International School Counseling Certificate - Online + In-Person

Course Requirements: 4 courses (12 credits)
Format: Spring 1 online asynchronous course, Summer 2 in-person courses, Fall 1 online asynchronous course
Time to Completion: 1 year
Application Deadlines (updated): Spring-Start Priority Deadline September 30 / Final Deadline October 31. Summer-Start Priority Deadline January 31 / Final Deadline February 28. International applicants should apply by the summer priority deadline to allow time to receive a visa before the Summer Institute. The application and all supporting materials are due by the listed deadlines.
Application Requirements: Online application, resume, transcripts, undergraduate GPA of 2.75+ (or 12 graduate credits with a GPA of 2.75+), and proof of English proficiency
International Applicants: A transcript evaluation is required for degrees completed outside of the US

Overview

School counselors are vital to fostering healthy school environments so children can thrive. This program is designed for educators in international schools who want to advance their skills and knowledge to promote the social and emotional well-being of students inside and outside the classroom. The fall course combines social-emotional counseling with career and college counseling for holistic support.

Lehigh’s innovative faculty teach educators how to help children with developmental issues within the context of an international setting in which children are navigating a culture different from their own. Schools generally are seeing more children who are dealing with stress and mental health issues, and staff are frequently called on to be part of solutions to prevent problems from turning into something more critical. 

Lehigh’s International School Counseling students benefit not just from faculty expertise, but also in learning from—and networking with—each other about issues and strategies in school settings around the world. The program attracts a very diverse group of educators with a wide range of backgrounds who enrich the curriculum by sharing their experiences. 

Certificate students can apply for the M.Ed. in International School Counseling during their certificate program or upon completion. If admitted into the master's degree, the certificate classes will automatically count towards the master's degree. The following courses are the required courses in the certificate program and are taken alongside the students in the M.Ed. in International School Counseling. 

Curriculum:

Students can start the certificate in the spring or summer terms. In-person classes are held in Bethlehem Pennsylvania or in an international location during the Summer Institute. Students may choose to spread out their classes over more than one year if a slower pace through the program is better suited to their needs. 

Certificate students who would like to pursue their masters degree are advised to also take CPSY 456 in the summer.

For questions, contact Julia Aughenbaugh, Global Program Manager at julia@lehigh.edu.