Degrees and Specializations
APPLY NOW REQUEST INFO GRADUATE COLLEGECounseling, M.Ed.
The mission of the Master of Education (MEd) in Counseling program is to prepare a highly competent professional who can respond to the life span mental health needs of a multicultural community. Preparation of the professional counselor is accomplished through completion of a 60- hour M.Ed. School Counselor Certification program or a 60-hour M.Ed. Licensed Professional Counselor Track.
School Counseling Specialization
Students who are preparing to specialize as school counselors will demonstrate the professional knowledge and skills necessary to promote the academic, career, and personal/social development of all P–12 students through data-informed school counseling programs.
This specialization prepares students to become a school counselor for children in preschool through 12th grade. Students become familiar with school counseling and guidance services, as well as develop better self-understanding and develop the competencies of professional school counselors.
Learn more about the School Counseling Specialization Track.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization
Students who are preparing to specialize as clinical mental health counselors will demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to address a wide variety of circumstances within the context of clinical mental health counseling.
This specialization prepares students for counseling positions in college and university counseling, mental health centers, private counseling agencies, drug abuse centers, centers for counseling the elderly, child protective services, child counseling clinics, family counseling centers, pastoral counseling settings, as well as business and industry. This specialization gives students the opportunity to provide counseling services to a broad range of clients.
Learn more about the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization Track.
Licensure Deficiency Programs
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Individuals who already hold a master's degree in counseling from a CACREP-accredited program, but who do not meet all requirements for Licensure as a Professional Counselor in Texas, may pursue the Professional Counselor Licensure Endorsement. This option requires participants to meet the substantial equivalent of all current requirements in our CACREP accredited degree tracks; CACREP accreditation does not allow the counseling program to provide an alternative academic route into the profession that involves fewer requirements than our accredited tracks.
Applicants should be aware that the UTRGV 60-hour Clinical Mental Health Counseling program exceeds Texas licensure requirements. A student's coursework is determined on a case-by-case basis through consultation with a program faculty advisor. Students pursuing this track must have a completed Licensure Deficiency Worksheet on file in the counseling office prior to enrollment in the first counseling (prefix COUN) course.
Learn more about the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) deficiency program.
School Counselor
Individuals who already hold a master's degree in counseling from a CACREP-accredited program may pursue the School Counseling Certification Endorsement. By the time the student completes the required coursework, s/he must also have two years of teaching experience in an accredited school and pass the TExES: School Counselor exam to become certified as a school counselor in Texas.
Individuals seeking certification in another state are urged to contact the relevant state because their requirements may differ. Students pursuing this endorsement must have a completed Certification Deficiency Worksheet on file in the counseling office and a College of Education Deficiency plan on file with the college prior to enrollment in the first counseling (prefix COUN) course.
Learn more about the School Counselor deficiency program by contacting the Department of Counseling.