College Access Counseling Certificate program
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.
Fast-Track Your Career: Complete the certificate in just 10 months and quickly monetize your expertise as an independent educational consultant or campus advisor. Tailored Pathways: Choose from targeted options specifically designed for new advisors, experienced professionals, and parents. 100% Online & Flexible: Master the curriculum via Canvas with a blend of asynchronous coursework and interactive live sessions. Practical Skill-Building: Master the latest admissions trends through curated readings, video modules, and collaborative discussion boards. Expert Mentorship: Learn from a faculty of experienced campus-based advisors and successful private consultants. Strategic Capstone: A final 6-week intensive where you synthesize your learning into a ready-to-launch business plan or a campus-based roadmap for diverse student populations.
FIND YOUR TRACK
Please review each pathway below to determine which best aligns with your goals.
Campus-Based College Access Counselor
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, and The Role of the College Access Counselor.
- Spring (Select 3): Choose from Letters of Rec, Coaching the College Essay, First Generation, or College Match.
- Summer: 6-week Culminating Capstone.
- Total CPE Hours: 62–64 Hours (depending on Spring electives).
Independent Educational Consultant
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, and The Role of the College Access Counselor.
- Spring (Select 3): Choose from Letters of Rec, Coaching the College Essay, First Generation, or 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 to 8 of our College Advising courses) :
- Fall: Fundamentals of College Counseling, Undergraduate Admission Process, Financing College, and The Role of the College Access Counselor.
- Spring:Letters of Rec, Coaching the College Essay, First Generation, or College Match.
- Note: No Capstone course is required for this track.
Parent Advising and Advocacy
For parents and guardians dedicated to supporting their own student. Provides a clear roadmap to navigate applications and financial aid with confidence.- Curriculum (3 Courses Total):
- Fall: Undergraduate Admission Process & Financing College.
- Spring: Coaching the College Essay.
- Summer: 6-week Culminating Capstone.
- No Capstone course is required for this track.
- Total CPE Hours: 26 Hours.
WHO SHOULD ENROLL
A Community of Scholars
Expand your network as you broaden your horizons. From physicians and c-suite professionals to recent college graduates and retirees, the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies program brings together a diverse group of students with a wide spectrum of experiences. The community you create here will connect you to new perspectives, big ideas, and a better understanding of a world that reaches far beyond the hedges of Rice’s beautiful campus.
BROADEN EXPERTISE IN
NEW FIELDS
ADVANCE YOUR
CAREER
PREPARE FOR FUTURE
GRADUATE STUDY
EXPLORE NEW
PERSPECTIVES
LIFE AS AN MIS STUDENT
The Rice Experience
The MIS program has been designed to best support students in their personal and professional endeavors. Small class sizes, highly engaged Rice faculty and visiting instructors, and forward-thinking curriculum are only a few of the qualities that contribute to an MIS student's unique graduate experience. Others include:
- The opportunity to curate plans of study based on your interests
- The beautiful Rice University campus
- A student body diverse in profession and passion
- A connected alumni network
MORE ON MIS
Keep Exploring
LEARN MORE
Request Information
Use the form below to sign up to receive more information about the MIS program.