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The School Counseling Program is grounded in the mission of the School of Education and the University: to prepare educators for service and leadership in schools and communities by developing their professional competence and character within a framework of Christian faith and values. In a practical sense, this means that individuals earning certification as school counselors from Seattle Pacific University will practice ethical principles in their work in schools.

The conceptual framework of Seattle Pacific University's program in school counseling is based on theory and research that supports a developmental, systemic approach to facilitating the healthy development of students. It is consistent with the American School Counselor Association's National Standards for School Counseling Programs (Campbell & Dahir, 1997), ASCA’s (2005) National Model, and policy statement on the Professional School Counselor and Comprehensive School Counseling Programs (ASCA, 2005). This framework rests on the following principles:

School Counselors:

• are integral to a comprehensive developmental approach to education;
• focus on preventive and developmental strategies and sound educational interventions based on empirical research and best practice;
• stress collaboration and consultation with other school personnel and community resources to meet the needs of all students;
• maintain the highest level of professional and ethical competence.

Program Orientation

 Incoming students are introduced to the program through the fall Graduate Student Banquet hosted by the SPU’s Graduate Center as well as through an experiential course, EDCO 6600 Introduction to Systems Theory, conducted at Blakely Island Field Station.  Upon completion of the course students will possess a clear understanding of the school counseling program, including its requirements, expectations, faculty, mission, and philosophy.

Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Certification in School Counseling (57 credits)
This program is designed for individuals who have earned a master's degree in education or other related fields (e.g., counseling, social work). Although desirable, a teaching certificate is not required for an ESA School Counselor Certification.

Comprehensive Examination
This two-hour written examination is typically completed during the last quarter of course work or the quarter thereafter. Comprehensive examinations are scheduled one time per quarter.

Due to a change in Federal financial aid rules, some certificate-only programs do not qualify for Federal financial aid. If a student combines this certification with a graduate degree at SPU, then the student will qualify for financial aid as a degree-seeking student. For more information, contact the Graduate Center.

The Graduate Center
Seattle Pacific University
3307 Third Avenue West Suite 111
Seattle , WA 98119-1922
E-Mail: gradadmissions@spu.edu
Telephone: (206) 281-2091 or 1-800-601-0603