At over 268,000 square miles, the saying “Everything is Bigger in Texas” certainly rings true. The Lone Star State is the second-largest state in the country and one of the most populous. Of the 31 million people who call Texas home, over 5.5 million of those residents are PK-12 students.
Spanning Texas’s vast landscape are over 9,000 public schools in 1,207 school districts. With an additional 1,200 private schools, the state has taken steps to ensure students can access academic, social-emotional, and career exploration support. Until recently, school counseling certification in Texas required two years of classroom teaching experience, completion of a school counseling Educator Preparation Program, and passing the certification exam. In 2023, the two-year teaching requirement was eliminated, paving the way for more individuals to pursue a career in school counseling.
If you are interested in becoming a school counselor, Texas colleges and universities have you covered. Though eight of the 40 school counseling masters programs still require two years of teaching experience to apply, there are many options from which to choose, including fully online, hybrid, and CACREP-accredited programs. More than ever, it is easier to join this growing and influential profession. Read below to find the best school counseling masters program for you.
Masters Programs in Texas to Become a School Counselor
The Texas Education Agency defines school counselors as collaborators with families, educators, and the community to ensure student needs are addressed. Through the implementation of a comprehensive curriculum, providing responsive services, and individual student planning, counselors provide valuable support to their school communities. Texas is home to 40 school counseling masters degree programs, and the following are a sample of the diverse array of options available in the Lone Star State.
Dallas Baptist University
- Dallas
- 48 hours
- In-Person
City: Dallas
Modality: In person
Degree: MEd
Length: 48 hours
Tuition: $12,429 per semester
Program Overview:
Located in the bustling city of Dallas, this in-person program provides thorough instruction in the delivery and implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program. Taught through the Christian lens of servant-leadership, graduates quickly find employment in the public and private schools of the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Lubbock Christian University
- Lubbock
- 60 hours
- Hybrid
City: Lubbock
Modality: Hybrid
Degree: MS
Length: 60 hours
Tuition: $6,840 per semester
Program Overview:
Featuring a curriculum that covers counseling theory and skills, support for multicultural populations, classroom guidance delivery, ethics, and current research and practices, Lubbock Christian University’s school counseling masters program is a comprehensive option for prospective students. Furthermore, the program has a 100% pass rate on the state certification exam for school counselors.
Nelson University
- Waxahachie
- 48 hours
- Online
City: Waxahachie
Modality: Online
Degree: MEd
Length: 48 hours
Tuition: $14,005 per semester
Program Overview:
Nelson University is a private, Christian institution located in Waxahachie, just south of Dallas. Designed to be flexible for working individuals, this online program focuses on supporting diverse student populations through all developmental phases and can be completed in three years.
Southwestern Adventist University
- Keene
- 60 hours
- In-Person
City: Keene
Modality: In person
Degree: MA
Length: 60 hours
Tuition: $9,270 per semester
Program Overview:
Southern Adventist University’s school counseling masters program emphasizes the mental and behavioral health aspects of the school-age population. By combining instruction in school-wide programming and individual and small group counseling, this in-person program trains its students to apply theory and research into practice.
Texas A&M University Central
- Killeen
- 60 hours
- In-Person
City: Killeen
Modality: In person
Degree: MS
Length: 60 hours
Tuition: In-state $3,018 per semester; Out-of-state $6,354 per semester
Program Overview:
Located in Killeen, Texas A&M University Central’s in-person program trains school counselors to be skilled at providing support to diverse populations. Along with theory and practice, this masters program is committed to graduating counselors with a strong sense of professional identity.
Texas Southern University
- Houston
- 60 hours
- Online + In-Person
City: Houston
Modality: Online and In-person available
Degree: MEd
Length: 60 hours
Tuition: In-state $1,781 per semester; Out-of-state $4,140 per semester
Program Overview:
Texas Southern University is the nation’s 9th-largest HBCU. Located in Houston, the university is both flexible and affordable, as it offers enrollment in either an in-person or online school counseling masters program. Applicants must provide a teaching record to be accepted into either program.
Texas Tech University
- Lubbock
- 48 hours
- In-Person
City: Lubbock
Modality: In person
Degree: MEd
Length: 48 hours
Tuition: In-state $2,8267 per semester; Out-of-state $5,297 per semester
Program Overview:
The 10th largest city in Texas, Lubbock is the birthplace of rock-and-roll pioneer Buddy Holly and the home of Texas Tech University. TTU’s school counseling masters program prepares students to work in public and private settings and its curriculum emphasizes the implementation of the American School Counseling Association’s national model. Two years of prior teaching experience are required to enroll in the program.
