Master's in Counseling Degrees in Texas - Explore 34 Online and On-Campus Options

Master's in Counseling Degrees in Texas

A master’s degree in counseling may open doors for you, your future clients and your community at large. There are several ways to become a licensed counselor in the state of Texas. 

Programs across the state come in varying formats: online, in-person and hybrid. Schools also offer specialization options, like clinical mental health, school counseling and rehabilitation counseling. 

As you explore the degree program options below, it’s important to keep your goals in mind. We know the variety may be overwhelming, so we did some of the homework for you! Read on to compare Texas counseling master’s programs and decide which is right for you. 

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1U.S. News & World Report: 2020 Best National University Rankings Return to footnote reference
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In This Article:

Compare 20 Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs in Texas 

Compare 20 Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs in Texas
University Name Location Degree Type GRE Requirement Accreditation Time to Complete Program Characteristics
Angelo State University  San Angelo, TX MA in Mental Health and Wellness Counseling  No N/A 1-2 years Online
Angelo State University San Angelo, TX MS in Counseling Psychology  Yes N/A 2 years Online and on-campus 
Dallas Baptist University Dallas, TX MA in Professional Counseling No CACREP 3 years On-campus
Hardin-Simmons University Abilene, TX MA in Clinical Counseling & Marriage and Family Therapy Yes CACREP ~ 2 years On-campus
Lamar University  Beaumont, TX M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling  Yes CACREP ~ 2 years Online and on-campus
Sam Houston State University  Huntsville, TX MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling If undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0  CACREP, SACSCC 2 years On-campus
St. Mary’s University  San Antonio, TX MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling  Yes CACREP 2 years On-campus 
Stephen F. Austin State University Nacogdoches, TX MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling  No CACREP 2 years On-campus
Texas A&M University Commerce, TX MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Yes CACREP 1-3 years On-campus and online 
Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, TX MS in Professional Counseling, Specialization in Clinical Mental Health No CACREP 2 years On campus 
Texas State University  San Marcos, TX MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling  Yes CACREP 2 years On-campus
Texas State University  San Marcos, TX MA in Marriage and Family Counseling  Yes CACREP 2 years On-campus
Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX M. Ed. In Clinical Mental Health Counseling  Yes (but optional during 2021 and 2022) CACREP 3 years On-campus
Texas Woman’s University  Denton, TX MS in Counseling and Development, Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Yes CACREP 3 years On-campus
Texas Woman’s University  Denton, TX MA in Counseling Psychology Yes CACREP 3 years On-campus
University of Houston – Victoria Victoria, TX M. Ed. Clinical Mental Health Counseling  Yes CACREP 2-3 years On-campus and online
University of Houston – Victoria Victoria, TX MA in Counseling Psychology  Yes, if undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0 CACREP 2-3 years On-campus and online 
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Belton, TX MA in Counseling, Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling  Yes, if undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0 CACREP through 2020 2-3 years On-campus 
University of North Texas Denton, TX MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling  Yes CACREP 2-3 years On-campus
University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TX MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling  No CACREP 2-3 years On-campus

Compare 11 School Counseling Degree Programs in Texas

Compare 11 School Counseling Degree Programs in Texas
University Name Location Degree Type GRE Requirement Accreditation Time to Complete Program Characteristics 
Dallas Baptist University Dallas, TX M. Ed. in School Counseling No CACREP 2-3 years On-campus
Lamar University  Beaumont, TX M. Ed. In Counseling and Development, Specialization in Professional School Counseling  Yes N/A 2 years Online and on-campus 
Stephen F. Austin State University Nacogdoches, TX MA in School Counseling  No CACREP/ NCATE 2 years On-campus
Texas A&M University Commerce, TX MS in School Counseling  Yes CACREP 2-3 years Online and on campus 
Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, TX MS in Professional School Counseling  No CACREP 2 years On campus 
Texas State University  San Marcos, TX MA in School Counseling   Yes CACREP 2 years On-campus
Texas Tech University  Lubbock, TX M. Ed. In School Counseling  Yes (but optional during 2021 and 2022) CACREP 3 years On-campus
University of Houston – Victoria Victoria, TX M. Ed. In Counselor Education  Yes CACREP 2-3 years On-campus and online
University of North Texas Denton, TX M. Ed. In School Counseling  Yes CACREP 2-3 years On-campus
University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TX M. Ed. In School Counseling  No CACREP 2-3 years On-campus
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg, TX M. Ed. in School Counseling  Yes, if undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0 CACREP 2-3 years On-campus

