU | 599F | Counseling for Church Leaders | (3) |
| COU | 605A | Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship | (6) |
EXIT REQUIREMENTS
- Successful completion of identified coursework with a 3.00 GPA and other requirements met. A course grade below “C” is not applicable toward meeting certificate requirements.
- Courses must be completed within a six-year period.
- Recommendation by the Director of M.S. in Counseling and program faculty.
Graduate Certificate in Professional Counseling
(Graduate Certificate; non-degree program)
The Graduate Certificate in Professional Counseling is offered within the Graduate Studies of Counseling overseen by the Department of Behavioral Sciences and the Director of the Master of Science in Counseling. Individuals who have a master’s degree in counseling (or a related field), but who lack coursework necessary to become licensed as a professional counselor, can pursue this certificate to assist them in meeting the requirements for licensure within their respective state. The Certificate Program will give students the opportunity to strengthen and refine their skills and to obtain foundational knowledge within core counseling areas as required for state licensure.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
- Submit an application for admission.
- Prerequisites: The applicant must have completed a master’s degree in counseling or a related field with a minimum of 3.00 GPA.
- Personal essay specifying goals and how the FHU program will help meet those goals (300- 500 words).
- Freedom from Conviction of Crimes Form.
- Interview with the Counseling Admissions Committee.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
| GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING | ||||
| Required Courses | 13 HOURS | |||
| COU | 000 | Orientation to Grad Studies in Counseling | 1 | |
| At least four (4) of the following sections must be met to obtain the certificate: | 12 hours | |||
| A. Theories of Human Behavior, Learning, and Personality: | ||||
| COU | 505 | Life-Cycle Development OR | 3 | |
| COU | 555 | Theories of Personality | (3) | |
| B. Abnormal Behavior and Psychopathology: | ||||
| COU | 514 | Psychopathology I | (3) | |
| C. Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy | ||||
| COU | 510 | Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy | (3) | |
| D. Evaluation and Appraisal Procedures: | ||||
| COU | 520 | Assessment in Counseling | (3) | |
| E. Group Dynamics, Theories, and Techniques: | ||||
| COU | 530 | Group Counseling | (3) | |
| F. Counseling Techniques: | ||||
| COU | 501 | Clinical Intervention I | (3) | |
| G. Multicultural Counseling | ||||
| COU | 560 | Counseling Diverse Populations | (3) | |
| H. Ethics: | ||||
| COU | 535 | Ethical Issues in Counseling | (3) | |
| I. Research: | ||||
| COU | 540 | Research Methods in Counseling | (3) | |
| J. Use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual: | ||||
| COU | 515 | Psychopathology II | (3) | |
| K. Treatment and Treatment Planning: | ||||
| COU | 599B | Diagnosis and Treatment Planning |
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EXIT REQUIREMENTS
- Successful completion of identified coursework with a 3.00 GPA and other requirements met. A course grade below “C” is not applicable toward meeting certificate requirements.
- Courses must be completed within a six-year period.
- Recommendation by the Director of M.S. in Counseling and program faculty.
Meet Our Faculty
Sharen Cypress, Ed.D.
Dean, College of Education & Behavioral Sciences
James Dalton, Ph.D., L.P.C.-M.H.S.P.
Director, M.S. in Counseling Programs / Associate Professor of Counseling
