Texas Master’s in Counseling Programs

In the Southern United States, Texas is the second-largest state in size and population. As a result of the large population and area of the state, Texas is projected to need 28% more mental health counselors by 2030, according to O*Net Online. Part of this need for mental health counselors in the state results from a rapidly growing population. Another reason is the ever-changing and controversial political landscape, which has created a mental strain for certain populations due to a number of complex factors. The need for more professionals in the state has led to many mental health counseling degree programs emerging.

Master of Counseling Programs in Texas

In Texas, there are many mental health counseling master’s programs. According to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, one must graduate from a CACREP-accredited counseling program to become a Mental Health Counselor. Programs in Texas that are CACREP-Accredited also fit into the categories of online programs and no GRE-required programs. That leaves many options for potential counseling students in Texas.

Featured Accredited Counseling Programs

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Additional Counseling Programs

Online Master of Counseling Programs in Texas

There are many benefits to online learning. Some benefits include flexibility in scheduling, consistent access to course materials, and the ability to enjoy some Texas barbecue while attending class. Besides that, some students simply thrive better in an online environment, and find it easier to concentrate and complete coursework. Four programs in Texas offer the flexibility of an online program. There are also programs listed in the below categories that are on-campus or hybrid courses, with parts of the program being online.

CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs in Texas

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits many counseling university and college programs all over the United States. There are many benefits to attending an accredited university such as ensuring you meet the criteria for licensure in your state as well as having a standardized program. There are two programs located in Texas that offer the flexibility of being online as well as meeting the criteria for CACREP accreditation. Those two programs are located at Midwestern State University and Texas A&M University-Kingsville. 

Below there are 28 counseling programs that are CACREP accredited and meet the criteria for licensure in the State of Texas.

Featured Accredited Counseling Programs

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No GRE Required Master in Counseling Programs

The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is a standardized test used by graduate schools to determine aptitude for applicants. If you are not a fan of standardized tests, you are in luck. There are many programs located in Texas that do not require this test and still meet the requirements for licensure in Texas. 

Under the “online programs category, two programs do not require the GRE at all, and one is dependent on an undergraduate GPA. The two programs that do not require the GRE at all are Midwestern State University and Texas A&M University-Kingsville. LeTourneau University does not require the GRE for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher. 

Under the CACREP-Accredited programs category, 15 programs do not require the GRE at all, and six are dependent on undergraduate GPA. The 15 programs that do not require the GRE at all are :
-Seminary of the Southwest
-St. Edwards University
-Stephen F. Austin State University
-Texas A&M University
-Central University
-Texas A&M University-Commerce
-Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
-Texas A&M University-San Antonio
-Texas Christian University
-Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
-Texas Woman’s University
-University of North Texas at Dallas
-University of North Texas College of Education
-The University of Texas at El Paso,
-University of Texas at San Antonio
-University of Texas at Tyler

The six programs that do not require the GRE depending on undergraduate GPA are:
-Sam Houston University
-Southern Methodist University
-University of Houston-Clear Lake
-University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
-University of Saint Thomas Houston
-University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley College of Education

Most Affordable Master in Counseling Programs in Texas

After breaking down each program by cost per credit hour, the most affordable Texas counseling program on the lists above is at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The price per credit is $271.33 plus fees which is by far the lowest on the list. The program is also CACREP-Accredited and therefore meets all requirements for licensure in Texas. Affordability can be subjective, and depends on several complex factors. However, one strategy to apply if you are looking for an affordable program is to start with state schools. These schools are also usually accredited, offering the same high-quality education, but have a lower tuition because the schools receive tax dollars towards the costs. So, if you apply for a state university within Texas, and that is your home state, you will likely be paying a lower tuition than you would with other universities, because you have already paid taxes towards the cost.

Accelerated Master in Counseling Programs in Texas

While there are not any programs that are explicitly “accelerated” in Texas, there are many that require only 60 credit hours, while other programs may require more. To meet the requirements for licensure in Texas programs must be accredited. To be accredited a program must meet a minimum credit hour requirement of 60 credit hours. The following programs are 60 credit hours:

• Midwestern State University
• Texas A&M University-Kingsville
• Lamar University
• Hardin-Simmons University
• Sam Houston State University
• Seminary of the Southwest
• St. Edward’s University
• St. Mary’s University
• Stephen F. Austin State University
• Tarleton University
• Texas A&M University-Central University
• Texas A&M University-Commerce
• Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
• Texas A&M University-Texarkana
• Texas Christian University
• Texas State University
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
• Texas Tech University-College of Education
• University of Houston-Clear Lake
• University of Houston-Victoria
• University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
• University of North Texas at Dallas
• University of North Texas College of Education
• University of Saint Thomas Houston
• The University of Texas at El Paso
• University of Texas at San Antonio
• University of Texas at Tyler
• University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley College of Education
• Abilene Christian University
• University of Houston

