Non-Degree Certificate Programs

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Counseling Psychology (C.A.G.S) (36 credits)

Candidates who already hold a master's degree in psychology or a related field may pursue a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.G.S.). This certificate option is for experienced professionals who wish to expand their clinical skills, engage in scholarly reflection, and enhance theoretical understanding. It also enables individuals with a master's degree in counseling that is less than 48 credits to complete the additional coursework required for licensure in Massachusetts. On-campus enrollment is required.

Program of Study

* This course will be substituted by a Division-based seminar when available.

Post-Master's Program for Initial Licensure in School Counseling

Individuals who wish to receive initial licensure as school guidance counselors or school adjustment counselors and already hold a master's degree in counseling or a related field may choose to apply to the Post-Master's Program for Initial Licensure in School Counseling. This program is designed to provide the theoretical coursework and field training experience necessary to apply for state guidance counselor or adjustment counselor licensure. Applicants wishing to apply to this program should indicate their intention as a part of their admission application. On-campus enrollment is required. The total number of credits vary as a function of the individual's prior graduate coursework and experience.

* Taken concurrently with field training.

* Taken concurrently with field training.

Advanced Professional Certificate in Trauma Studies in Counseling and Psychology (12 credits)

This program offers the opportunity for post-master's professional counselors and other post-master's practitioners (clinical social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists) to develop expertise in psychosocial trauma work. The curriculum includes an overview of trauma theory and practice as well as focus on specific client populations and topics.

For a brochure and application, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at (617) 349-8300 or info@lesley.edu.

Advanced Professional Certificate in Counseling and Psychology for Educators, Clergy, Managers and Health and Human Service Professionals (12 credits)

This post-baccalaureate certificate is designed for professionals who have not been trained as mental health counselors to gain knowledge and skills in establishing helping relationships within the contexts of their areas of professional commitment. The goal of this program is to provide the opportunities for learning that would build on the professional expertise that the individuals already possess. Standard continuing education programs cannot offer the quality or depth of educational experience available in a graduate certificate program. Lesley University excels in working with adult learners, in combining theory with professional practice, and in developing reflective practitioners. This experience and excellence is an integral part of this program.

Students enrolled in this program will be taking courses with students pursuing master's degree programs within the Division, except for those courses limited to degree candidates. Students who subsequently apply to and are accepted into a master's degree program within the Division of Counseling and Psychology may apply credits earned in courses taken in this certificate program into the degree program, with the exception of GPSYC 5004.

For a brochure and application, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at (617) 349-8300 or info@lesley.edu.

Advanced Professional Certificate for Professional Development in Counseling Psychology (12 credits)

This post-master's certificate program offers the opportunity for professional counselors and other post-master's practitioners, such as clinical social workers, school psychologists and pastoral counselors, to create an individualized program of study to pursue learning in content areas that would enhance and expand their professional expertise. It will provide the opportunity to retool (e.g., developing skills of consultation and brief therapy), and learn about how to work with specific client populations (e.g., substance abusers, trauma survivors, or the culturally different) associated with contemporary mental health or adjustment problems that are addressed by courses in the curriculum. In addition, this certificate would enable those holding a 48-credit master's degree in counseling or a related field to complete the educational requirements in Massachusetts for licensure eligibility as a mental health counselor.

Candidates must have a master's degree in counseling or a related field to apply to this program. Admitted students will develop an individualized program of study in consultation with their Faculty Advisor based on the student's learning goals and professional development needs. Prerequisite course requirements must be met for eligibility to register for certain courses. Students in certificate programs are not eligible to take certain courses that are limited to degree candidates.

For a brochure and application, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at (617) 349-8300 or info@lesley.edu.