Master of Science in Clinical School Counseling
Empower Students. Transform Lives.
If you're passionate about supporting students' mental health and academic success, the Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical School Counseling at UNT Dallas prepares you to make a lasting impact.
This CACREP-accredited program equips you to become both a Texas Certified School Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Graduates are prepared to guide students from Pre-K through 12th grade and serve clients in clinical mental health centers, private practices, community counseling agencies, and other settings, helping individuals and families thrive.
Designed for Life. Built for Practice.
The M.S. in Clinical School Counseling at UNT Dallas offers a flexible, hands-on learning experience that meets Texas Education Agency standards for school counselor certification and the academic requirements for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license. Through a blend of theory and hands-on classroom practice, as well as field-based experiences, this program prepares graduates to confidently make an immediate impact in both school and clinical settings.
60
Credit Hours
- 30 credits of core courses
- 9 credits of clinical core courses
- 21 credits of track-specific courses
- Graduate in 36-48 months, depending on your pace
Flexible
Course Lengths
- 16-week sessions (Fall/Spring)
- 10-week sessions (Summer)
Flexible
Delivery Options
- In-person
- Hybrid
- Online courses
Our Degree meets Rigorous Standards
The MS program in Clinical School Counseling is designed to meet the rigorous standards of CACREP.
In keeping with CACREP standards, we have provided the following reports.
The MS program is designed to comply with existing Texas Education Agency standards for professional certification.
Students take the TEA Certification Exam for School Counseling during their Internship course as well as a comprehensive examination. Internships are completed in an elementary or secondary school and are supervised by a Texas Certified School Counselor.
These program areas meet the educational requirement for Certification as a School Counselor in Texas; however, candidates must also have two years of teaching experience as teacher of record (not as a substitute teacher) and pass the TExES-Counselor examination to be eligible for School Counseling Certification in Texas. Individuals seeking certification in other states are urged to contact the appropriate state(s) because their requirements may differ.
The MS program in Clinical School Counseling is designed to comply with existing Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council standards.
Students complete an internship in a community counseling setting and are supervised by a Texas Licensed Professional Counselor. Students take the National Counselor Exam during their Internship course.
To obtain a License in Professional Counseling, the State of Texas stipulates applicants pass the National Counselor Exam and then complete 3,000 clock hours of supervised clinical experience after the Master’s degree has been completed. Individuals seeking certification in other states are urged to contact the appropriate state(s) because their requirements may differ.
Where This Degree Can Take You
The UNT Dallas M.S. in Clinical School Counseling prepares graduates to turn their passion for helping others into a meaningful, professional career. With certification, licensure, and practical skills, you’ll be ready to support Pre-K through 12th-grade students as well as individuals and families in a variety of settings, from schools and mental health clinics to private practices and senior care facilities.
Program FacultyProgram Coordinator Dr. Sam Bore'Program Fact Sheet
Career Paths May Include:
- School Counselor (Pre-K–12)
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- College and Career Readiness Counselor
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Youth and Family Therapist • Crisis Intervention Specialist
- Community Mental Health Advocate
- Private Practice Counselor
- Grief and Trauma Therapist
- Counselor in Senior Care or Geriatric Services