School Counseling M.A.

The M.A. in School Counseling is intended for those who wish to work as professional school counselors in educational settings. This degree program does not prepare its graduates to counsel in social service or mental health agencies or in private practice. This is a 39 credit fully online graduate degree program. Students in the M.A. in School Counseling program receive instruction in developing appropriate comprehensive guidance plans to promote the academic, personal, social, and career development appropriate to elementary and secondary students. They develop competencies in assessment and counseling techniques, including legal and ethical standards, practices and issues. Students complete a supervised internship in a public or private school. Certification as a School Counselor in Texas requires successful completion of the required course sequence, a passing score on the appropriate state certification exam (TExES), and two years of classroom teaching experience approved by TEA.

Students seeking admission to the School Counseling degree program should have completed the following prerequisite: PSYC 4311: Abnormal Psychology (completed within the previous six years of beginning the program), or graduate-level equivalent (e.g., PSYC 5308 Advanced Psychopathology and Diagnosis). Students who are not fully certified as teachers are also required to take PSYC 5361 Behavior Modification. School Counseling applicants must also participate in an interview, conducted online, as required by Texas rules for school counselor programs. Applicants may be subject to a background and fingerprint check from a university-approved vendor at applicants' expense. Students are admitted to this program once a year in cohorts that only begin in summer terms. Students must complete the entire program in sequence with the cohort to which they were admitted. The program is completed in five consecutive semesters.

Certification and Licensure

The M.A. in School Counseling can qualify students to meet the course requirements to become School Counselors certified by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification. Applicants must have two years of TEA-approved classroom teaching experience to qualify for the Texas School Counselor Certificate. Students matriculating in master's programs other than the M.A. in School Counseling program or students who already have master's degrees should contact the Graduate Advisor in School Counseling regarding the School Counselor Certificate. Students seeking only the School Counselor Certificate must meet admission and other requirements for the M.A. in School Counseling degree program.

Required total for degree and certification is a minimum of 39 graduate semester hours. Specifics of this program are subject to change by the SBEC or the degree-granting institution. New and currently enrolled students may be required to meet additional or different requirements.