Texas Wesleyan University
- Fort Worth
- 60 hours
- Online
City: Fort Worth
Modality: Online
Degree: MA
Length: 60 hours
Tuition: $8,460 per semester
Program Overview:
Texas Wesleyan’s school counseling masters program is attractive to individuals seeking a flexible schedule. Counseling theories, crisis intervention, advocacy for diverse populations, and building a comprehensive school counseling program are among the knowledge and skills presented through hybrid delivery.
University of Houston
- Houston
- 60 hours
- In-Person
City: Houston
Modality: In person
Degree: MEd
Length: 60 hours
Tuition: In-state $4,401 per semester; Out-of-state $8,991 per semester
Program Overview:
The University of Houston’s masters program integrates practical skill application with theory and research. Graduates are prepared to support diverse populations in the greater Houston area and beyond. The program application requires two years of teaching experience.
University of Houston Clear Lake
- Houston
- 60 hours
- In-Person
City: Houston
Modality: In person
Degree: MS
Length: 60 hours
Tuition: In-state $1,764 per semester; Out-of-state $4,320 per semester
Program Overview:
Located between Houston and Clear Lake, this in-person school counseling masters program encourages the development of practical counseling skills along with professional identity. The curriculum centers on building the academic, social, and career development of students through the delivery of a comprehensive school counseling program.
Online School Counseling Masters Programs in Texas
Online masters degree programs are an attractive and flexible option for individuals hoping to advance their education or move into another career. With technology and learning platforms evolving and increasingly accessible, a masters degree is within your reach. The following are among the 15 Texas colleges and universities that offer online school counseling masters programs.
Angelo State University
- San Angelo
- 48 hours
- Online
City: San Angelo
Modality: Online
Degree: MEd
Length: 48 hours
Tuition: In-state $7,508 per semester; Out-of-state $14,888 per semester
Program Overview:
With a curriculum aligned to the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Program, San Angelo’s fully online masters program prepares future practitioners by building knowledge and skills to support diverse school settings. The program boasts a nearly 100% pass rate on Texas’s school counseling certification exam.
Houston Christian University
- Houston
- 48 hours
- Online
City: Houston
Modality: Online
Degree: MEd
Length: 48 hours
Tuition: $5,880 per semester
Program Overview:
Houston Christian University’s school counseling masters program allows prospective students to choose between two delivery methods–in-person or online. The program teaches future school counselors to serve and support students through all levels of development. Two years of teaching experience are a prerequisite for the application.
Lamar University
- Beaumont
- 60 hours
- Online
City: Beaumont
Modality: Online
Degree: MEd
Length: 60 hours
Tuition: $3,078 per semester
Program Overview:
Lamar University’s online school counseling masters program combines traditional school counseling preparation with research and clinical training. The program places emphasis on identifying appropriate interventions for students diagnosed with or at risk for behavioral disorders, teaching future practitioners to coordinate collaboration among schools, community providers, and families.
Midwestern State University
- Wichita Falls
- 63 hours
- Online
City: Wichita Falls
Modality: Online
Degree: MA
Length: 63 hours
Tuition: In-state $4,034 per semester; Out-of-state $5,069 per semester
Program Overview:
Midwestern State University’s school counseling masters program prepares its graduates with the education, skills, and experience to serve public schools. Two years of classroom teaching are required for application to this fully online program.
Our Lady of the Lake University
- San Antonio
- 60 hours
- Online
City: San Antonio
Modality: Online
Degree: MA
Length: 60 hours
Tuition: $8,919 per semester
Program Overview:
A private, Catholic institution located in San Antonio, Our Lady of the Lake University’s school counseling masters program is structured around the American School Counseling Association’s national model. With a focus on academic, emotional, and career development, program management, and crisis intervention, graduates are equipped to support student success. Applicants are required to submit scores from either the GRE or the Miller Analogies Test for admission to this online program.
Sul Ross State University
- Alpine
- 48 hours
- Online
City: Alpine
Modality: Online
Degree: MEd
Length: 48 hours
Tuition: In-state $1,523 per semester; Out-of-state $5,204 per semester
Program Overview:
Located in the heart of West Texas, Sul Ross University is a designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) with an affordable, comprehensive online school counseling masters program. Two years of classroom experience are required for application, and graduates leave prepared to serve school systems, communities, and diverse student populations.
Texas A&M International University
- Laredo
- 48 hours
- Online
City: Laredo
Modality: Online
Degree: MS
Length: 48 hours
Tuition: In-state $3,303 per semester; Out-of-state $9,270 per semester
Program Overview:
Texas A&M International University’s online school counseling masters program provides students with the tools needed to become effective practitioners. The curriculum spotlights counseling multicultural and diverse populations, identifying appropriate interventions, facilitating student growth, and implementing a school counseling program. Two years of teaching experience are a prerequisite for admission into the program.
