Masters Degree in Counseling (M.S. or M.Ed.)
The Department offers three options in which one may focus for the master's degree in counseling. Two of these, School Counseling and Community Counseling, are 49-hour programs that are CACREP accredited. The third, Student Affairs, is a 36-hour degree that is not accredited by CACREP. The Community Counseling program results in a Master of Science Degree, and the School Counseling program students may choose either the Master of Science or the Master of Education degree. The Student Affairs program results in the Master of Education. For additional information on all of these degree options, see the current Master's Handbook available elsewhere on the department web site.
Any of the three masters programs may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. Most classes meet in the evening. Our summer schedule includes day and evening classes, Monday through Thursday. Courses are offered at the main campus in Commerce and at the university's Metroplex Center in Mesquite. Periodically, some of the courses are available on-line.
Students seeking the professional school counselor certificate may pursue a certification-only track in which they complete the requirements for school counselor certification but do NOT pursue the masters degree. This 43-hour non-degree option is available only to students who already hold a masters degree, and it does not result in a second master's degree. If a student who does not already hold a master's degree wants school counselor certification, he/she must complete the full 49-hour School Counseling master's degree.
Community Counseling - The Community Counseling Specialty prepares students for work in agency counseling settings (e.g., substance abuse centers, family counseling centers, mental health agencies) and provides academic preparation for becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Practicum and internship experiences (9 hours) for students in the Community Counseling Specialty occur in community or agency settings.
School Counseling - The School Counseling Specialty prepares students for work as professional school counselors for grades pre-K through 12. The program, with appropriately chosen electives, also provides academic preparation for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas and certification as a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Practicum and internship experiences (9 hours) for students in the School Counseling Specialty occur school settings, although in some cases the internship may include some work in community settings that provide counseling services for children.
NOTE:
The Texas State Board for Educator Certification requires two years of approved K-12 classroom teaching experience before a professional school counseling certificate is awarded.
Student Affairs - The Student Affairs Specialty prepares students for work as student services specialists in diverse student affairs settings such as residence life, student activities, academic advising, career services, multicultural services, orientation, admissions, drug and alcohol programs, and TRIO programs in colleges, universities, and community colleges. The program has developmental and educational orientations and includes academic preparation in student development, organization and administration of student affairs, interpersonal communication skills, student issues, understanding diversity, and research. A semester-long internship affords students an opportunity for the practical application of skills and academic knowledge.