Compare 3 Rehabilitation Counseling Degree Programs in Texas

Compare 3 Rehabilitation Counseling Degree Programs in Texas
University Name Location Degree Type GRE Requirement Accreditation Time to Complete Program Characteristics
Stephen F. Austin State University Nacogdoches, TX MA in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling  No CACREP varies On-campus
University of North Texas Denton, TX MS in Rehabilitation Counseling  No N/A 2-3 years Online or on-campus 
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center  Lubbock, TX MS in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling  No CACREP 2-3 years Online

Insights into Counseling Degrees in Texas

Here are some additional details about the programs included in the tables above: 

Angelo State University

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 30 credits
  • Full-time or part-time study

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college
  • All college and university transcripts
  • 75 undergraduate GPA or 2.75 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework

Angelo State University

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credits
  • Maintain a 3.0 GPA
  • Each three credit hours requires 150 clock hours in a supervised practicum setting
  • Full-time or part-time

Admission Requirements:

  • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • GRE scores if undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0
  • Essay
  • All college and university transcripts

Dallas Baptist University

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credits
  • 3-course sequential practicum/internship with a ‘B’ or higher
  • 600-hour internship
  • Maintain 3.0 GPA or higher

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application
  • Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited institution
  • Four undergraduate-level psychology prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology or general psychology, statistics, and 6 hours of upper-level psychology
  • Certificate of Church membership
  • GRE or MAT scores
  • Official undergraduate transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Resume
  • Undergraduate GPA 3.0 or higher
  • Admissions interview

Dallas Baptist University

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 48 credits

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application
  • Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited institution
  • Valid Teaching Certificate
  • 2+ years in teaching experience in a K-12 public or private school
  • GRE or MAT scores
  • Official undergraduate transcripts
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Resume

Hardin–Simmons University

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60-hour faith-based residential program
  • 700 hours supervised clinical experience
  • Full-time or part-time available

Admission Requirements:

  • Official undergraduate transcripts
  • Twelve undergraduate hours in psychology
  • GRE score (GMAT on case-by-case basis)
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample
  • Criminal background check

Lamar University

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credits
  • 300-hour internship
  • Full-time or part-time study

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application with fee of $25
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5
  • Official undergraduate transcripts
  • Essay
  • One letter of recommendation

Lamar University

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credits
  • 15-week practicum
  • 15-week internship
  • One residency

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application with fee of $25
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5
  • Essay
  • University transcripts
  • Teaching Certificate
  • Two years of teaching experience
  • TEA-approved practicum/internship

Sam Houston State University

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credits

Admission Requirements:

  • ApplyTexas application
  • Official undergraduate transcript
  • Three letters of reference
  • Personal statement
  • GRE scores if college GPA is less than 3.0

St. Mary's University

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credits

Admission Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

Professional and academic recommendations 

Personal statement

GRE scores for applicants without a master’s degree

Stephen F. Austin State University

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credits
  • Full-time and part-time available

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application with fee of $50
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Minimum 2.8 undergraduate GPA
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Current resume
  • Personal Data Form
  • Autobiographical letter of application

Stephen F. Austin State University

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credits
  • Full-time and part-time available

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application with fee of $50
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Minimum 2.8 undergraduate GPA
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Current resume
  • Personal Data Form
  • Autobiographical letter of application

Stephen F. Austin State University

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credits
  • Full-time and part-time available

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application with fee of $50
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Minimum 2.8 undergraduate GPA
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Current resume
  • Personal Data Form
  • Autobiographical letter of application

Texas A&M University – Commerce

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credits
  • No thesis requirement

Admission Requirements:

  • ApplyTexas application with $50 fee
  • Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited institution with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • University transcripts
  • GRE scores
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Counseling essay
  • Interview

Texas A&M University – Commerce

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credits (School Counseling track without LPC credential is 51 credits)

Admission Requirements:

  • ApplyTexas application with $50 fee
  • Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited institution with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Valid teaching certificate
  • Two years of full-time teaching experience
  • University transcripts
  • GRE scores
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Counseling essay
  • Interview