Texas A&M University College Station
- College Station
- 48 hours
- Online
City: College Station
Modality: Online
Degree: MEd
Length: 48 hours
Tuition: In-state $4,531 per semester; Out-of-state $9,269 per semester
Program Overview:
The flagship institution of the Texas A&M University system, the College Station campus is home to an online MEd program preparing future school counselors. Through synchronous and asynchronous learning, students can earn a masters degree in Psychology with an emphasis on School Counseling and are eligible to sit for the state certification exam upon graduation.
Texas A&M University Kingsville
- Kingsville
- 60 hours
- Online
City: Kingsville
Modality: Online
Degree: MS
Length: 60 hours
Tuition: In-state $6,157 per semester; Out-of-state $14,345 per semester
Program Overview:
Texas A&M University Kingsville, located southeast of San Antonio, provides students with the necessary competencies to be successful as school counselors in a variety of settings. Multicultural competence, experiential skills, and professional practice are emphasized in this fully online program.
Texas Christian University
- Fort Worth
- 48 hours
- Online
City: Fort Worth
Modality: Online
Degree: MEd
Length: 48 hours
Tuition: $19,890 per semester
Program Overview:
Texas Christian University’s school counseling masters program prides itself on its rigorous curriculum and delivery. Using a solution-focused lens, TCU’s online program trains future school counselors to be collaborators, program managers, relationship-builders, and leaders. Applicants can opt to submit GRE scores, but it is not required.
University of Texas Tyler
- Tyler
- 48 hours
- Online
City: Tyler
Modality: Online
Degree: MA
Length: 48 hours
Tuition: In-state $4,366 per semester; Out-of-state $8,758 per semester
Program Overview:
With a 100% pass rate on the state certification exam, the University of Texas Tyler’s school counseling masters degree program equips graduates to be agents of change. This online program emphasizes the development of counseling skills and the ability to apply current research into practice.
West Texas A&M University
- Amarillo
- 48 hours
- Online
City: Amarillo
Modality: Online
Degree: MEd
Length: 48 hours
Tuition: In-state $1,461 per semester; Out-of-state $4,140 per semester
Program Overview:
West Texas A&M University’s school counseling masters program prepares future practitioners to serve diverse and multicultural learners. Advocacy, supporting students overcoming individual and systemic barriers, and the implementation of a schoolwide counseling program model are emphasized in this fully online program.
CACREP Accredited School Counseling Masters Programs in Texas
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, or CACREP, ensures counseling preparation programs meet standards for quality. Graduating from a CACREP-accredited program can be an advantage, as employers look to hire school counselors who have succeeded in academically rigorous environments. Texas is home to 12 CACREP-accredited school counseling masters degree programs.
East Texas A&M University
- Commerce
- 48 hours
- Hybrid
City: Commerce
Modality: Hybrid
Degree: MS
Length: 48 hours
Tuition: In-state $3,669 per semester; Out-of-state $7,341 per semester
Program Overview:
This hybrid program effectively equips its students to thrive in diverse school environments. Combining online coursework with in-person delivery at the Dallas, Mesquite, and McKinney campus sites, East Texas A&M’s school counseling masters graduates are prepared to take the TExES, the state’s school counseling certification exam.
Sam Houston State University
- Huntsville
- 60 hours
- In-Person
City: Huntsville
Modality: In person
Degree: MEd
Length: 60 hours
Tuition: $4,476 per semester
Program Overview:
Located in Huntsville, Sam Houston State University’s school counseling masters program is driven by outcomes. Graduates prepare to serve K-12 students by applying theory to practice, communicating effectively, and developing a strong professional identity. Two years of teaching experience are required for admission into the program.
Southern Methodist University
- Dallas
- 63 hours
- In-Person
City: Dallas
Modality: In person
Degree: MS
Length: 63 hours
Tuition: $6,750 per semester
Program Overview:
SMU’s in-person program equips its students with the critical thinking skills and professional competencies to be successful in school settings. With its emphasis on supporting and empowering multicultural populations, the program has an 86% completion rate and 87% post-graduation employment rate.
Texas A&M University Corpus Christi
- Corpus Christi
- 60 hours
- In-Person
City: Corpus Christi
Modality: In person
Degree: MS
Length: 60 hours
Tuition: In-state $4,986 per semester; Out-of-state $10,888 per semester
Program Overview:
Texas A&M Corpus Christi’s school counseling masters program provides a comprehensive curriculum and experiential training for future practitioners. Coursework on human development, program implementation, and counseling skills prepares students to make impactful and positive change in their communities. The program boasts a 100% pass rate for the state credentialing exam and a 100% post-graduation employment rate.
