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Certificate Program in College Admissions Counseling and Career Planning

The College Admissions Counseling and Career Planning Certificate Program provides in-depth knowledge and technical skills necessary to direct students in their quest for higher education and career fulfillment. The program consists of five core courses covering a range of topics including: the college admissions process, financial aid process/procedures and resources for private practice.

Participants may choose to complete the certificate program or take individual courses on an as-needed basis. Those completing the program will have the skills and knowledge needed to work as a college admissions counselor in private practice, to advise junior and high school students in school settings and to support first generation students in the college admissions process.

This program is designed for school counselors, teachers, as well as professionals and parents who want to stay abreast of current issues in college admissions counseling.

Quarterly schedule of courses

		UNITS	F	W	SP	SU
REQUIRED COURSES	Counseling the College Bound Student: College Admission A; Overview, Expectations and Processes	4
	Counseling the College Bound Student: College Admission B	4
	Understanding Financial Aid for Post Secondary Education	2
	Tools for College Counselors and Nuts and Bolts of Private Practice	3
	College Admissions Counseling and Career Planning Practicum	1
Classroom format

Required Courses

Counseling the College Bound Student: College Admission A; Overview, Expectations and Processes

4 quarter units academic credit, X345A. .

This course will introduce participants to the processes involved in effective college admissions counseling. Topics will include: the college admission timeline, a California college overview, the role of the college admissions counselor, strategies for working with students and parents, matching students with colleges suited to their goals and preparing strong college applications.

This course is not currently scheduled.

Counseling the College Bound Student: College Admission B

4 quarter units academic credit, X345B. .

This course further builds on the first course in the certificate program, continuing to explore the fundamentals of effective college counseling with in-depth discussions. Additionally, this course will expand the knowledge base regarding the increasingly complex process of college applications.

Prerequisites:

Counseling the College Bound Student: College Admission A; Overview, Expectations and Processes, Admission Requirements: This program is open to anyone interested however; those wishing to obtain the certificate must have a minimum of an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, a completed application for candidacy and an application fee.

This course is not currently scheduled.

Understanding Financial Aid for Post Secondary Education

2 quarter units academic credit, X345.1. .

Gain a thorough understanding of how to advise clients or your child through the often difficult financial aid process. Receive a comprehensive overview of financial aid for college constituents, including: required forms and deadlines; federal and state processes; grants, scholarships and loans; Economic Opportunity Program qualifications and application process; interpreting the expected family contribution and the financial aid package. Resources for financial aid assistance for both the counselor and the student as well as family members will be reviewed.

Sections of this course open for enrollment:

• Understanding Financial Aid for Post Secondary Education    starts August 1

Tools for College Counselors and Nuts and Bolts of Private Practice

3 quarter units academic credit, X345.2. .

Explore career assessment tools, tools for working with special populations, how to use the Internet for college searchs, communication strategies for parents and students, recommended books and professional organizations s well as the nuts-and-bolts of private practice and more.

Sections of this course open for enrollment:

• Tools for College Counselors and Nuts and Bolts of Private Practice    starts June 27

College Admissions Counseling and Career Planning Practicum

1 quarter units academic credit, X345.3. .

Under professional supervision, apply theory and methodology learned in previous courses to counseling situations. Observe an approved public or private school counselor for eight hours, logging notes and reflections. Following observation, complete 15 hours of college admissions counseling fieldwork-five hours counseling an underrepresented student, five hours focused on a non-traditional student, and five hours with a traditional student. 

Then attend seven hours of practicum seminars. Observations and fieldwork experiences will be discussed. Based on mentor and peer feedback, you will create a one-year professional development plan that identifies goals, objectives, activities and timelines for continuing your growth as an effective college counselor.

Prerequisites:

Counseling the College Bound Student: College Admission A; Overview, Expectations and Processes, Counseling the College Bound Student: College Admission B, Understanding Financial Aid for Post Secondary Education, Tools for College Counselors and Nuts and Bolts of Private Practice, Admission Requirements: This program is open to anyone interested however; those wishing to obtain the certificate must have a minimum of an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, a completed application for candidacy and an application fee.

This course is not currently scheduled.