Counselor Education - School Counseling
Become a school counselor!
This 48-hour M.Ed. program prepares students for counseling in educational settings at the elementary and secondary levels. The School Counseling program includes the coursework required for certification as a School Counselor in Texas. Students who have a Master’s degree in a related field may select the 48-hour non-degree Certification in School Counseling option.
Learning Model
Online[1]
Credit Hours
48 credits
Tuition Estimates
Average In or Out of State
$415-500 per credit hour
Tuition rates are based on your residency determination of Texas Resident, Non-Resident, or Foreign. Please consult the Admissions site for more information.
About This Program
The Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling prepares future professional school counselors to design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive, data-driven school counseling programs that promote students’ academic, career, personal and social–emotional development. The program emphasizes ethical practice, equity and access, mitigating systemic barriers to success, collaboration, and the use of evidence-based interventions to support all student populations.
Students are admitted as a cohort each fall and progress together through a sequenced curriculum. The cohort model supports professional identity development, peer collaboration, and consistent faculty mentoring while ensuring that foundational knowledge and counseling skills are developed prior to advanced practice and supervised field experiences.
The program is delivered primarily online to support working professionals, while incorporating required synchronous learning experiences to strengthen applied skill development and professional engagement. The curriculum is aligned with professional counseling preparation standards and Texas certification requirements established by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs and the Texas Education Agency.
Key Courses
EPCE 5358: Introduction to School Counseling
Examines the professional identity, roles, and ethical responsibilities of school counselors within PK–12 educational systems, with emphasis on the design and delivery of comprehensive, data-informed school counseling programs. Students begin structured, school-based engagement and applied learning experiences in this first course.
EPCE 5352: Child and Adolescent Counseling
Prepares students to apply developmentally responsive, evidence-based counseling interventions with children and adolescents across school and community settings, building on early school-based experiences introduced at the start of the program and emphasizing prevention, early intervention, and culturally responsive practice.
EPCE 5385: Program Management in School Counseling
Develops competencies in the leadership, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive school counseling programs, including the use of data, continuous improvement processes, and collaborative partnerships with school and community stakeholders, informed by students’ ongoing engagement with school settings.
EPCE 5361: Practicum in School Counseling
Provides a supervised, applied field experience in a school setting that integrates direct counseling services, program implementation, and ongoing professional supervision, building upon the program’s earlier school-based learning and engagement experiences.
Why School Counseling?
Cohort-based
Students move through the program as a team in an intentional learning community that promotes collaboration, consultation, professional identity development, peer support, networking, and consistent engagement with faculty across coursework, skill development, and supervised field experiences.
Applied
Coursework emphasizes practical counseling skills, program leadership, and real-world application through structured synchronous learning activities and supervised field placements that connect theory, data use, and professional practice in PK–12 school settings.
Accountable
This program emphasizes ethical decision making, program evaluation, and evidenced-based data-informed practice so graduates are prepared to demonstrate impact, meet certification requirements, and contribute meaningfully to continuous improvement in school counseling.
More info about this program
Our School Counseling program is led by well-qualified professors, instructors, and field supervisors with advanced training and strong experience in K–12 school counseling, supervision, and counselor education. Together, we provide consistent academic instruction and high-quality field mentoring that prepare students to become effective, job-ready school counselors.
Course rotation
Please see the Admitted M.Ed. Handbook for information about the Course Rotation.
School Counseling students must select one elective course to complete the 48 hours required.
Students are responsible for checking degree plans to ensure they are taking the correct courses and course offerings are subject to change.
1Online Delivery: Some online courses require synchronous meetings each semester using Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
2Application Deadline: June 1st is the priority deadline. Applications received after this date will still be accepted and reviewed on a case-by-case basis for admissions.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Start your journey with Texas Tech today and unlock a flexible, career-focused education tailored to your needs. Have questions? We’re here to help!
Meet the program faculty
Counselor Education
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Address
Texas Tech University, College of Education, 3002 18th Street Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
(806) 742-2377 -
Email
educ.webmaster@ttu.edu