Transform student lives through flexible, faith-centered school counselor education.

Professional school counselors provide services that promote student wellness and development. The Master of Education in Professional School Counseling develops counselors who serve students and parents by facilitating student learning and success in the areas of academic achievement, behavioral, emotional, and social development, and college/career development. This school counseling degree prepares students for state certification and employment. School counselors coordinate with faculty, staff, students, parents, and the community by administering a Comprehensive School Counseling Program (CSCP).

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Overview of the Professional School Counseling Master's Curriculum

Program Requirements

Students must complete the following during the school counseling degree program:

  • 48 hours of graduate coursework with a grade of “B” or higher
  • Successful passing of the comprehensive exam
  • Practicum and internship (minimum of 400 clinical hours)

Course 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

Certification requirements

  • Complete 160 practicum hours in a Texas Education Agency accredited school (or TEA approved private/charter school) with a site supervisor holding a valid Texas Professional School Counselor certificate. 19 TAC Chapter 228
  • Complete their degree in counseling
  • Pass the state certification exam (TExES 252)
  • Proof of teaching record submitted to Office of Certification
  • Certification Officer approval for state certification by TEA

Additional Courses for LPC Licensure

Professional School Counselors are encouraged to obtain their Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Certification with the State of Texas by taking four additional courses.

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

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Student Learning Outcomes

The Masters in School Counseling online degree has the following learning outcomes:

  • Develop trained and qualified counselors who can impact all children and students to become productive, well-adjusted individuals.
  • Complete practicum and internship, including three 45-minute observations (virtual) with one-on-one feedback.
  • Qualify students to meet state requirements for certified school counselors and pass the TExES 152 Exam. (Students must earn a “B” or higher on all courses and pass the comprehensive exam.)

What can I do with my Masters of Education in Professional School Counseling Degree?

The following are jobs where Professional School Counselors may be hired:

  • Public School Counselors
  • Accredited Private School Counselors
  • College Academic Advisor
  • University Career Counselor
  • Admissions Counselor
  • Student Success Coordinator
  • First-Year Experience Specialist
  • At-Risk Youth Counselor
  • Community Outreach Specialist

Admissions and Aid

If you’re ready for a fulfilling journey in School Counseling, Houston Christian University welcomes you to apply. Explore next steps:

Online Admission Requirements

Students are required to submit transcripts showing they achieved a high school general or advanced diploma or a GED with passing scores. (Waived if student has 32 credit hours or more of transfer credit.)

Students must submit all college transcripts from any previously attended institutions. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the college or university that awarded your bachelor’s degree to be considered official. Transcripts from any additional coursework since that time should also be submitted including postbaccalaureate or graduate-level transcripts.

You may be accepted with unofficial transcripts by emailing copies to OnlineVerification@HC.edu; however, you must submit the official transcripts in a sealed envelope from the school or through an approved electronic service by your second semester.

Mailing Address

Houston Christian University
Attention: Online Admissions Verification
7502 Fondren Road
Houston, TX 77074-3298

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

For more information about this program or its courses, please contact your program coordinator.
Angela Waggoner, PhD
Angela Waggoner, PhD
Assistant Professor of Counseling
Chair, Department of Counseling
Accreditation

Houston Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, graduate and doctoral degrees.