College Access Counseling Certificate

An online certificate program that fulfills the professional needs of college access counselors.

This online certificate program is specifically designed to increase an individual’s knowledge and improve their capacity to assist students in navigating the pathway to college. Throughout the course of study, participants are encouraged to explore and reflect on previous experiences and bridge new understandings from course offerings into future practice.

Rice’s Center for College Readiness offers two paths for individuals interested in completing the College Access Counseling Certificate program (non-credit, Continued Professional Education - CPE). 

  • The Campus Professional: Educators currently employed by a school or school district 
  • The Independent College Consultant: Individuals working in or considering working in the field of college access consulting 

Both plans of study consist of coursework focused on fundamental topics in college counseling and college access, allowing individuals to further develop their knowledge, learn new strategies for student engagement and generally broaden their counseling skills and knowledge.

The Capstone course is the final course in the plan of study. Candidates complete an ePortfolio to showcase their work and knowledge of college counseling support and services. Successful completion of the Capstone course is required to earn the College Access Counseling Certificate.

Who should enroll in our programs?

  • Current college access counselors
  • Aspiring college access counselors
  • Professionals working with students in navigating the pathway to college
  • Parents

This certificate is recommended for individuals with less than three years of college access counseling experience. Courses are intended to educate participants about the basics of the college admissions/advising process.

The Campus Professional pathway is for educators currently employed by a school or school district. 

Educators enrolled in the Campus Professional pathway are required to take at least five (5) core content courses earning a minimum of 40 CPEs and successfully complete the 12 CPE Capstone course. 

In order to enroll in the Campus Professional pathway, a candidate must have a current school or school district email address to verify employment.

Campus Professional candidates are asked to complete this intent form if they are interested in pursuing the College Access Counseling Certificate.

Declaration of Intent

Enrollment Options:

Individual Course Option

This option allows an individual to enroll and pay for the certificate program one course at a time.

Single Course Refund Policy: Participants are eligible for a 90% refund when cancellation is requested at least 30 days prior to the start date of the course. No refunds are provided for cancellations received less than 30 days prior to the start date of the course.

Discounted Bundle Option

This option allows an individual to take advantage of discount pricing by paying in full for all core content courses. No payment plan is available with this option.

The bundle price is $1,470.00. This price represents approximately 20% off the standard registration rate for each of the five (5) core content courses required for this plan of study. Please note the Capstone course is not included in the bundle package.

Discounted Bundle Refund Policy: Participants are eligible for a 90% refund when cancellation is requested at least 30 days prior to the start of the first course in their plan of study. No refunds are provided for cancellations received less than 30 days prior to the start of the first course in their plan of study.

 

The Independent College Consultant pathway is for anyone who is not currently employed by a school or school district. To provide individuals who are not currently working in a campus or district office a deeper dive into the college admissions process, participants enrolled in this program are required to take all seven (7) core content courses earning a minimum of 55 CPEs and successfully complete the 12 CPE Capstone course. 

Independent Counselor candidates are asked to complete this intent form if they are interested in pursuing the College Access Counseling Certificate.

Declaration of Intent

Enrollment Options:

Individual Course Option

This option allows you to enroll and pay for the certificate program one course at a time.

Single Course Refund Policy: Participants are eligible for a 90% refund when cancellation is requested at least 30 days prior to the start date of the course. No refunds are provided for cancellations received less than 30 days prior to the start date of the course.

Discounted Bundle Option

This option allows an individual to take advantage of discount pricing by paying in full for all core content courses. No payment plan is available with this option.

The bundle price is $2,100.00. This price represents approximately 20% off the standard registration rate for each of the seven (7) core content courses required for this plan of study. Please note the Capstone course is not included in the bundle package.

Discounted Bundle Refund Policy: Participants are eligible for a 90% refund when cancellation is requested at least 30 days prior to the start of the first course in their plan of study. No refunds are provided for cancellations received less than 30 days prior to the start of the first course in their plan of study.

 

 

Typically, the courses are offered the following times with no overlap:

The College Access Counseling Certificate Program is designed for those making an impact on the lives of students in secondary schools. If you are a college counselor, parent or educator, and would wish to learn more about how this program can better prepare you to guide your students toward success, please request information by using the form below.