Counseling Programs offered at East Texas A&M University
East Texas A&M University’s Department of Counseling helps people create lasting change in their communities. Students learn essential skills to encourage growth in a variety of populations through education, research, and leadership. The department builds empathy while preparing students to get professional licenses in different counseling specialties.
Students can choose from several paths to reach their counseling career goals. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are available based on career interests. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Human Services. The BA degree requires foreign language courses, which sets it apart from the BS degree. These degrees help students land bachelor’s-level jobs in mental health and college student affairs.
The department also has a complete set of graduate programs to advance your career:
- Master of Science in Counseling – With specializations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (60 semester hours) or School Counseling (48 semester hours)
- Master of Education in Counseling – With a College Student Affairs emphasis (30 semester hours)
- Doctor of Philosophy – In Counselor Education and Supervision (69-72 semester hours)
- Graduate Certificate – In Chemical Dependency Counseling
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Counselor Education and Supervision programs have earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation for Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This ensures students receive quality education that meets national standards.
The department’s qualified faculty brings varied research interests to boost your learning experience. Department Head and Professor Michael Schmit says the faculty helps prepare students to work in schools, community agencies, student affairs, and counseling practices.
Students who want to learn about counseling without choosing it as a major can opt for a minor in counseling. This option gives an overview of the profession and builds a foundation to pursue graduate studies in counseling.
The specialized courses and hands-on experience teach students to promote and mentor people in different settings. East Texas A&M University’s counseling programs give you the tools to support mental well-being and help people with unique needs, whether you’re interested in school counseling, clinical mental health, or student affairs.
What counseling programs does East Texas A&M University offer?
East Texas A&M University’s counseling programs prepare students for professional counseling careers. The counseling department’s well-laid-out programs meet state licensure requirements and national accreditation standards.
The Master of Science in Counseling program offers two main tracks at the graduate level. Students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track complete 60 semester hours to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in Texas. This CACREP-accredited program helps you work with clients who face mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges. You’ll be ready to take the National Counselor Examination after graduation.
Students need 48 semester hours to earn certification as Professional School Counselors through the School Counseling track. The program teaches you to guide students of all ages effectively.
The Master of Education in Counseling with Student Affairs emphasis takes 30 semester hours and students can finish it in 1-2 years. Students can choose between 100% online classes or a hybrid format.
The doctoral program, PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, needs 69-72 semester hours of classroom and online coursework. This CACREP-accredited program combines field work, advanced courses, research, and dissertation requirements.
The university also offers:
- A Bachelor of Arts/Science in Human Services that leads to bachelor-level jobs in mental health and student affairs
- A Graduate Certificate in Chemical Dependency Counseling that gives you the tools for substance abuse treatment
All graduate counseling students must pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) before they graduate. Clinical mental health students complete three field experiences with 700 contact hours, while school counseling students finish a 100-hour practicum.
Working professionals can access these Texas counseling degrees through flexible hybrid online and face-to-face classes in Commerce and Dallas.
Internships/Practicum at East Texas A&M University
The core of counseling programs at East Texas A&M University lies in hands-on experience through well-laid-out practicum and internship opportunities. Students can apply their classroom learning in real-life settings with careful supervision.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling students start with COUN 551: Practicum, which needs a minimum of 100 contact hours and 40 hours of direct client service. Students spend 8-10 hours each week at their field site. They also attend weekly class meetings for group supervision and meet with their site supervisor regularly.
After practicum, students complete two internship semesters (COUN 552). Each semester requires 300 contact hours with 120 hours of direct service. Students dedicate about 20 hours weekly to their field site during internship periods. These experiences add up to the 700 total contact hours required to complete the program.
Students should know the difference between direct service (counseling sessions, consultations) and indirect service (record keeping, staff meetings, observations) before applying. The university’s Counseling Center helps students become skilled at individual counseling, treatment planning, risk assessment, and case management.
Students must submit applications one semester before their intended start date. The department website lists clear deadlines. Note that practicum isn’t available during summer terms.
The Director of Training and Placement must approve all field placement sites. Students need to provide several documents after approval, including a Field Placement Contract, Ethics Agreement, and proof of liability insurance.
The East Texas A&M Practicum and Internship Handbook provides a detailed guide about policies, professional expectations, and site requirements. This resource shows students how to log hours, participate in supervision, and keep required documentation that meets accreditation and licensure standards.
These well-structured experiences give students both theoretical knowledge and practical skills they need for professional counseling practice.
What sets East Texas A&M University apart?
East Texas A&M University distinguishes itself among counseling masters programs in Texas through its prestigious recognition and exceptional quality. The university’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Counselor Education and Supervision doctoral programs hold CACREP accreditation through 2031. This gold standard accreditation ensures programs meet strict national standards.
National rankings highlight the university’s excellence. The program secured the No. 23 spot in the Top 25 Best Counseling Education Graduate Programs list. The achievements don’t stop there – East Texas A&M ranks as the #1 Counselor Education program in Texas, earning a strong 7.78 out of 10 rating.
Students benefit from exceptional flexibility through:
- Multiple delivery formats (hybrid, online, face-to-face)
- Strategic campus locations in Commerce, Dallas, and Mesquite
- Weekend College Dallas designed for professionals with weekday commitments
The program’s structure creates unique advantages for students. Clinical Mental Health students gain valuable experience through 700 contact hours of field work, while School Counseling students complete a focused 100-hour practicum. Students get full preparation for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and Texas licensing requirements through the curriculum.
East Texas A&M’s graduate counseling programs blend academic excellence with real-life application effectively. Students apply theoretical knowledge directly with clients through hands-on training opportunities in counseling settings. Graduates find success in various career paths – from community agencies and private practice to educational settings throughout Texas.
Next steps
Want to pursue counseling at East Texas A&M University? Here’s what you need to know about the application process.
Start by submitting your ApplyTexas application with a $50 fee and choose “Counseling, MS” as your program. The deadlines are June 15 for Fall admission and October 15 for Spring admission. You’ll receive a confirmation email and need to submit your documents through the myLeo portal or email.
The program requires several materials. You must have official transcripts showing a minimum 2.5 GPA. The department needs three professional references on their specific form. A personal statement should detail your self-exploration and professional development. Include your resume or curriculum vitae.
The department will contact you to schedule an interview after reviewing your documents. School Counseling candidates must also submit their School Counselor Certification Program Application through TK20.
Accepted students start with COUN 501 and COUN 510 in their first semester. The next semester involves COUN 516 and COUN 528.
Graduation requirements include passing the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE). This nationally standardized test happens on-campus each semester and serves as your exit requirement.
Students planning practicum and internship must apply one semester ahead. Each term has specific deadlines. The department must approve all applications before registration.