There’s a growing need for counselors in the state of Texas. At A&M-Commerce, you can turn your passion for helping others into a profession. Whether serving as a school counselor, clinical mental health counselor or family therapist, our master’s degree program prepares you for a variety of careers. You’ll learn clinical theories, techniques in therapy and characteristics of mental health. Apply your knowledge through internships and practicums that prepare you for the road ahead. Mental health matters, and so do our counselors. Become a part of this rewarding profession at A&M-Commerce.
Where It Is Offered
Commerce, McKinney (CHEC), Mesquite
SEE YOURSELF SUCCEED WITH A master’s DEGREE IN Counseling
Career Readiness
Participate in excellence-driven programs that empower you with knowledge of mental health, student affairs and therapeutic strategies.
Accomplished Faculty
Enjoy the opportunity of learning from home or at one of our campuses with the guidance and mentorship from world-class faculty.
Education Success
Join the ranks of our graduates who have gone on to become School Counselors, Licensed Professional Counselors and members of student services in universities.
Hands-on Training
Whether it’s a full year in the classroom, practicum or internships, you’ll engage in real-world learning experiences that builds your confidence and skills.
Guidance You Need
Located in the Frank Young Education North Building, our Mentor Center provides the information and support you need to reach your career goals
The Department of Counseling offers four different tracks towards earning your master’s degree. Explore what option works best for your career interest and lifestyle. All tracks are non-thesis.
Student Affairs (MEd)
Gain employment in the university setting through our Student Affairs track. Counseling provides the foundation needed to interact with college students on a daily basis. Graduates often find employment in career services, academic affairs, recruiting and admissions. When you graduate, you’ll be ready to help students, whatever their challenge may be. (Total Hours: 36)
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS)
Do you want to work in a hospital or private practice? Guide others to better lives with our Clinical Mental Health Counseling track. Our program prepares you to serve as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas. You’ll serve clientele with different mental, emotional and behavioral difficulties as well as couples counseling. With this track, you can also become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. (Total Hours: 60)
School Counseling (MS)
Make a difference in local schools through our School Counseling track. Learn how to provide guidance and counseling to students of all ages. You must hold a valid teaching certificate and 2 years of full-time teaching experience to qualify for this program. When you graduate you’ll be certified as a Professional School Counselor. (Total Hours: 51)
School Counseling with LPC (MS)
Are you interested in helping your school and community? You can become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with this track. Learn the importance of group dynamics, family therapies and diverse assessments through our comprehensive program. With this emphasis, you’ll be able to make a difference for everyone. (Total Hours: 60)
Earn a certificate or licensure as part of your graduate curriculum. These recognitions provide career benefits like higher salaries and job opportunities.
A&M-Commerce master’s degree in Counseling prepares you to work in community agencies, schools, student affairs and much more. Our graduates are quick to transition when job opportunities present themselves.
Career Possibilities and Current Median Salaries
Marriage and Family Therapist
$50,090
Postsecondary Education Administrators
$94,340
School and Career Counselors
$56,310
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
$44,630
Rehabilitation Counselors
$35,630
US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2018
Develop an effective philosophy of and approach to play therapy and an increased understanding of children and of children’s world views. You will learn to communicate with children at an affective level, to promote children’s self-exploration and understanding, and to increase children’s sympathy and acceptance of others.
Marriage and Family Counseling COUN 611
A survey of the historical development and principal conceptualizations of marital and family counseling/therapy. Goals include an initial examination and comparison of various theories currently employed in the field with an emphasis on interview techniques. Subject areas to be covered include the various schools of family counseling/therapy, along with current trends and issues in marriage and family counseling/therapy.
The Contemporary College StudentCOUN 607
Examines characteristics of present and future college students. Presented as a seminar to identify and examine salient issues facing college students. It includes sources of motivation, learning styles, development of values, relationship development, psychosocial development and issues related to gender, health, and intercultural concerns.
counseling med/ms :: Course Delivery and Resources
Course Delivery and Resources
Earning your degree just got easier at A&M-Commerce. Designed for current educators and working professionals, our counseling program offers online and face-to-face courses at the Mesquite Metroplex Center, Collin Higher Education Center and main campus locations.
Select “Create a new graduate school admissions application.”
Select “Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce)” as your “Target University.”
Select “Counseling, MS or Counseling, MED ” as your “Major.”
Pay the $50 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Step 2. Submit Documents
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to [email protected].
We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
Postal Alternative
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
Texas A&M University-Commerce Attn: Graduate School PO Box 3011 Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Three Letters of Recommendation
Request three signed letters of recommendation through the department of counseling recommendation form, from professionals who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program.
Submit a statement of self-exploration and personal and professional self-development.
Explain why these qualities are especially important for counselors-in-training and what you would do, if admitted to our master’s degree program, to facilitate your own openness in these areas. Reference your answer to your own specific career goals.
Resume or CV
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
Test Scores
You do not need to submit GRE scores if you have:
a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a 3.0 GPA overall or higher
a completed master’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a 3.0 GPA overall or higher
Request that your GRE®scores be sent to Texas A&M University-Commerce (6188) when you register for the test. If you have already taken the GRE®, you can order additional score reports.
Interview
The Department of Counseling will contact you to schedule your interview.
Note: MED in Counseling with an Emphasis in Student Affairs applicants are not required to complete an interview.
Review the Application Packet for more information.
Select “Create a new graduate school admissions application.”
Select “Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce)” as your “Target University.”
Select “Counseling, MS or Counseling, MED” as your “Major.”
Pay the $75 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Step 2. Submit Documents
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to: Texas A&M University-Commerce Attn: Graduate School 2600 S. Neal St. Commerce, Texas 75428
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Three Letters of Recommendation
Request three signed recommendations, on department form, from professionals who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program.
Submit a statement of self-exploration and personal and professional self-development.Essay information.
Explain why these qualities are especially important for counselors-in-training and what you would do, if admitted to our master’s degree program, to facilitate your own openness in these areas. Reference your answer to your own specific career goals.
Resume or CV
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
Test Scores
Submit official General Test GRE scores
You are not required to submit a GRE if:
Hold an awarded bachelor’s degree with an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher or
Hold an awarded master’s degree with an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher.
Request that your GRE®scores be sent to Texas A&M University-Commerce (6188) when you register for the test. If you have already taken the GRE®, you can order additional score reports.
Interview
The Department of Counseling will contact you to schedule your interview.
Note: MED in Counseling with an Emphasis in Student Affairs applicants are not required to complete an interview.
English Proficiency
You do not need to submit test scores if you have completed (all years) of a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited university in the United States.
Request that your scores from one of the following be sent to Texas A&M University-Commerce:
TOEFL (Minimum Scores: IBT 79, or CBT 213, or PBT 550)
IELTS (Minimum Score: 6.00 band overall)
PTE (Minimum Score: 53 overall or higher)
Duo Lingo (Minimum Score: 105)
*Scores must be less than two years old.
Official Sponsor Documents
Submit these documents to the Office of International Programs once you have been admitted
Official sponsor statement
Bank statement from the sponsor with a balance of at least $26,025 USD which is less than 1 year old
Review the Application Packet for more information.
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