Texas A&M San Antonio
- San Antonio
- 60 hours
- In-Person
City: San Antonio
Modality: In person
Degree: MA
Length: 60 hours
Tuition: In-state $3,323 per semester; Out-of-state $7,698 per semester
Program Overview:
With a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Texas A&M San Antonio provides an inclusive education for aspiring school counselors. Building upon a strong counseling theoretical foundation the program develops students’ practical and professional skills with the goal for graduates to serve all populations and ages. The program has a 100% credentialing exam pass rate.
Texas State University
- San Marcos
- 60 hours
- In-Person
City: San Marcos
Modality: In person
Degree: MA
Length: 60 hours
Tuition: $2,316 per semester
Program Overview:
Located in the Texas Hill Country, Texas State University’s school counseling masters program offers a foundational counseling curriculum along with courses in play therapy and psychopathology. The in-person delivery allows for experiential learning and collaboration, building highly skilled and knowledgeable school counselors.
Texas Women’s University
- Denton
- 50 hours
- Online
City: Denton
Modality: Online
Degree: MEd
Length: 50 hours
Tuition: $5,184 per semester
Program Overview:
Texas Women’s University’s online school counseling masters program boasts small class sizes, collaborative coursework, and training in critical research analysis and crisis intervention. The program also has 100% completion and post-graduation employment rates.
University of Houston Victoria
- Victoria
- 60 hours
- Online
City: Victoria
Modality: Online
Degree: MS
Length: 60 hours
Tuition: In-state $3,510 per semester; Out-of-state $7,200 per semester
Program Overview:
This highly regarded program offers students a foundational curriculum in counseling and human development, along with practical coursework in program development, collaborating in a school environment, and ethics. The University of Houston Victoria’s online school counseling program has 100% completion and credentialing exam pass rates and a 100% post-graduation employment rate. The program is also recognized for its innovative pathway and pipeline programs for underrepresented populations and veterans seeking degrees in counseling.
University of North Texas Denton
- Denton
- 60 hours
- In-Person
City: Denton
Modality: In person
Degree: MS
Length: 60 hours
Tuition: In-state $4,620 per semester; Out-of-state $8,310 per semester
Program Overview:
With an esteemed faculty and a reputation among the best in national educator preparation, future school counselors may be interested in the University of North Texas Denton. This in-person program builds professional and marketable skills for graduates to succeed in school settings: advocacy, leadership, program implementation, and data analysis. Two years of teaching experience are required for admission into the program.
University of North Texas Dallas
- Dallas
- 60 hours
- Hybrid
City: Dallas
Modality: Hybrid
Degree: MS
Length: 60 hours
Tuition: In-state $2,801 per semester; Out-of-state $6,446 per semester
Program Overview:
UNT Dallas’ hybrid school counseling masters program trains future practitioners to be advocates for students’ academic, emotional, and social development. Through the lens of educational equity, the program’s graduates are prepared to be change agents in their school communities.
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg
- 60 hours
- In-Person
City: Edinburg
Modality: In person
Degree: MEd
Length: 60 hours
Tuition: In-state $4,335 per semester; Out-of-state $8,025 per semester
Program Overview:
Among the competencies built into UTRGV’s school counseling masters program are leadership, advocacy, professional counseling skills, program development, and providing direct and indirect services to students. The program boasts 100% credentialing exam pass rates and 100% post-graduation employment.
University of Texas San Antonio
- San Antonio
- 60 hours
- In-Person
City: San Antonio
Modality: In person
Degree: MEd
Length: 60 hours
Tuition: $9,906 per semester
Program Overview:
The University of Texas San Antonio trains future school counselors to organize and assess comprehensive programs for students in K-12 schools. 100% of students earn their masters degree within 5 years of enrolling, and the program has a 100% post-graduation employment rate. Two years of teaching are required to apply.
No GRE Required School Counseling Masters Programs in Texas
The GRE, or the Graduate Record Examination, was a mainstay in graduate program admissions. Since COVID-19, the accessibility and equity of this assessment have been scrutinized, leading many programs to drop this requirement from their admissions process. Though nine school counseling masters programs in Texas require submission of the GRE (Dallas Baptist University, Our Lady of the Lake University, Texas State University, Texas Southern University, Texas Tech University, University of Houston Clear Lake, Texas Wesleyan University, and University of Texas Tyler), 32 programs do not. The schools below are among those that do not require a GRE for application into their school counseling masters programs.
