School Counseling - Advanced Certificate
Bridge language and cultural barriers for the students who need your support most.
School counselors are a vital part of the educational leadership team, helping students build the academic and social skills they need to thrive from elementary school through college and beyond. Designed for counselors who have already earned a master's degree, this advanced certificate prepares you for New York State certification and the work of supporting the next generation of students.
This program is part of Social and Behavioral Sciences
The Manhattan Advantage
What You Will Learn
In this 21-credit program, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to foster individual development across all stages of life and guide students toward their academic and career goals. You will learn to assess and support individual development, help students overcome social and behavioral challenges through classroom guidance and counseling, and counsel individuals and small groups based on student and school needs. Grounded in research and shaped by the real needs of schools, the program prepares you to engage students in career and college readiness and to serve as an empathic, caring human service provider. If you wish to specialize in post-secondary advising, you may add the optional 12-credit University Advising concentration for additional expertise in guiding college success.
Why Study in New York City
New York City is home to some of the most diverse school communities in the nation, making it an ideal place to train as a school counselor. Located in the Riverdale neighborhood of the Bronx, near Manhattan and Lower Westchester, our campus puts you within reach of public school systems that serve students from diverse backgrounds. As a graduate student in the School Counseling program, you can gain hands-on experience through the University's counseling center placements, some within walking distance of campus, working directly with students, teachers, and counselors. There, you will collaborate with a team and make a real difference in the local community while building the practical skills that prepare you for the field.
What Will You Do
Potential Career Opportunities
The School Counseling program prepares graduates to counsel in schools, community organizations, colleges, and other agencies that rely on professional counselors. Graduates are equipped to support students' academic, social, and career development across a range of educational settings.
- Career counselor
- Community-based counselor
- Elementary School Counselor
- High school counselor
- Middle school counselor
About
The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences
The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences is the largest of Manhattan University's three schools, offering 33 undergraduate majors, six graduate programs, and six combined degrees across the humanities, natural and social sciences, and professional fields. Grounded in the University's Lasallian Catholic mission and located near the heart of New York City, the School pairs rigorous academics with small classes, close faculty mentorship, and real-world experience throughout the five boroughs and beyond. With strong pre-law and pre-health advising and a focus on ethical, engaged scholarship, Kakos graduates leave prepared to lead, and the University ranks in the top 3% nationally for salary impact (Wall Street Journal, 2026), evidence of where that preparation leads.
Application Requirements
- Applicants for master's programs must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or institution.
- Applicants for advanced certificates must hold a bachelor's and a master's degree, both from accredited institutions.
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale is required, although other factors may be considered in the admission decision.
- Graduate applications are submitted through a centralized application service (CAS) platform. You will need to create a user account to track your application submission.
Required Documents
- Apply Online to Manhattan University
- Undergraduate Transcript(s) – Unofficial transcripts can be used in order to make an admissions decision. Official college transcripts are required prior to enrollment.
- Personal Statement - Applicants are required to submit a statement that reflects their program interest and personal and professional goals.
- At least one letter of recommendation from a professional reference.
- Current Resume
- $75 Application Fee
Required Documents
International Students
Transcripts
- All international applicants who were educated outside of the United States for their undergraduate and/or graduate degree must provide a course-by-course evaluation report (which should be inclusive of your official transcripts) provided by one of the agencies listed on the NACES website.
English Language Requirement
Non-native English speakers are required to demonstrate their English proficiency. This can be done in three ways:
- TOEFL iBT (minimum overall score - 4)
- CEFR-Common European Framework of Reference (minimum overall score - B2)
- IELTS (minimum overall score - 6.5)
- Duolingo (minimum overall score - 110 out of 160)
If the primary language of your university or college program was English, you may qualify for a waiver.
Prepare for the Real World
At Manhattan University, your education is built around who you are and where you want to go. Whether you’re ready to apply or just starting to explore, take the next step when you’re ready — we’re here to help.