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School Counseling Program

Welcome! Thank you for your interest in the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling program in the College of Education at The University of Texas at El Paso. We are excited that you have taken the time to explore our website and learn more about the program, the profession of school counseling, and the opportunities available after graduation.


The master’s degree in school counseling prepares highly competent professionals to design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive school counseling programs that are aligned to the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs based on the statutory description of Texas school counseling programs and school counselor responsibilities (Texas Education Code [TEC] §§33.005-33.007). Graduates are committed to promoting positive student outcomes in achievement, attendance and behavior through advocacy, leadership, and collaboration for all students in the communities they serve.

Through a combination of rigorous coursework, supervised field experiences, and practical training, students gain the skills needed to design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive school counseling programs that promote student achievement and well-being. The curriculum is aligned with national standards of the American School Counselor Association and reflects best practices in the field, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet certification and professional requirements.

Our program is committed to fostering strong partnerships with local school districts and community organizations, providing students with meaningful field-based learning experiences. These opportunities allow students to apply what they learn in the classroom while working directly with diverse student populations in real-world settings.

Graduates of the School Counseling program are prepared to pursue certification as school counselors and are equipped to work in elementary, middle, and high school settings. School counselors play a critical role in helping students achieve academic success, develop social-emotional skills, and plan for college and career pathways.

We hope you can join us and start your career as a School Counselor!

Tuition:

(Check here for updates)

Duration:

6.5 semesters at 2 courses per semester

Credit Hours:

48

Course Delivery:

Primarily In Person 

Admissions & Program Requirements

Applicants must submit a complete application including required documents and statements. These materials are reviewed to determine if the applicant’s knowledge, experience, skills, and potential align with program expectations.

A non-refundable $35 TEA technology fee is required as part of the application process.

Admissions Requirements

A minimum 3.0 GPA is required based on the cumulative undergraduate record or the last 60 credit hours completed.

Required Application Materials:

  1. Curriculum Vitae / Resume
  2. Statement of Intent
  3. Statement on Counseling Diverse Populations
  4. Statement on Interpersonal Relationships
  5. Three Professional Letters of Recommendation
  6. Official 91国产app Transcripts

Applicants are evaluated based on GPA, letters of recommendation, purpose statement, and responses related to multicultural and interpersonal skills.

View Evaluation Guide

Important Program Information

Teaching experience is not required for admission.

Students enrolled in the Alternative Certification Program (ACP) are encouraged to complete ACP prior to beginning the master’s program.

Learn more about ACP

Background Check Requirement: Students must successfully pass a criminal background check for practicum, internship, and employment eligibility as required by Texas Education Code.

Texas School Counselor Certification

In addition to completing the master’s degree, students must meet the following requirements:

  1. Valid Texas Teaching Certificate
  2. Classroom Teaching Experience (requirements vary based on legislation)
  3. Passing score on the TExES School Counselor Exam
Important Update: As of September 1, 2023, two years of teaching experience is no longer required for certification. All other requirements remain in effect.

Program Exit Policy

The School Counseling Program maintains structured policies to support student success and ensure readiness for professional practice.

  • Early intervention and support when concerns arise
  • Corrective action plans when needed
  • Formal progress reviews at key milestones
  • Retention review hearings if necessary

Students must remain enrolled each academic year or reapply after 12 months of inactivity.

Important Program Information

Teaching experience is not required for admission.

Students enrolled in the Alternative Certification Program (ACP) are encouraged to complete ACP prior to beginning the master’s program.

Learn more about ACP

Background Check Requirement: Students must successfully pass a criminal background check for practicum, internship, and employment eligibility as required by Texas Education Code.

Individuals may request a preliminary criminal history evaluation through the Texas Education Agency:

Demand for School Counselors in Texas

Texas continues to experience a shortage of school counselors, limiting student access to academic and mental health support services.

While the recommended ratio is 250:1, many schools exceed 500:1.

Job growth for school counselors is projected to increase significantly, driven by increased student needs and workforce demand.

Program Coursework

Foundational Coursework (18 Hours)

application details
EDPC 5317 Human Growth and Development
EDPC 5320 Lifestyle and Career Development
EDPC 5321 School Counseling
EDPC 5324 Ethical and Legal Issues
EDPC 5341 Theories of Counseling
EDPC 5346 Multicultural Counseling

Advanced Coursework

application details
EDPC 5332 Program Evaluation
EDPC 5333 Crisis Counseling
EDPC 5338 Group Counseling
EDPC 5339 Techniques of Counseling
EDPC 5345 Abnormal Human Behavior
EDPC 5362 Counseling Children, Adolescents & Families

Clinical Experience

courses
EDPC 5369 Practicum
EDPC 5376 Internship I
EDPC 5377 Internship II

Total Program Hours: 60

Interested in this program? Click here to start your application today!

Register Today!