Counseling Programs at Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University’s Department of Counselor Education gives students a strong foundation to become counseling professionals. The department lives by SHSU’s motto, “The measure of a life is its service,” and shows its steadfast dedication to preparing students for meaningful careers in counseling.
The department’s mission aims to help develop professional counseling generalists who work to improve individual, family, and community wellness in our diverse and ever-changing world. This mission guides how the school approaches education, clinical training, and community service.
Several objectives shape the educational philosophy of the Counselor Education department. The department helps qualified students build the knowledge and skills they need to work as ethical professionals in counseling. It also provides academic coursework and clinical experiences that support professional growth based on Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards.
SHSU’s counseling programs stand out with their Supervised Counseling Practicum in the Jack Staggs Counseling Clinic and Jack Staggs Counseling Clinic at The Woodlands Center. Advanced graduate students get hands-on client experience at these facilities under faculty supervision in both individual and group settings. These clinics also serve the greater Huntsville region by offering valuable counseling services.
The department strongly believes in promoting understanding and acceptance of cultural diversity. The core team demonstrates high standards of integrity, performance, and genuine care for clients’ well-being—qualities every future counseling professional needs.
The department offers undergraduate students an 18-hour minor in Human Services that builds skills for working with people in various professional and personal settings. Students learn about helping professions, service learning, career development, child-centered play, family relationships, communication, and wellness counseling.
Students can pursue a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling track that prepares them to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in Texas. This detailed 60-credit hour program combines face-to-face and online courses. Students learn from experienced faculty and get practical training.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program’s graduates meet all academic and clinical requirements to apply for a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-Associate) designation in Texas. They can work under supervision in private practice, non-profit agencies, hospitals, correctional facilities, college counseling centers, and substance abuse treatment centers after completing the program.
What counseling programs does Sam Houston State University offer?
Sam Houston State University’s Department of Counselor Education offers several unique counseling programs that cater to different professional goals and career paths.
The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling serves as the foundation of their offerings with 60 semester credit hours needed to graduate. Students can earn their Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) certification in Texas through this CACREP-accredited program. The curriculum blends online and face-to-face courses at both Huntsville and The Woodlands campuses. Students receive detailed training to work with clients in community mental health centers, psychiatric facilities, and private practice settings.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program teaches students to help clients with challenges ranging from daily life adjustments to serious mental health concerns. Graduates qualify to apply for a temporary license as a Professional Counselor in Texas.
The Master of Education in School Counseling program is another excellent choice at SHSU. This 60-hour CACREP-accredited program helps students become certified school counselors in Texas. The curriculum meets Texas Education Agency standards and satisfies academic requirements for LPC licensure. Students develop their skills through internship experiences and learn about consulting, coordinating, and counseling in educational settings.
SHSU’s Graduate Certificate in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling appeals to students seeking specialized training. This 12-semester credit hour program helps students learn about family systems theory and systemic approaches for couples and family therapy. The certificate equips students with valuable family systems skills they can use in various counseling environments.
The university also offers a Ph.D. in Counselor Education designed for professionals who want leadership roles in counselor education and supervision. This doctoral program requires 60 hours of post-master’s graduate credit and welcomes qualified candidates with CACREP-accredited master’s degrees. Students develop advanced skills in supervision, counseling, research, and leadership.
These programs stand out because of their specialized training options. Students can explore specific areas like play therapy or trauma counseling based on their interests. The university’s Trauma Center supports trauma-related research, training, and consultation. SHSU’s counseling programs offer various paths for specialization instead of using a standard approach.
Students learn from faculty members who bring extensive clinical backgrounds and provide hands-on, real-life training across all programs.
Internships/Practicum at Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University’s counseling education program has practical field experience as its core. Students get vital chances to use their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings through a well-laid-out sequence of supervised clinical experiences.
The Jack Staggs Counseling Clinic stands at the heart of this hands-on training. Located at both the main campus and The Woodlands Center, these facilities serve as the main training grounds where advanced graduate students work with clients under close supervision. This setup helps students learn and provides counseling services to people in the greater Huntsville area.
Students need to pass a detailed examination before their final internship semester. The internship program (COUN 6386) caps off their educational journey. Students must complete two back-to-back semesters with a minimum of six credit hours. They spend this time in counseling settings where they learn and perform real counselor duties.
Students aiming for school counseling credentials can take the School Counseling Internship (COUN 6387). This course lets them work under supervision in school settings. Two semesters of this course meet the 160-hour practicum requirement that the Texas Education Agency requires for school counselor certification.
Students start their practical journey with COUN 6376 (Supervised Practice in Counseling). This lab course helps them learn and integrate counseling principles and methods. A grade of B or higher in this course is needed to move forward to internship placements.
Faculty mentors stay with students throughout these experiences. They help students turn classroom knowledge into effective counseling skills. This careful progression of supervised practical experiences will give graduates both theoretical knowledge and proven clinical skills before they start their professional practice.
What sets Sam Houston State University apart?
Sam Houston State University’s counseling programs stand out with their multiple accreditations and specialized offerings.
SHSU’s counseling programs have earned the prestigious CACREP accreditation. This certification ensures the programs line up with national standards that the Professional Counseling field has developed. SHSU ranks among the nation’s top programs as one of just thirteen Texas universities with CAEP accreditation.
Students can specialize through Graduate Certificates in Play Therapy and Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling. These certificates help them master working with specific groups. The university’s Trauma Center also drives research, training, and consultation in trauma-related areas.
The faculty members are practicing therapists with extensive clinical experience. They provide ground guidance in specialized areas like trauma, addiction, and family therapy. Their practical expertise makes the mix of face-to-face and online coursework even better.
The program uses a supportive cohort model for doctoral students that builds community and boosts completion rates. Students get chances to present at conferences, work on research, and publish their work.
Graduates gain marketable skills that employers value. These range from higher-order thinking to multicultural competencies and professional ethical behavior.
Next steps
Sam Houston State University stands out as a top choice for future counseling professionals with its detailed, accredited programs. This piece has shown you the many counseling paths SHSU offers, from undergraduate minors to doctoral degrees. These programs blend theory with practice to prepare you for ground challenges in counseling settings of all types.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling programs shine because of their CACREP accreditation, which will give a top-quality education. The specialized graduate certificates also let you customize your studies in areas like play therapy or family counseling.
SHSU sets itself apart with the Jack Staggs Counseling Clinic, where students get great hands-on experience under expert guidance. This practical training and strong academic coursework give you both theoretical knowledge and proven clinical skills before you start your professional practice.
Expert faculty members are essential to SHSU’s counseling programs. These experienced professors bring their clinical backgrounds to the classroom and give explanations that textbooks can’t match. Your education grows richer through their professional wisdom and mentorship throughout your trip.
The department’s steadfast dedication to cultural diversity and ethical practice makes these programs even stronger. Graduates leave with both technical skills and cultural awareness needed in today’s diverse counseling field.
Picking a counseling program needs careful thought, and SHSU delivers academic excellence, hands-on experience, and specialized training that employers want. Your career goals might lead to school counseling, clinical mental health, or doctoral studies – SHSU gives you the foundation to build a rewarding career helping others.