Online College Counseling Certificate

Certificate Overview

Earn your Postsecondary Access and Success Programs Graduate Certificate online

Developed by the School of Education, this five-course online graduate certificate is designed for anyone working (or planning to work) in pre-college preparation access programs, postsecondary student opportunity programs, or student support positions. Course material will prepare you to take on roles such as:

College access advisor
Pathways program coordinator
Student success coach
High school TRIO or GearUp advisor
Retention specialist
College enrollment personnel

What is postsecondary education?

The term postsecondary education refers to any educational program that takes place after high school or after completion of a high school equivalency test, such as the GED. Common postsecondary education programs include:

Two-year associate degree programs at community colleges
Three- and four-year undergraduate programs at colleges and universities
Graduate degree and certificate programs
Programs offered by trade and technical schools

Prepare to work in a growing field

The number of pre-college access and postsecondary student support programs is increasing across the United States. Recognized as a student services functional area by the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education, this growing field employs thousands of professionals across the U.S. and other parts of the world.

Colorado State University currently offers one of the only graduate programs specifically designed for professionals working in postsecondary access and success programs. This certificate also supports individuals looking to make a career change who require additional knowledge and academic credentials.

Study online and on your schedule

Online graduate certificate programs from Colorado State University are ideal for working professionals. Aside from the flexibility of studying online, there are several benefits to participating in this program.

Learn from scholar-practitioners who teach in the field of student affairs
Collaborate and discuss course content with peers throughout the program
Develop in-depth knowledge and practical, career-applicable skills
Earned credits can be applied to a relevant master’s degree program, such as the online Master of Science in Student Affairs in Higher Education*

*Note: You must be admitted into this program for the graduate certificate to appear on your official University transcript.

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Curriculum

Note: You must be admitted into this program for the graduate certificate to appear on your official University transcript.

Required courses (9 cr.)

In addition to the required courses above, students must also complete six credits in their area of choice (either precollegiate or postsecondary):

Precollegiate courses (6 cr.)

EDHE 651 – Pre-College Program Access Models (3 cr.)
EDHE 653 – Pre-College Access Program Practice (3 cr.)

Postsecondary courses (6 cr.)

Program Total Credits: 15

Note: This certificate may have courses in common with other graduate certificates. A student may earn more than one certificate, but a given course may be counted only in one certificate.

How to Apply

Applications are reviewed as they are received. You can expect to be notified of your application status within two weeks of submitting all application materials.

Note: You may enroll in and complete courses before being admitted into this certificate program. However, to earn the certificate, you must be admitted into the program prior to completing the final course.

Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.

Apply Now

1Review Admission Requirements

Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
3.0 cumulative GPA from all previously completed coursework

Note: Meeting the minimum requirements does not ensure admission to the certificate program.

2 Complete Online Application

Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received.

Important note: Both your application and all supporting documentation (transcripts, statement of purpose, etc.) must arrive by the application deadline.

Choose “Postsecondary Access and Success Programs (Certificate) – Distance” when choosing the Program of Study. (Note: You must first select "Certificate" at the top.)

3 Request Transcripts

Request one official transcript from the institution where you earned your bachelor’s degree. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required.

Electronic (preferred):
Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial.

Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or gradadmissions@colostate.edu if the secure service requires an email address.

Mail (if necessary):
Graduate Admissions
Colorado State University – Office of Admissions
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

Check Your Application Status

View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You can expect to be notified of status within two weeks of submitting a complete application.

For International Applicants

Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Learn more about English language proficiency requirements.