Students develop competencies and professional orientation necessary for certified practice in the school setting. As part of this, students are taught to take on consultative roles with parents, teachers, and administrators as important stakeholders in the school community. Graduates who complete the school counseling certification track uniquely benefit by qualifying for permanent certification in New York State with no additional graduate course work required beyond their master?s degree. Only two years of experience in the field is required to be permanently certified in school counseling. (Note: Hofstra is one of only a few counseling programs in New York State that offers this benefit!)