The post-master’s certificate program in professional counseling is designed for persons who hold the Master of Science or Master of Arts degree in counseling from VCU or other accredited institutions. The intent is to assist students in meeting the educational requirements for the Licensed Professional Counselor, the Licensed Substance Abuse Practitioner and the Certified Substance Abuse Counselor credentials in Virginia and other states.

The certificate program also may be pursued to fulfill preservice or continuing education requirements for various national certifications, such as National Certified Counselor or Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. Specialization requirements may exceed the minimum number of required credit hours for the certificate program as a whole.

Courses are selected from course offerings of the Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling program based on individualized need and in conjunction with a faculty adviser.

Specific goals include but are not limited to:

1. The encouragement of advanced graduate education in counseling
2. The facilitation of the professional counselor’s career development efforts and goals
3. The facilitation of the acquisition or maintenance of professional state licenses or national certificates
4. The expansion of the student’s awareness and expertise in specialized counselor roles and functions