Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS)

School Counseling (30 Credits) 

This program is being discontinued and applications are not being accepted

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in School Counseling Program is for licensed School Counselors seeking to enhance their expertise through professional development.

View CAGS in School Counseling Program of Studies

Admission Requirements for CAGS in School Counseling

  • A Master's degree in Counseling
  • Initial or Professional License as a School Counselor
  • Three letters of recommendation, at least one from a supervisor, who has knowledge of the applicant's professional experience as a School Counselor
  • All applicants will be required to interview with a faculty member
  • A completed application, including a five-hundred word personal statement that explains how this CAGS program will contribute to the candidate's professional development as a School Counselor

Massachusetts Department of Education licensed educators, administrators and professional support personnel are required to renew their professional (formerly "standard") stage licenses every five years. Individuals must engage in sustained professional development that strengthens their professional knowledge and skills as part of the recertification process. Licensed school counselors need between 120 and 150 professional development points (PDPs) to renew their primary licenses. Under the revised recertification regulations, one graduate credit is the equivalent of 22.5 PDPs.

Application Deadlines

Note: Interested professionals must submit a completed Counseling Programs application by October 1st for a spring semester admission or February 1st for a summer/fall semester admission.

Download Application for Admission (pdf)

For additional information, contact either:

School of Graduate Studies
Maxwell Library
Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater, MA 02325
gradschool@bridgew.edu
(508) 531-1300

Counselor Education
Kelly Gym, Rm 104
Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater, MA 02325
(508) 531-2836

Last Modified: October 22, 2010