Amberton University
- Garland
- 48 hours
- Hybrid
City: Garland
Modality: Hybrid
Degree: MA
Length: 48 hours
Tuition: $2,925 per semester
Program Overview:
Amberton University’s hybrid school counseling masters program encourages prospective counselors to employ a data-driven approach in supporting students’ academic, emotional, and career development. This hybrid program blends online learning with on-ground delivery at the Garland campus, and graduates are eligible to sit for the Texas school counselor certification exam.
East Texas Baptist University
- Marshall
- 48 hours
- Hybrid
City: Marshall
Modality: Hybrid
Degree: MEd
Length: 48 hours
Tuition: $3,735 per semester
Program Overview:
East Texas Baptist University’s school counseling masters program integrates foundational counseling practices with faith-based principles. In this hybrid program, learners explore human and career development, research and program evaluation, and legal and ethical issues in school counseling.
Prairie View A&M University
- Prairie View
- 48 hours
- In-Person
City: Prairie View
Modality: In person
Degree: MA
Length: 48 hours
Tuition: In-state $3,996 per semester; Out-of-state $8,689 per semester
Program Overview:
The largest HBCU in Texas, Prairie View A&M University, trains future school counselors by building on the foundation of prior teaching experience. The program requires two years of classroom teaching to enroll, and students are trained in counseling skills, program development, and data analysis.
University of Texas El Paso
- El Paso
- 60 hours
- In-Person
City: El Paso
Modality: In person
Degree: MEd
Length: 60 hours
Tuition: In-state $3,450 per semester; Out-of-state $8,195 per semester
Program Overview:
The University of Texas El Paso’s school counseling masters program goal is to train future school counselors to be proficient communicators, collaborators, and advocates. Designed primarily for individuals planning to serve in public schools, the empowerment of diverse communities and multicultural counseling competencies are highlighted throughout this in-person degree program.
University of Texas Permian Basin
- Odessa
- 60 hours
- In-Person
City: Odessa
Modality: In person
Degree: MA
Length: 60 hours
Tuition: In-state $2,466 per semester; Out-of-state $6,138 per semester
Program Overview:
Located in West Texas, the University of Texas Permian Basin’s school counseling masters program builds counseling skills, competency in research and data analysis, program implementation, and emphasizes service to diverse student populations. The in-person program has a 100% post-graduation job placement rate and is currently undergoing the CACREP-accreditation process.
Wayland Baptist University
- Plainview
- 48 hours
- Hybrid
City: Plainview
Modality: Hybrid
Degree: MA
Length: 48 hours
Tuition: $7,542 per semester
Program Overview:
Located north of Lubbock, Wayland Baptist University’s School is ideal for students seeking flexibility while earning their masters degree in school counseling. The hybrid program admits applicants with two years of classroom teaching experience and prepares students to take the state school counseling certification exam.
Texas’s Most Affordable School Counseling Masters Programs
Texas has a wide range of affordable school counseling masters degree programs. Of the state’s 40 options, West Texas A&M University’s online MEd program is the most affordable for both Texas residents and out-of-state students.
Accelerated Texas School Counseling Masters Programs
Though there are no designated accelerated school counseling masters programs in Texas, 19 of the 40 programs require 48 credit hours to complete.
- Amberton University
- Angelo State University
- Dallas Baptist University
- East Texas A&M University
- East Texas Baptist University
- Houston Christian University
- Nelson University
- Prairie View A&M University
- Sul Ross State University
- Texas A&M International University
- Texas A&M University College Station
- Texas A&M University Kingsville
- Texas Christian University
- Texas Tech University
- Texas Wesleyan University
- University of Houston Clear Lake
- University of Texas Tyler
- Wayland Baptist University
FAQs
How Much Does a School Counselor Make in Texas?
Multiple factors, such as school district, prior experience, and cost of living, can determine a school counselor’s salary. In Texas, the average salary of a school counselor is $54,526.
How Long Does It Take to Become a School Counselor in Texas?
Texas school counseling masters programs require between 48 to 63 hours to complete, including didactic coursework and clinical fieldwork. The length of time to complete a program varies depending on the number of credit hours taken per semester. A future school counselor enrolled full-time in a masters program can reasonably expect to earn their degree in 2 and a half to 3 years.
What Is The Best School Counseling Program in Texas?
The University of Houston Victoria stands out among Texas’s 40 diverse school counseling masters degree programs. The online, CACREP-accredited program’s degree completion rate, pass rate on the state school counseling certification exam, and post-graduation employment rate are at 100%. The program has also gained recognition for its pipeline and pathway programs for underrepresented minorities and veterans interested in pursuing counseling degrees.
