Independent Educational Consultant
Educational consulting professionals planning to launch an independent practice must prepare for this new business model. In addition, they need to fully understand the college admissions process and how to address legal, insurance, marketing, ethical and general business issues.
Throughout your experience learning from leading industry experts, you'll acquire the precise skills to launch and grow a successful business practice. The program also provides the knowledge requisite to navigate the college admissions process and the specialization to meet the needs of varied clients.
Who Should Enroll
- Individuals interested in transitioning into the college admissions consulting profession
- Individuals looking to launch a private educational consulting practice
- Established consultants seeking professional development
Program Benefits
- Learn how to effectively work with families through the college admissions process and financial aid network
- Acquire the basic skills required to start, open, and grow a successful and ethical educational consulting practice
- Learn strategic thinking for developing your business model and marketing plan using proven tactics
Eligibility and Requirements
Apply to become a candidate for the program: A Declaration of Candidacy is required to establish candidacy in this program. Complete the application and pay the application and candidacy fee of $125 (non-refundable). Learn more about the benefits of becoming a candidate.
A candidate in the program is awarded a certificate upon the successful completion of five (5) required courses and two (2) elective courses totaling 15 units, each with a letter grade of “C” or better. All requirements must be completed within five (5) years after the student enrolls in their first course. To receive the Certified Digital Certificate after completing all the program requirements, students must submit the Request for Certificate to initiate the certificate audit process. Students not pursuing the certificate are welcome to take as many individual courses as they wish.
Discount
Members of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) are eligible to receive a 10% discount on courses in the Independent Educational Consultant certificate. Discounts must be requested at the time of enrollment and cannot be applied retroactively.
- IECA Members: Call 703-591-4850 or email membership@iecaonline.com for more information on how to obtain the discount code.
- HECA Members: Visit the HECA website and search “UCI” to obtain the discount code. You will be prompted to log in to your account.
Professional Groups
Join our community on LinkedIn and Facebook to stay up to date on industry news, job postings, and more.
“Every class challenged me to apply my learning to my practice. There were several times the knowledge I gained helped to ramp up my practice quicker and with less risk and introduced me to resources I might have taken months to stumble across. I walked away with plenty of immediately applicable materials. The hidden ‘gem’ of this type of program is the network you create with your classmates. They were generous to a fault in providing feedback and support, and we are still in touch and encouraging one another long after our program is over. The instructors were professionally supportive throughout as well.”
— Jennifer Buyens, Program Graduate,
Independent College Consultant, Tailwind College Consulting
Enroll and pay for courses as you go.
Have Questions?
Talk to an enrollment coach
Call: (949) 824-5414
Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm (Pacific)
Course Schedule
Course schedules are subject to change. Individual courses may be taken without enrolling in the full program.
Career Advancement Network
DCE is proud to offer our learners, candidates and graduates valuable career resources, including personalized career coaching, mentorship, online technology tools, live webinars, and more.
Events
Getting in the Game: Athletic Recruitment and Competing in College
Thursday, November 21, 2024
11:00am – 12:00pm (PST)
Online
Related News
In the Words of Graduate: Kate Sonnenberg
“I think graduating from the program has given me credibility with both my clients and my colleagues.”
Instructor Spotlight: Dr. Erin Avery
“I enjoy making a personal connection with students and ensuring that they know that I will remain as a professional contact and mentor long after the course ends.”
Instructor Spotlight: Judy Berg
“The program will give [learners] practical information useful in their practice, and I believe that counseling techniques are an important component in their toolkit.”