Master of Science in counseling

The counseling program offers three accredited specialty areas of study including clinical mental health; marriage, couple and family; and school counseling. In addition, students may pursue elective concentrations in addiction, child and adolescent counseling, LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy and the art and science of trauma counseling.

A successful graduate can pursue state licensure as a licensed professional counselor (LPC), a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), and/or a licensed chemical dependency counselor (LCDC), as well as obtain the certified school counselor (CSC) credential, depending on the designated specialization and electives. Students who have completed the requisite coursework and clinical experience requirements may also pursue credentialing as registered play therapists.

Yes. Students can choose to focus their studies on one or more of the following specialties: clinical mental health; marriage, couple, and family; and school counseling, with additional opportunity for concentrated study in addiction counseling, child and adolescent counseling, trauma counseling and LGBT affirmative therapy.

The school counseling specialty is accredited by CACREP and prepares students to pursue certification as an elementary or secondary certified school counselor (CSC) and fulfills the educational requirements for licensure as a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas.

The clinical mental health degree fulfills the requirements for licensure as a licensed professional counselor in the state of Texas. Students apply the developmental and social sciences in assisting children and adults with psychological growth, relationship concerns and mental health concerns.

Students who complete the school counseling concentration obtain the certified school counselor credential and can also pursue credentials as a registered play therapist. Students work with elementary and secondary students in a school setting, focusing on cognitive, career and educational assessment on top of mental health concerns.

Yes, many students pursue their master’s in counseling part time. The Master of Science degree in counseling requires completion of 63 hours that includes a common core curriculum of 54 credit hours for all three specialties.

No. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required, along with several other admission requirements. However, most students in the M.S. in counseling program earned their undergraduate degrees in psychology, sociology, social work, ministry work or education.