Required Courses for Licensure in Texas

According to the Texas State statute, certain course requirements must be met to obtain licensure as a Professional Counselor. The courses that are required are as follows:

• Normal Human Growth and Development
• Abnormal Human Behavior
• Appraisal and Assessment Techniques
• Counseling Theories
• Counseling Methods or Techniques
• Research
• Lifestyle and Career Development
• Social, Cultural, and Family Issues
• Professional Orientation
• Practicum (Internship)
  • At least 300 clock hours of which 100 must be direct client contact
• Addictions Counseling
• Counselor Ethics
• Couples, Marriage, or Family Counseling
• Psychopathology

Featured Online Master’s in Counseling Programs

Counseling Licensure Requirements in Texas

In Texas, there are three levels of licensure according to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. Those two stages are Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and Licensed Professional Counselor. One may also obtain a designation as a supervisor. The licenses are obtained in the order they are listed. The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and the Texas State Statute list the requirements to obtain each license. 

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate:

To obtain licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, one must submit the following documentation to the Board for approval: 

• Practicum Documentation Form
• Jurisprudence Examination Completion Certificate
• Supervisory Agreement Form (to be done by you and a state-approved supervisor)
• National Counselor Exam (NCE) or National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE) submitted from the National Board of Certified Counselors
• National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) self-query report
• Fingerprinting
• Official counseling program transcripts

Licensed Professional Counselor: 

To obtain licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor, one must submit the following documentation to the Board for approval: 

• Jurisprudence Examination Completion Certificate
• Supervised Experience Documentation Form
• Fingerprinting

Career Outlook for Counselors in Texas

According to O*Net Online, the need for Mental Health Counselors in Texas is expected to increase by 28% by 2030. The current number of counselors in Texas is 14,010 and a 28% increase means there will be a need for 17,960. The current national number of Mental Health Counselors is 351,000 and is expected to increase by 22% by 2030. This means the need for Mental Health Counselors in Texas is expected to grow faster than the national average.

Texas Counseling FAQs (Obtained via the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council)

How do I take the Jurisprudence Exam? 

This exam is administered by a third party to register, visit this page. 

How do I get a self-query report? 

The information for this can be found at the National Practitioner Data Bank. 

How do I find a supervisor? 

A list of active supervisors in Texas is found on the Behavioral Health Executive Council website. Most counseling agencies and practices also offer supervision to their dependently licensed clinicians. 

How do I get fingerprinted?

Upon submission of your application, you will be sent instructions on fingerprinting. 

How long will it take to get a license? 

This varies based on many factors but can be expected to take multiple weeks. 

How many continuing education credits are needed to renew my license? 

LPCs must obtain 24 continuing education hours each renewal period. At least 6 hours must be obtained in ethics and another 3 must be obtained in cultural competency. The Texas Legislature has also directed a required continuing education course in human trafficking.

How Much Does a Mental Health Counselor Make in Texas

According to O*Net Online, a Mental Health Counselor is expected to make an average of $47,140 per year. This number is less than the national average of $49,710.

How to Become a School Counselor in Texas

The Texas Education Agency lists the requirements to become a School Counselor. The first step is to complete an approved Educator Preparation Program for the specific certificate desired, hold a master’s degree from an accredited university, and complete the required test. The past requirement for a School Counselor to have two years of teaching experience has been waived starting in September of 2023.

How Much Does a School Counselor Make in Texas

According to O*Net Online, it is expected that a School Counselor in Texas will make an average of $62,250 per year. This is higher than the national average which is $60,140.

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Texas

There are many different career paths one can take with an interest in Substance Abuse Counseling in Texas. According to the Texas Certifications Board, people can work as a provider, prevention specialists, or criminal justice specialists. There are also options for people to work in gambling addiction. The requirements for each level of licensure vary and more information can be found at the link above. 

The two levels of Substance Abuse Counselors specifically are Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselors and Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselors. For the first level, all you need is special training to work in the field. Anyone with a High School Diploma/GED to Master’s Level clinicians can work in this role. The next level is based on years of experience and education.

How Much Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Make in Texas

According to O*Net Online, a Substance Abuse Counselor in Texas can expect to make an average of $47,140 per year. This is less than the national average which is $49,710 per year.

What Other Careers Are There for a Master’s in Counseling Degree

While the focus for people with a Master’s in Counseling is often working in the field of mental health or addiction, some people find that this is not for them. Thankfully, this degree can be used to work in other fields. Other fields that a Master’s in Counseling would be good for are a role in government, human resources, local outreach, and non-profit leadership.