Contact
Yanhong Liu, Associate Professor, 315-443-9624, yliu363@syr.edu – Inquiries during Fall 2025
Sabrina Butler, Assistant Teaching Professor, smbutl01@syr.edu – Inquiries during Spring 2026
Core Faculty
Dr. Sabrina Butler, Assistant Teaching Professor
Dr. Yanhong Liu, Associate Professor
Dr. Melissa Luke, Dean’s Professor
Dr. Caroline O’Hara, Associate Professor
Dr. Derek Seward, Associate Professor
The Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.) prepares students in more scholarly depth than does the Master’s degree and meets the New York State academic requirements for permanent school counselor certification. The C.A.S. is appropriate both for students with a Master’s in school counseling and for students who have a Master’s in another specialty within counseling, but wish to pursue New York State certification as a school counselor.
Requirements for the C.A.S.
- A master’s degree in counseling;
- A minimum of 60 credits beyond the baccalaureate, of which 30 credits must be taken at Syracuse University;
- Satisfactory completion of a special project (typically completed as part of COU 749 Leadership and School Counseling Program Implementation).
In order to better meet the career needs and interests of our students, the Counseling and Human Services faculty voted to allow current students the opportunity to apply to the Certificate in Advanced Study (C.A.S.) program in School Counseling following successful completion of practicum. The revised application process will allow our current students increased opportunities for course selection if they are interested in, and admitted into the C.A.S. program. As has always been the case, the C.A.S. in School Counseling which leads to state credentialing as a school counselor is open to students across the School Counseling, Student Affairs, and Clinical Mental Health master’s programs.
Programs include extensive fieldwork opportunities in which students gain hands-on experience working with students and clients in a wide range of counseling and educational settings. Students work closely with their advisor, and the fieldwork coordinator to identify settings that meet their individual interests and career goals. The faculty is nationally recognized for their leadership in the profession and all classes are taught by skilled experts and experienced clinicians.
The faculty is deeply committed to the growth and development of their students; faculty work closely with both our master’s and doctoral students. Students are trained in the most current information in counseling and provided the opportunity to develop their skills and succeed in their chosen area of specialization. The department’s goal is to prepare national leaders in counseling. It seeks to develop a diverse group of professionals who will excel in knowledge, skills, commitment, and service in a wide range of educational and community settings.
Accreditation
The C.A.S. in School Counseling is accredited by CAEP and meets the requisite expectations of such professional accreditation. The degree is registered with New York State and meets the curricular requirements for permanent certification as a school counselor.
Recommended Coursework
To meet the requirements of the C.A.S. in School Counseling, students are recommended to complete the following courses:
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| COU 600 | Selected Topics in Counseling (Psychodiagnosis, Treatment, and Psychopharmacology for Counselors) | 1-6 |
| COU 651 | Crisis Counseling | 3 |
| COU 672 | Counseling Children and Adolescents | 3 |
| COU 675 | Substance Abuse Counseling | 3 |
| COU 678 | Child Centered Play Therapy | 3 |
| COU 729 | The Counselor in the Schools (if not courses required in master’s degree) | 3 |
| COU 749 | Leadership and School Counseling Program Implementation | 3 |
Additional requirements are identified in consultation with the student’s advisor.
Note
There are no required courses for the C.A.S. program. Students are encouraged to take coursework coincident with their counseling interests.