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credits
  • Pass written examination to graduate

Admission Requirements:

  • ApplyTexas application with $50 fee ($70 for international students)
  • Official transcripts
  • Essay
  • Three references
  • Interview

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credits

Admission Requirements:

  • ApplyTexas application with $50 fee ($70 for international students)
  • Official transcripts
  • Essay
  • Three references
  • Background disclosure forms
  • Interview

Texas State University

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credits
  • Take and pass Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) in order to register for clinical practicum
  • Thesis optional

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application with $55 fee ($90 for international students)
  • Baccalaureate degree from regionally accredited university
  • Official transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • GRE scores
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Resume
  • Three forms of recommendation (not general reference letters)

Texas State University

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credits
  • Thesis optional

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application with $55 fee
  • Baccalaureate degree from regionally accredited university
  • Official transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • GRE scores
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Resume
  • Three forms of recommendation (not general reference letters)
  • Informed Consent Form

Texas State University

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credits
  • Thesis optional
  • Maintain a grade of B or higher
  • Clinical practicum
  • Internship

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application with $55 fee
  • $35 Texas Education Agency technology fee
  • Baccalaureate degree from regionally accredited university
  • Official transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • GRE scores
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Resume
  • Three forms of recommendation (not general reference letters)

Texas Tech University

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credits
  • Internship in year three

Admission Requirements:

  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • GRE scores (optional for 2021-2022 academic year)
  • Resume
  • Applicant Statement
  • Three letters of recommendation

Texas Tech University

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 48 credits
  • Internship in year three

Admission Requirements:

  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • GRE scores (optional for 2021-2022 academic year)
  • Resume
  • Applicant Statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Valid Teaching Certificate (required for Texas residents)

Texas Tech University

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 63 credits

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application with $75 fee
  • Baccalaureate degree (preferably in related discipline like psychology, sociology, occupational therapy, social work, special education, etc.)  from regionally accredited institution
  • Official undergraduate transcripts
  • Criminal background check
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher
  • Current resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Essay

Texas Woman's University

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 61 credits
  • No grade below a ‘B’

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited institution
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA for last 60 semester credit hours of undergraduate study and all prior graduate work
  • Interview
  • Writing sample
  • GRE scores

Texas Woman's University

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 61 credits
  • Maintain a 3.5 GPA or better in all coursework
  • Four semesters of practicum

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited institution
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA for last 60 semester credit hours of undergraduate study and all prior graduate work
  • Interview
  • Writing sample
  • GRE scores

University of Houston – Victoria

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credits
  • Practicum
  • Internship

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application
  • Essay
  • Test scores

University of Houston – Victoria

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credits
  • 450-hour practicum

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application with $25 fee
  • Official undergraduate transcripts
  • Complete prerequisites in statistics, research, and abnormal psychology
  • GRE scores (not required if have a 3.0 or above)
  • Essay
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Interview

University of Houston – Victoria

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credits
  • 600-hour internship
  • Practicum required

Admission Requirements:

  • ApplyTexas online application
  • Official undergraduate transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three recommendation forms/letters
  • GRE or MAT scores
  • Criminal background check
  • Interview

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credits
  • Maintain cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application with fee of $35
  • Official undergraduate transcripts
  • GRE/GMAT scores if undergraduate GPA below 3.0
  • Writing sample
  • Interview

University of North Texas

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credit minimum
  • ‘A’ or ‘B’ grade on all coursework
  • Internship
  • Practicum required

Admission Requirements:

  • ApplyTexas online application with $75 fee
  • Official undergraduate transcripts
  • GRE scores
  • Three reference evaluations
  • One-page writing sample
  • Group interview
  • Criminal background check

University of North Texas

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credit minimum
  • ‘A’ or ‘B’ grade on all coursework
  • Internship
  • Practicum required

Admission Requirements:

  • ApplyTexas online application with $75 fee
  • Official undergraduate transcripts
  • GRE scores
  • Three reference evaluations
  • One-page writing sample
  • Group interview
  • Criminal background check

University of North Texas

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credits
  • 700 hours supervised fieldwork
  • 3 hours practicum
  • 6 hours internship

Admission Requirements:

