School Counseling Certificate (SCC) Concentration

Highlights – Why Texas State?

1. We offer more than the typical amount of clinical training, so that school counselors are prepared to address children’s significant mental health issues.
2. School counselors who take our 60 hour credit track will have completed all coursework necessary to become a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate after graduation.
3. The positive reputation of the TXST School Counseling program will assist you in obtaining a job.  We often receive requests from school districts wishing to hire our graduates.

The School Counselor Track prepares graduate counseling students to work with students (EC to grade 12) in schools, as well as consult with teachers and parents.

Clinical Settings for SCs

School counselors typically work in public, private, or charter schools with populations in Early Childhood through grade 12.

Expand FAQ List

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    • If attending full-time (i.e., 3 classes in the Fall and Spring, 2 classes in the Summer), you can complete the program in approximately 2.5 years.

    • School Counselors are always needed and make a difference in the lives of children and families. Approximately 20% of school age children can be diagnosed with mental illness and only about 20% of them receive mental health support.  School Counselors can bridge that gap as well as provide preventive services. 

    • For decades in Texas, this has been true. Until 8/31/23, you need to have two years of teaching experience in a K-12 setting to become certified as a school counselor in Texas.

      On 6/2/23, the Governor signed Senate Bill 798, amending the Texas Education Code effective September 1, 2023:  Sec. 21.0462. The qualifications for certification as a school counselor may not include a requirement that a candidate for certification have experience as a classroom teacher.

      Prior to January 1, 2024, the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) will still need to promulgate the rules necessary to implement the change to Section 21.0462. 

      School Counseling faculty will update students and applicants as SBEC finalizes these changes to the School Counselor Certification process.

Licensure

The School Counselor 48-hour degree plan does not allow students to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate after graduation. The School Counseling 60-hour degree plan does allow for that.

School Counseling Faculty

The School Counseling faculty want to support you in the School Counseling degree track! Please contact your advisor to set up a time to discuss your degree plan. If you don't know who your advisor is, contact our wonderful admin, Jacqui Todd.   

Dr. Jennifer Greene-Rooks, Ph.D., SC Track Coordinator

Dr. Sarah Blalock, Ph.D., LPC-S, RPT-S, CSC