Overview

The Rice University College Access Counseling Certificate program is committed to expanding educational equity and student success by empowering the people who guide them through the process. We provide aspiring advisors and seasoned professionals with the specialized knowledge, ethical grounding, and strategic tools necessary to mentor students through all phases of the college application process.

Program Tracks

Campus-Based College Access Counselors

This track is for applicants who want to build the skills, structure, and resources needed to deliver effective college advising programs within schools or community-based organizations.

Outcome: Development of a comprehensive college advising program resource suite.

Curriculum (7 Courses Total):

• Fall (Mandatory):
  • Fundamentals of College Counseling
  • Undergraduate Admission Process
  • Financing College
  • The Role of the College Access Counselor
• Spring (Select 3):
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Coaching the College Essay
  • First Generation
  • College Match
• Summer: 6-week Culminating Capstone

Total CPE Hours: 62–64 hours (depending on Spring electives)

Independent College Access Counselor

This track is for applicants who want to develop the expertise and business foundation necessary to launch or formalize a successful independent college advising practice.

Outcome: Mastery of private practice operations and the creation of a ready-to-implement business plan.

Curriculum (7 Courses Total):

• Fall (Mandatory):
  • Fundamentals of College Counseling
  • Undergraduate Admission Process
  • Financing College
  • The Role of the College Access Counselor
• Spring (Select 3):
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Coaching the College Essay
  • First Generation
  • College Match
• Summer: 6-week Culminating Capstone

Total CPE Hours: 62–64 hours

Active Professionals

This track is for experienced advisors who want to sharpen advanced skills, stay current with admissions policy and strategy, and strengthen their professional practice through targeted coursework.

Outcome: Advanced mastery of modern admissions strategies and policy.

Curriculum (1–8 Courses):

• Fall:
  • Fundamentals of College Counseling
  • Undergraduate Admission Process
  • Financing College
  • The Role of the College Access Counselor
• Spring:
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Coaching the College Essay
  • First Generation
  • College Match
• Note: No Capstone course is required for this track.

Total CPE Hours: Varies

Click the green button to complete your application and submit it with the $75.00 non-refundable fee.