USF Polytechnic's counselor education program prepares professional counselors to facilitate the development of individuals, assist in the enrichment of the quality of their lives and help those who experience difficulties in overcoming or resolving the complex adjustment problems associated with modern living. The major goals of the program are to train practitioners who:

• Provide helping interventions for individuals, groups and organizations.
• Serve as effective counselors in schools and community agencies.
• Provide leadership in educational and human service settings.
• Use the resources of the family, school and the community to meet the development needs of the client.

Students gain general counseling skills plus specialized knowledge about school counseling. This program provides course work and knowledge necessary to pass the Florida guidance counseling certification exam.

USFP's Counselor Education program holds accreditation in the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools (SACS). USFP is the only program in Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties to hold accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).