Gain skills to help students navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and compassion.

The professional school counselor today is a vital member of the educational team on each campus. The need for school counselors is on a rise and yet school counselors remain scarce (TCA Newsline, March 10, 2022). As described by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), school counselors provide a myriad of services to promote student wellness and support student development. The school counselor (TEC § 33.005 and § 33.006) coordinates services with the faculty, staff, students, parents, and community to plan, implement, and evaluate the Comprehensive School Counseling Program (CSCP).

A Master of Education in Professional School Counseling from our University offers a uniquely holistic approach to preparing compassionate, skilled counselors who can address the academic, emotional, and spiritual needs of today’s students. Beyond providing the essential counseling competencies and educational foundations, our program integrates faith-based perspectives that enhance your ability to serve with purpose and integrity.

Students benefit from small class sizes fostering meaningful connections with faculty mentors who are both accomplished professionals and committed Christians, ensuring that graduates emerge not only with the credentials required for licensure, but also with a deeper understanding of how to support the whole child in an increasingly complex world. Our Christ-centered approach to counselor education prepares you to become a beacon of hope and guidance in schools while maintaining the highest standards of professional excellence.

Program Requirements

Course Name Hours
COUN 5310: Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling 3
COUN 5316: Human Growth and Development 3
COUN 5317: Multicultural Counseling 3
COUN 5318: Counseling Skills and Techniques 3
COUN 5320: Theories of Counseling 3
COUN 5321: Group Counseling and Psychopathology 3
COUN 5363: Principles of School Counseling 3
COUN 6309: Assessment and Testing 3
COUN 6310: Clinical Psychopathology 3
COUN 6320: Research Design and Program Evaluation 3
COUN 6321: Career Counseling and Lifestyle Development 3
COUN 6323: Crisis Response and Trauma Care 3
COUN 6341: Counseling Children, Adolescents, and Families 3
COUN 6324: Substance Abuse and Addictive Disorders 3
COUN 6365: Advanced School Counseling and Leadership 3
COUN 6391: Counseling Practicum (100 Hours: 40 Direct) 3
COUN 6392: Counseling Internship I (300 Hours: 120 Direct) 3
Total Hours
48

Additional Courses for LPC Licensure

Master of Education Professional School Counselors are encouraged to consider taking four (4) additional courses to obtain their Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Certification with the State of Texas in addition to meeting the requirements for their M. Ed degree.

Course Name Hours
COUN 5309: Counselor Professional Identity and Function 3
COUN 6324: Substance Abuse and Addictive Disorders 3
COUN 6325: Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Planning 3
COUN Elective – Suggested:
COUN 6326 Human Sexuality or COUN 6331 Grief and Loss
3
Total Hours
12

View Degree Plan

Review degree plan

Texas School Counselor Certification Only Program

If you only wish to obtain the certificate, you will need to have completed a master’s degree (60-credit hour) in a counseling or psychology related field. The School Counselor certificate plan consists of 18 hours of graduate coursework, plus 3 hours of school-based internship with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00. In addition, TEA requires all School Counselors to pass the TExES 252 State Certification Exam.

Course Course Name Hours
PSYC 5340 Orientation & Consultation In School Psychology 3
PSYC 5309 Ethics in School Psychology 3
EDSP 5319 Teaching Strategies in Special Education 3
COUN 5363 Principles of School Counseling 3
COUN 6365 Advanced School Counseling & Leadership 3
COUN 6395 School Counseling Internship 3
Choose from one of the following below
EDAD 6393 School Law 3
EDAD 6316 Data Driven Decision Making 3
EDAD 5320 Systems Thinking: Theory & Applications 3
EDAD 6312 Interpersonal Communication and Public Relations 3
Total Certificate in Professional School Counseling 21

Students seeking certification or licensure outside the State of Texas: Students seeking certification or licensure from any state other than Texas should check with their state licensing board to determine eligibility. Houston Christian University has not determined whether their program of study meets the students state licensure requirements. Please see the Professional Licensure Directory for more information.

Student Learning Outcomes

Master of Education Professional School Counselors students acquire the following student learning outcomes:

  • Our students are uniquely trained and qualified from a theoretical and developmental framework to make a difference for all children and students as they become productive, well-adjusted individuals of tomorrow.
  • During practicum and internship, our students complete three (3) 45-minute observations at the beginning, middle, and end of supervision with the same student. These observations can be completed face-to-face or virtually. Our students then receive one-on-one feedback following each observation.
  • This degree prepares interested individuals to meet the state requirements to become a certified school counselor, as well as, to take and pass the TExES 252 Exam. Students are expected to complete all courses with a “B” or higher and successfully complete a comprehensive exam.

What Can I Do With My Master of Education Degree as a Professional School Counselor?

The following examples represent professional settings in which graduates with a Master of Education Professional School Counselors may be hired:

  • Public Schools
  • Accredited Private Schools

The following examples represent career paths graduates with a Master of Education Professional School Counselors may pursue:

School-Based Positions

  • K-12 School Counselor: Work directly in elementary, middle, or high schools helping students with academic planning, social-emotional development, and college/career readiness
  • College Counselor: Assist high school students with college applications, financial aid, and transition planning
  • Career Counselor: Focus specifically on helping students explore career options and develop professional skills
  • School Counseling Department Chair/Lead: Supervise other counselors while maintaining some direct student services
  • District Counseling Coordinator: Oversee counseling programs across multiple schools
  • University Academic Advisor: Work with college students on degree planning and academic success

Related Fields

  • Educational Consultant: Provide expertise to schools, districts, or families on improving student outcomes
  • Mental Health Counselor: With additional licensure, offer therapeutic services in community mental health settings

Admissions and Aid

If you’re ready for a fulfilling journey in Counseling, Houston Christian University welcomes you to apply. Get started today:

Earn a Master of Education in Professional School Counseling degree at Houston Christian University

For more information about the Professional School Counseling MEd, please contact your program coordinator.
Angela  Waggoner, PhD
Assistant Professor of Counseling
Chair, Department of Counseling