Counseling Programs offered at Dallas Baptist University
Dallas Baptist University blends faith-based principles with professional counseling practices in its counseling programs. DBU’s 20-year old commitment shapes Christ-centered servant leaders who serve those in need while excelling in their profession.
You can choose from three unique counseling programs at DBU, each crafted for specific career goals. The Master of Arts in Professional Counseling (MAPC) is a premier 60-hour program with CACREP accreditation. You’ll be ready to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas, and the program gives you coursework and field experience to qualify as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFT-A).
The Master of Education in School Counseling is perfect if you want to work in schools. This 48-hour, non-thesis program guides you toward Texas School Counselor Certification. The program goes beyond the certification requirements set by the State Board for Educator Certification. DBU graduates show excellent results on the state certification exam for school counselors consistently.
The Master of Arts in Christian Counseling is a 36-hour graduate program that doesn’t lead to licensure. This program fits you if you feel called to Christian counseling in local churches, denominational agencies, and ministry-based organizations. While it won’t prepare you for LPC licensure, you’ll gain the theological foundation and counseling principles needed for ministry work.
These programs stand out because they blend faith with professional practice naturally. DBU faculty help you develop effective counseling skills based on a Christian worldview while meeting professional standards. You’ll experience both academic excellence and ground application, preparing you to serve with compassion and purpose.
DBU makes learning convenient with in-person, hybrid, and asynchronous classes. Working professionals can take afternoon and evening courses while managing other commitments. The MAPC program features 700 hours of supervised clinical practicum and internship experience, giving you hands-on training.
Highly credentialed professors mentor students at this school through their journey as teachers, consultants, and fellow practitioners. This personal touch creates a supportive community where you’ll build lasting professional relationships that continue after graduation.
What counseling programs does Dallas Baptist University offer?
Dallas Baptist University offers three distinct Master in Counseling degree programs. Each program aligns with specific career goals and ministry aspirations.
The substance of the counseling program is the Master of Arts in Professional Counseling (MAPC). This complete 60-hour CACREP accredited program prepares you to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas. The program’s resilient infrastructure gives you more than simple preparation. You’ll get the coursework and field experience needed for dual licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFT-A). The MAPC program merges face-to-face, hybrid, and online courses that exceed state requirements for licensure.
The MAPC program’s strength lies in its hands-on experience. Students work through three semesters of clinical practice. The core team members and on-site supervisors provide guidance. A rigorous 700-hour practicum/internship sequence helps you learn from experienced counseling practitioners. Students must apply for candidacy and score at least 75 on the Candidacy Exam before starting practicum courses.
DBU’s Master of Education in School Counseling serves those drawn to educational settings. This 48-hour, non-thesis program guides you toward Texas School Counselor certification. The curriculum helps you support students’ personal, social, academic, and career development in elementary, middle, and high school settings. DBU’s graduates achieve impressive pass rates on the state certification exam consistently.
The Master of Arts in Christian Counseling caters to those focused on ministry. This non-licensure 36-hour graduate program has 18 core course hours, 15 program-specific course hours, and 3 elective hours. You’ll get theological and counseling foundations to serve in local churches, denominational agencies, and ministry organizations.
DBU’s well-laid-out programs merge faith-based principles with professional training. Graduates serve in a variety of populations with clinical excellence and Christ-centered compassion.
Internships/Practicum at DBU
Your counseling education at Dallas Baptist University culminates with practicum and internship experiences. The clinical training pathway consists of three sequential courses: COUN 6317 Counseling Practicum (S-L), COUN 6318 Counseling Internship I (S-L), and COUN 6319 Counseling Internship II (S-L).
The practicum requires 100 clock hours with 40 hours of direct client counseling. You’ll lead or co-lead psychoeducational or therapeutic groups during this original experience. Each internship course builds on this foundation and needs 300 clock hours with 120 hours of direct client services. By the end, you’ll complete 700 hours of supervised clinical experience.
You must earn a “B” grade or higher in each course to move forward. Before you can enroll, these candidacy requirements must be met:
- Complete 8 required personal counseling sessions
- Finish 12 hours of undergraduate prerequisite courses
- Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above
- Pass the Candidacy Exam with a score of at least 75
- Complete at least 10 candidacy courses
- Secure a practicum site
- Purchase liability insurance through TCA or ACA
Your practicum/internship comes with detailed supervision. Site supervisors provide weekly individual guidance (15 hours per long semester, 10 hours during summer). Group supervision happens during class sessions weekly (1.5 hours per week). Faculty evaluate your performance through video-recorded counseling sessions and seminar discussions about counseling theories and techniques.
The program’s field-based service-learning component lets you apply your knowledge in ground settings. You’ll document client records, treatment plans, and track your hours carefully.
This hands-on experience prepares you for professional practice. Faculty may suggest additional work if you need extra support to complete the sequence successfully. DBU’s Center for Career and Professional Development stands ready to help you find suitable placement sites.
What sets Dallas Baptist University apart?
Dallas Baptist University counseling programs stand out from other institutions in several ways. The Master of Arts in Professional Counseling program boasts CACREP accreditation, which meets the highest quality standards. This recognition boosts career opportunities and lets graduates work for government agencies, including the Veterans Administration. The accreditation also makes state-to-state license transfers easier and opens doors to doctoral programs.
The program’s integration of faith with professional practice makes it unique. Biblical principles blend naturally with academic learning throughout the curriculum. Students learn to view counseling through a Christian worldview while maintaining clinical excellence. This Christ-centered approach helps develop a professional identity that balances spiritual values with industry standards.
Distinguished professors with impressive credentials serve as mentors, consultants, and fellow practitioners. Their dedication creates a supportive community where students build lasting professional relationships with faculty and classmates.
The programs show remarkable results. Most graduates pass their National Counselor Exam (NCE), get their LPC-Associate License, and find jobs before graduation. DBU offers face-to-face, hybrid, and online courses that are available without sacrificing quality.
DBU’s counseling programs combine biblical, clinical, and life-changing approaches that prepare students to answer their calling with purpose and compassion.
Next steps
Want to start your counseling education trip at DBU? The application process is both available and comprehensive. Submit your complete application materials to the graduate office, and your file will go to the MAPC Admissions committee to review.
After you submit your application, the committee will schedule personal interviews to assess your career goals, aptitude for graduate study, counseling relationship potential, and respect for cultural differences.
Most DBU programs have rolling admissions deadlines, so you can apply whenever you’re ready. Early application is recommended since some financial aid options have priority deadlines.
Accepted students must attend a mandatory orientation when each semester begins. You’ll get the MAPC Student Handbook and learn about ethical obligations and licensure requirements. You’ll then sign an agreement to complete eight counseling sessions during your first two semesters.
Students who want to transfer from another university’s counseling program need an official letter showing good standing. DBU accepts up to 12 transfer credit hours, but only from CACREP-accredited programs.