Mercer University has developed a Graduate Certificate Program in Career Development. The program is intended to help meet the academic and career needs of graduate students and employed professionals in a wide variety of disciplines.
Four postgraduate courses tailored for counseling and human resource students and professionals are offered online:
Eligibility:
- An earned undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
- Current enrollment in or graduation from a Master's level degree program in counseling, human resources, education, or a related field, from an accredited institution.
- One letter of recommendation from employer, college professor, career professional, or other relevant person.
- A pretest in career theory will be required if no graduate level coursework in career/vocational counseling has been completed, non-degree seeking students only.
For more information about the postgraduate coursework in Career Counseling, contact:
Career Counseling is the process of assisting individuals in the development of a life-career. The counseling focus is on the definition of the worker role and how that role interacts with other life roles. Professional career counselors (Master's degree level of education or above) should meet minimum competencies set forth by the National Career Development Association (NCDA) in the following areas:
- Career Development Theory
- Individual and Group Counseling Skills
- Individual/Group Assessment
- Information Resources
- Program Promotion, Management, and Implementation
- Coaching, Consultation, and Performance Improvement
- Diverse Populations
- Supervision
- Ethical/Legal Issues
- Research/Evaluation
- Technology
By participating in this program, students will be able to obtain specialized education in career development. For the employed person with a graduate degree, the Certificate may lead to a career advancement, greater career enrichment, or opportunities for career change.
"Professional Career Counselors or persons in career development positions must demonstrate the knowledge and skills for a speciality in Career Counseling that the generalist counselor might not possess." (National Career Development Association)
Career counselors have rewarding positions in:
- Colleges and Universities
- Technical Schools
- Middle and High Schools
- Human Resource Departments
- Outplacement and Career Management Firms
- Nonprofit and Government Agencies
- Corporations and Consulting Practices
- Private Practice
The Differences are:
- Small, interactive online classes are designed to encourage professional growth and development. Courses are scheduled in a weekly module format for 16 weeks.
- Tuition is competitive. Student loans are available for degree completion and/or tuition assistance may be available from your employer.
- Mercer University has consistently been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the leading universities in the South.
- The four postgraduate courses will satisfy competencies required by National Counseling Development Association (NCDA).
Graduate Recommendation:
"I firmly believe that Mercer's career development program has contributed significantly to the success of my new practice. I gained knowledge of cutting-edge approaches to help today's clients. Classes were stimulating and group projects were very meaningful. The style of shared leadership in combination with practical and theoretical assignments provided a very positive learning experience."
David Harris, M.S., M.T.S.
20+ years in technology management
Application deadline for fall semester is July 1, or application deadline for spring semester is November 1.
Application Procedures:
1. A completed application with official transcripts from all undergraduate
and graduate colleges attended.
2. A handwritten notice of intent to pursue the certificate including goal
statement and how the certificate would be beneficial to you.
3. One letter of recommendation from employer, college professor,
career professional, or other relevant person.
4. A minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 on graduate coursework.
5. A $25 non-refundable application fee.
If you are interested in our specialization in Career Development but do not have a graduate degree, Mercer offers a Master of Science in Counseling and School Counseling.
An Application for Admission may be obtained by emailing Johnson_em@mercer.edu.