Counseling Programs offered at Nelson University
Nelson University, a private Christian institution, sits just 30 minutes south of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, with a rich heritage dating back to 1927. The university has expanded its offerings to more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degrees, available both on campus and online. Nelson University’s mission centers on blending faith with learning. Students prepare to answer their God-given callings within a Spirit-strengthened community.
The university’s Counseling Center brings this mission to life by providing free, confidential, and Biblically-based counseling services. Students, faculty, and staff can access these services, which create a complete support system for everyone on campus. The center protects all client information—written, spoken, electronically recorded, or printed—under HIPAA law, which guarantees privacy for anyone seeking help.
Personal and individual counseling are the substance of the center’s services, along with specialized options like premarital and marriage counseling. The center also gives students access to free seminars, training sessions, weekly discussion groups, and the Taylor Johnson-Temperament Analysis to help their personal growth.
The counseling center helps with many aspects of psychological and emotional health. Students and staff can find resources and guidance for depression, anxiety, and stress management. Professional support is available for relationship challenges, communication problems, and marital concerns. People struggling with substance abuse, grief and loss, self-esteem, sexuality concerns, eating disorders, anger management, and conflict resolution can also find help here.
Nelson University stands out by combining strong academics with spiritual growth. Students develop both professionally and personally in this unique environment, where they learn to make faith-guided ethical decisions. Small class sizes and strong faculty-student relationships create an ideal setting. This approach improves both the educational experience and counseling programs significantly.
What counseling programs does Nelson University offer?
Nelson University’s counseling programs blend academic excellence with biblical principles. Students can prepare for various counseling careers through programs that combine theory with hands-on experience. These programs help develop well-rounded professionals ready to serve their communities.
The Associate of Science in Addictions Counseling builds a strong foundation in behavioral science, counseling techniques, and substance abuse treatment. Students get real-life experience through supervised practicums and internships in addiction counseling settings. Many graduates work as addiction counselors, case managers, and recovery specialists, while others continue their studies for advanced positions. The program meets state and national standards for addiction counseling education with full accreditation.
Students pursuing the Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services can specialize in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or Criminal Justice. The program teaches core concepts and theories that help students understand human service factors affecting individuals, families, and groups. Students learn to apply theoretical frameworks to understand community interactions.
The Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling holds accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This program shapes professional counselors who view psychological understanding and counseling practice through a biblical lens. Students develop expertise in psychology, human development, counseling theories, ethics, assessment, diagnostics, and psychopathology through coursework and internships. The program helps students meet educational requirements to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in most states.
The Master of Education in School Counseling program gives graduates the tools to support students facing emotional, physical, intellectual, and social challenges. Graduates can create and manage quality school counseling programs while addressing issues related to culturally diverse students. The program meets state certification requirements, preparing counselors for elementary, middle, or high school positions.
The Bachelor of Social Work program recently received renewed accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This recognition validates the program’s academic quality and its foundation in cultural competence and Christian values. Graduates can apply for Advanced Standing in CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs.
Internships/Practicum at Nelson University
Hands-on experience is essential to counseling education at Nelson University. Students connect classroom theory with ground application. The counseling programs have essential professional development opportunities through supervised practicums and internships that prepare students to excel in their specialties.
A dedicated professional runs the structured practicum and internship system in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Randel Duncan, M.A., serves as the Practicum and Internship Coordinator and manages all site relationships, supervision requirements, and course-related experiences. Students get great benefits from individual supervision at their placement sites and group supervision from Nelson faculty. The university has managed to keep a 1:12 faculty-to-student ratio for these vital learning experiences.
Students in addiction counseling programs get direct experience in substance abuse treatment settings. They apply specialized techniques in authentic clinical environments. Students pursuing the School Counseling degree complete supervised fieldwork in educational settings to learn about the unique challenges of school counseling.
Site supervisors are crucial to this educational journey. These professionals need at least a master’s degree (preferably in counseling), relevant certifications or licenses, and two years of professional experience in the student’s specialty area. They also receive specialized training in counseling supervision through Nelson’s Site Supervisor On-Boarding Process.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has a unique feature – residency requirements that bring online students to campus twice during their studies. Students can complete required face-to-face instruction with minimal disruption to work and family obligations through One-Week Intensives during summer semesters.
College Central makes finding internship placements easier. This online platform gives students access to hundreds of job and internship opportunities.
Some placement sites need background checks before practicum work starts, especially when you have minors or forensic settings. Students with legal histories must go through a special petition process the semester before practicum enrollment. They need to provide documentation about their case, adjudication details, and parole/probation guidelines. The Program Coordinator, Department Chair, and Dean must approve this petition.
Nelson University stays true to its steadfast dedication of combining professional practice with spiritual development. This approach ensures graduates are ready for both technical and ethical challenges in their counseling careers.
What sets Nelson University apart?
Nelson University Counseling Programs stand apart from traditional ones by offering immediate hands-on experience instead of waiting until final semesters for practical training. Students build their professional skills systematically right from day one.
Personal attention is the core of Nelson’s educational philosophy, reflected in its 1:12 faculty-to-student ratio. Small classes promote lasting mentorship relationships that extend beyond graduation. The faculty’s impressive credentials improve this experience—96% hold doctoral degrees in their fields. These professors maintain active practices outside the university and bring real-world experiences, not just textbook theories, to their classrooms.
Social justice principles spread through every aspect of the curriculum. Students learn to identify and address systemic inequities in practice settings of all types, rather than limiting equity concepts to specific courses. The Global Practice Initiative strengthens this approach by offering international field placements in 14 countries across five continents.
Students practice intervention techniques with trained actors at the state-of-the-art Nelson Simulation Center. This innovative approach turns mistakes into valuable learning opportunities in a supportive setting.
Nelson’s resilient alumni network includes over 4,000 graduates who hold leadership positions throughout social services and create exceptional career connections. The network offers mentorship and job opportunities rarely found in local programs, making Nelson’s counseling experience truly unmatched.
Next steps
Nelson University is a top choice for future counseling professionals who want education rooted in academic excellence and spiritual values. The university’s programs show a steadfast dedication to creating well-rounded practitioners through a unique approach to counseling education.
Students receive complete training in multiple specialized fields at Nelson. The programs include addiction counseling, clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, and social work. Each program has accredited curricula that meets national standards for professional practice. Without doubt, these qualifications will be recognized throughout the industry.
Nelson’s hands-on experience philosophy makes it different from many competitors. Students start developing professional skills right away instead of waiting until final semesters. This builds confidence and competence throughout their education naturally. The state-of-the-art Simulation Center gives safe opportunities to refine techniques with trained actors before entering real clinical settings.
Personal attention defines the Nelson experience deeply. Small class sizes with a 1:12 faculty-to-student ratio create meaningful mentorship relationships. Students learn from professors who bring current field experience directly to the classroom. The faculty’s credentials are impressive – 96% hold doctoral degrees and give expert guidance based on both theory and practice.
Nelson University weaves social justice principles into all coursework. This prepares students to tackle systemic inequities in practice settings of all types. The Global Practice Initiative expands students’ point of view through international field placements on five continents.
Graduates join a strong network of over 4,000 alumni who hold leadership positions throughout social services. These connections create outstanding career opportunities. The university’s blend of faith and learning gives students ethical frameworks based in Christian principles for their counseling work.
Many schools offer counseling degrees, but Nelson University delivers something special. The education develops both professional excellence and spiritual growth together. Graduates leave ready not just for careers but for callings. They have the skills, knowledge, and character to make real differences in countless lives through counseling practice.