School Social Work/School Adjustment Counselor (SAC) Certificate for Post-Master’s Licensure
DESE-Approved | Part Time or Full Time | No GRE or GMAT Required
Expand Your Resume and Your Skillset as a School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor (SAC)
A school social worker/ school adjustment counselor (SAC) is committed to meeting the mental health needs of students within a school setting. They provide one-on-one support to at-risk students and also work with groups of students when necessary.
If you are licensed as a school counselor or clinical social worker, or hold a master’s in school counseling, social work or clinical mental health counseling, you may be eligible to earn a 16–20-credit School Social Work/School Adjustment Counselor (SAC) Certificate for Post-Master’s Licensure.
Quick Facts:
- Online and on-campus course options*
- Meets Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) licensure requirements
- Aligned with the American School Counselors Association (ASCA) standards
- Complete in as few as six months
- Three starts per year
- No GRE or GMAT required
*Students seeking an Initial license in Massachusetts may be required to participate in occasional on-campus coursework.
Learn more about Merrimack’s School Social Work/School Adjustment Counselor (SAC) Certificate for Post-Master’s Licensure.
Massachusetts is the No. 3 highest-paying state for school counselors in the U.S.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Massachusetts ranks third highest in median annual salary for educational, guidance and career counselors and advisors ($79,670) with nearly 10,000 employed in this occupation throughout the state.
Flexible Learning:
Choose Online or On-Campus for Each Course
Our flexible format allows you to register for your courses either online, on-campus, or a combination during each semester. Simply select your preference when registering courses and enjoy a convenient learning experience. International students may participate, but they must complete 50 percent of their courses on campus and cannot begin or end their program online.
As a bonus, full-time students who are U.S. citizens and who complete more than 50 percent of their courses on campus are eligible for health insurance.
School Social Work/School Adjustment Counselor (SAC) Certificate for Post-Master’s Licensure Coursework
This 16–20-credit program can be completed in six months as a full-time student or one year as a part-time student and meets DESE licensure requirements. It includes rigorous coursework and on-site field-based training in a setting that works best for you. The coursework can be customized based on your prior experience and master’s degree transcript review.
Field-Based Training
Students seeking licensure to advance their career as a school social worker/school adjustment counselor (SAC) complete 750–900 hours of field-based training over the course of one or two semesters. Merrimack has an exceptionally diverse network of partner schools and community organizations, so we can locate a practicum assignment that closely fits your career interests and strengths within a commutable distance from your home.
Program Requirements
Students must hold a master’s degree in school counseling, social work or clinical mental health counseling. Students with a license in school counseling are eligible for reduced practicum hours.
Sample Coursework
This advanced course explores and applies theories of human development related to the mental health and social/emotional growth of youth. The course emphasizes the school counselor’s role in assessment, identification and interventions related to mental health issues and substance use concerns. Students will examine current research and best practices in the field and create individual and group interventions tailored to school settings. In addition, participants will learn about the prevention of abusive and violent behaviors in preK–12 students and promote intellectual, social, and emotional well-being. Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): SCC 5010 and CMH 5000 or permission of the program director
This course is concurrent with the Practicum I for school social work/school adjustment counselor (SAC). Students examine their practice as school-based workers, expand on their understanding of youth and family counseling and services, and deepen their knowledge of prevention, communication and treatment. Course content will include psychopharmacology and medical considerations in treatment of conditions and illnesses affecting youth.
Corequisite(s): SCC 6560
This course provides training and application of critical techniques of counseling (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, etc.) for assisting youth and young adults using a systems approach. Special attention will be dedicated to treating issues associated with trauma, anxiety, depression and behavioral challenges. Students will gain skills associated with case management, treatment planning, goal setting and closure strategies, with a focus on developing resilience and self-care. Credits: 4
In this course, students study current policies and services relevant to practice with children, adolescents and families who are court-involved. Review of critical laws and the juvenile justice system and procedures will be covered. Students will apply a social justice framework to understanding policy context and organization of services responses to child and family inequalities, especially for historically oppressed and marginalized populations. Emphasis on securing services and resources for families in Massachusetts. Credits: 4
This course provides students with an opportunity to observe, engage and apply skills and knowledge competencies in therapeutic counseling, social work services and advocacy. Course is linked to the capstone seminar where students will complete applied assignments in school adjustment counseling. Students will complete the SC-CAP (school adjustment counselor candidate assessment of performance). Credits: 2
Corequisite(s): SCC 6055
What Our Students Say
Tune Into the Grad Chat Podcast
Throughout this episode, distinguished alumna Jessica Lawrence dives into the significance of her internship experience during her program, shares insights into her daily life as a school counselor, underscores the challenges and profound rewards inherent in the role and reveals her favorite aspect of her profession.
Tune Into PodcastTuition and Financial Aid
School Social Work/School Adjustment Counselor (SAC) Certificate for Post-Master’s Licensure
$700
per credit*
16–20
credits
$11,200–14,000
tuition
*Tuition based on 2025–2026 academic year.
Tuition and fees are subject to change annually.
Additional program fees may apply.
Financial Aid
As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal loans. We strongly encourage all eligible* graduate students to apply for federal financial aid, even if they don’t demonstrate an exceptional financial need.
All graduate students also have the option of obtaining private loans and/or enrolling in an institutional payment plan.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Merrimack College’s FAFSA school code is 002120.
*Certificate programs do not qualify for federal financial aid.
Partnership Discounts
Merrimack partners with many school districts across Massachusetts to offer additional discounts. Contact us to see if your district participates.
Alumni Discount
Double Warrior Scholarships are available to all Merrimack graduates. New alumni automatically receive a 33 percent savings on tuition if they start a graduate degree program within two terms following graduation. All other alumni (i.e., those with an earlier graduation date) are eligible for a tuition discount of 25 percent.
It’s Easy To Apply Online
A complete application includes:
- Online application (no fee)
- Official college transcripts from all institutions attended
- Resume or LinkedIn profile
- Personal statement
GRE and GMAT scores are not required. Additional materials may be requested.
Students must be licensed school counselors or licensed clinical social workers with a master’s degree in school counseling, social work or clinical mental health counseling.
Key Dates and Deadlines
This program enrolls three times a year.
Merrimack College
Accolades and Accreditation
At Merrimack College, we’re proud of our long history of providing quality degrees to students entering the job market. Our faculty are more than just teachers. We are committed to helping you grow — academically, personally and spiritually — so that you may graduate as a confident, well-prepared citizen of the world.
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2025)
- Most Innovative Schools (No. 5)
- Regional Universities North (No. 39)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (No. 19)
- Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (No. 94)
(at schools where doctorate not offered) - Best Colleges for Veterans (No. 15)
- Best Value Schools (No. 51)
NECHE-Accredited
- Merrimack College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
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