This foundational course introduces students to the school counseling profession, including its history, ethical standards and role within K-12 educational systems. Students will explore the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model and examine how school counselors support the academic, career and social-emotional development of all students. Emphasis is placed on the unique responsibilities of school counselors compared to other counseling settings.

This course prepares students to design, implement and evaluate comprehensive school counseling programs aligned with the ASCA National Model. Students will learn to assess school and community needs, manage program resources, use data to drive decisions and collaborate with teachers, administrators and families to support student success across grade levels.

Students in this course examine the developmental theories, counseling approaches and intervention strategies most effective for working with children and adolescents in school settings. Topics include developmental psychology, age-appropriate counseling techniques, crisis intervention, mental health awareness and culturally responsive practices for serving diverse K-12 populations.

The practicum is the culminating field experience of the certificate program and fulfills the Texas Education Agency's requirement for 165 hours of face-to-face supervised experience in a brick-and-mortar school setting. Students will partner with a certified school counselor to shadow and participate in the full scope of school counseling responsibilities. This course requires synchronous fieldwork and must be completed in a physical school environment; it cannot be completed remotely.

*some synchronous fieldwork requirement

Most students complete their Online+ degree in 2-4 years, depending on transfer credits and course load. Our 8-week courses and multiple start dates help you graduate faster.

Yes! Texas Tech University accepts transfer credits, which are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact an Enrollment Service Specialist to see how your prior coursework applies.

Whether you complete your degree on campus or online, your diploma and transcript will say "Texas Tech University." Online students earn the same respected Texas Tech degree, taught by the same expert faculty, with the same academic rigor. No distinction on your diploma or transcript indicates how you completed your coursework.

Absolutely. Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring that Online+ programs meet the same rigorous academic standards as on-campus programs.

Online+ is designed for flexibility and career acceleration, featuring:

• 8-week courses with multiple start dates
• Free credit for work-life experience
• No application fee and start-learning-for-free options
• Industry-recognized career certificates included in your degree

From application to graduation, you’ll have personalized support, including:

• Enrollment Service Specialists to guide you through admissions
• Online Student Advocates for academic and financial aid assistance
• Career counseling and job placement resources

While Online+ courses are asynchronous, they are structured with weekly assignments and deadlines, giving you flexibility while keeping you on track for success.

Tuition varies by program, but Texas Tech Online is committed to affordability. Many students reduce costs through transfer credits, work-life experience credit and financial aid.

Yes! Eligible students can apply for federal financial aid, grants, scholarships and military benefits. Our financial aid team can help you maximize your funding options. Questions can be sent to: Online.Finaid@ttu.edu.

Yes! Online+ offers free prior learning assessments (PLA) that allow you to earn credit for professional certifications, military training and work experience—helping you graduate faster and save money.

Graduates from Online+ programs pursue careers in business, technology, health care, education and more. Many degrees also include free industry career certificates, boosting your employability in high-demand industries.