  • ApplyTexas online application with $75 fee
  • Official undergraduate transcripts
  • Rehabilitation and Health Services Department (RHSD)-specific application
  • Two professional letters of recommendation
  • Current resume
  • Personal statement
  • Interview

University of Texas at San Antonio

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 60 credits
  • 700-hour practicum and internship

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application
  • Undergraduate degree in Education, Psychology or Sociology
  • Official transcripts
  • Three applicant rating forms
  • Statement of Purpose

University of Texas at San Antonio

Program Overview:

Program Requirements:

  • 48 credits
  • Internship

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application
  • Undergraduate degree in Special Education, Psychology, Sociology, or related field
  • Official transcripts
  • Three applicant rating forms
  • Statement of Purpose

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Program Overview:

Program Requirements (for School Counseling):

  • 60 credits
  • 600-hour internship
  • Maintain 3.0 GPA or higher
  • Pass Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE)

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application with no fee
  • Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited college in related field
  • Official undergraduate transcripts
  • Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
  • GRE scores - minimum score of 150 in verbal section, 141 in quantitative, and 4.0 in analytical
  • Personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation from professional and academic contacts
  • Resume
  • Criminal background check
  • Interview

Education and Other Requirements for Counseling Licensure in Texas

To become a licensed counselor in Texas, there are several state requirements you’ll need to meet as laid out by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. 

First off, becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) requires a master’s or higher in counseling from a program accredited by the Council of Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

These usually include 60 graduate-level credit hours, a supervised internship and a course of practicum that meet the requirements laid out by the Texas licensing board. After completing your degree, you’ll also have to pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHCE) and pay a licensing fee. Licensed counselors in Texas are often also registered with the Texas Counseling Association (TCA).

Salary and Career Outlook for Counselors in Texas

Next, you may want to get acquainted with career outlooks and salary expectations as you decide whether becoming a counselor in Texas is the right choice for you. Read on to find information about counseling salaries and job growth rates for various pathways in counseling in Texas, based on data gathered from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): 

FAQs

Wondering about the various counseling career paths available to you in Texas? Explore these questions and answers to learn more: 

What degree do I need to become a marriage and family therapist in Texas?

You may want to familiarize yourself with the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensing requirements from the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC). To qualify for the LMFT, you need to have completed a master's degree program (or higher) that meets the council’s requirements, two years of full-time supervised work experience, pass an entrance examination and pay a license fee. 

How much do mental health therapists make in Texas?

According to data from the BLS, mental health therapists (also called counselors for substance abuse, behavioral disorders and mental health) earn an average of $49,330 in Texas. 

What jobs can I get with a master’s degree in counseling in Texas?

You may pursue a range of jobs in Texas with a master’s degree in counseling. It depends on the setting you’re interested in—be it clinical (individual or rehabilitation therapy), educational (K-12 or college school counselors) or private. Career opportunities may include marriage and family therapist, mental health counselor/behavioral therapist, school or vocational counselor, substance abuse counselor, grief and bereavement counselor, case manager and more. 

How much money can a counselor make in private practice in Texas?

A range of factors can affect how much a counselor earns, from the city in which they practice to the number of years of experience they have. As you research earning potential for counselors in the state, take note of such factors.

Is mental health counseling a good career in Texas?

Mental health counseling may be a good career in Texas as it could be in any state. Those employed within the field determine whether it is a good fit for them, bearing their personal goals in mind.  While the average salary in Texas is about $600 dollars below the national average ($49,330 in Texas, $49,950 nation average), the work itself can be rewarding as there are several opportunities to help others cope with mental health disorders and work through some of life’s most challenging situations. 

Additionally, demand for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is rising. As we mentioned earlier, jobs for these professionals will grow 25% from 2019 to 2029.

What is the job outlook for school counselors in Texas?

According to the BLS, the projected growth rate of school counselors in the next ten years is at 8%, indicating a faster-than-average growth rate. Rising student enrollment in elementary, middle and high schools will drive the demand for school counselors.

How much does a school counselor make with a master's degree in Texas?

To become a licensed school counselor in Texas, you need a master’s degree at minimum. According to the BLS, the annual mean salary for educational, guidance and career counselors and advisors in Texas (also called school counselors) is $60,470.

Last updated: December 2020