Texas Woman’s University Counseling Degrees
Texas Woman’s University runs strong counseling programs through several specialized departments to meet the rising need for mental health professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows careers in mental health counseling are projected to grow 19% through 2024, which is substantially faster than average for other professions.
The university’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) delivers quality mental health services with cultural awareness to students at all three campuses: Denton, Dallas, and Houston. Students receive support for their academic success and personal well-being through programs that promote resilience, emotional health, and academic achievement. Professional psychologists, licensed counselors, and therapists in training provide individual, couples, and group therapy along with crisis intervention services.
The Counseling and Family Therapy Clinic (CFTC) in the School of Human Sciences serves both campus and public communities. People of all ages can access counseling for families, couples, groups, and individuals through in-person or telehealth options. Graduate students in the Counseling & Development and Marriage & Family Therapy programs deliver all clinical services under doctoral-level, licensed faculty supervision.
TWU’s counseling programs excel with these key features:
- CACREP accreditation for community and school counseling concentrations
- A distinct feminist viewpoint within the counseling psychology program
- Multicultural emphasis that prepares students to work with diverse groups
- Small class sizes for individual attention from faculty
- Flexible online and evening classes that fit working students’ schedules
The Master’s in Counseling and Development helps graduates become certified school counselors for grades K-12 and licensed professional counselors in Texas. The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology prepares students for careers in psychological counseling or doctoral studies.
The university’s doctoral program in counseling psychology holds American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation. Graduates who pursue careers after completing this program enjoy a 100% employment rate.
TWU trains counseling professionals to work with people from a variety of backgrounds through trauma-informed care and culturally aware services. This includes working with different ages, races, sexual orientations, genders, religions, nationalities, immigration statuses, economic backgrounds, and abilities. Students gain practical experience through campus clinics while serving the community.
What counseling programs does Texas Woman’s University offer?
Texas Woman’s University offers specialized counseling degrees through its Psychology & Philosophy Department and Human Sciences programs. Students can choose different career paths in mental health services based on their interests.
The MS in Counseling and Development program has two CACREP-accredited concentrations:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Professional School Counseling
Students in both tracks can become licensed professionals. School counseling graduates qualify for K-12 certification in Texas public schools. The program’s small class sizes give students tailored attention. Students benefit from flexible scheduling with online and evening classes, faculty mentoring, and innovative counseling methods like play therapy.
The MA in Counseling Psychology takes a uniquely feminist point of view while training students in psychological counseling. Students learn to understand people in multicultural and social contexts. The program teaches them to work with individuals, couples, families, and groups to support mental, emotional, and relational health. Students need 61 semester credit hours with practicum experiences to get licensure as Professional Counselors (LPC) in most states.
The PhD in Counseling Psychology program is special – it’s the only doctoral program in the nation with an explicitly feminist orientation. The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits this program that helps students become licensed psychologists. The program’s graduates have achieved a 100% employment rate.
TWU’s counseling psychology programs combine excellent training in psychological science with hands-on clinical practice. The U.S. Department of Labor lists Counseling Psychology as a “Bright Outlook” career. Job growth is expected to be 20% or higher nationally and in Texas over the next decade. Graduates work in a variety of settings – private practice, university counseling centers, community agencies, hospitals, veterans’ affairs, addiction centers, and corrections facilities.
TWU’s complete programs help create counseling professionals who serve different populations effectively. These include at-risk groups and people who need help with grief, addiction, trauma or crisis.
Internships/Practicum at Texas Woman’s University
TWU’s counseling education puts practical training at its core. Students get extensive practicum and internship opportunities that are vital to all counseling programs. These supervised experiences help students apply their theoretical knowledge in ground settings with professional guidance.
Students in Counseling Psychology need to complete four semesters of practicum training. They must spend at least two semesters at two different practicum placements. Students qualify for placement only after they complete several prerequisite courses. These include Psychotherapy Skills, Theory and Practice of Counseling, Advanced Psychopathology, Ethics in Psychology, and Clinical Therapeutic Group Processes.
The Counseling and Development program has a well-laid-out clinical sequence. Students start with COUN 5363 Prepracticum in their original 27 hours of study and enroll in COUN 5373 Group Counseling at the same time. They then complete COUN 5364 Practicum before starting two semesters of internship.
TWU’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) serves as a main practicum site that accepts three to seven practicum therapists each semester. This placement needs:
- A two-semester commitment
- About 20 hours per week on-site
- Minimum of 10 direct service hours (including intake sessions)
- Weekly individual and group supervision
- Participation in didactic training
Students must complete a minimum of 175 clock hours per semester at their assigned site. Doctoral students typically need 1,000 total clock hours and 500 direct service hours before they can apply for internship. Students who want additional experience beyond required practica can enroll in Supervised Field Work (SFW).
Site placement depends on slot availability, prior commitments, academic standing, and degree level. Doctoral students usually get priority at sites with doctoral-level supervision and begin their training at university counseling centers. Students in their first practicum must attend mandatory orientation and submit their application materials right after the Practicum Coordinator’s approval.
These experiences help students develop crucial clinical skills through consistent supervision and feedback. This hands-on training prepares graduates to provide effective mental health services in a variety of settings and populations.
What sets Texas Woman’s University apart?
TWU’s counseling programs stand out in higher education with several unique features. The doctoral program in counseling psychology makes a remarkable difference as the only explicitly feminist-multicultural program in the United States. This unique point of view sets it apart from other institutions.
These programs offer more than standard education by combining academic excellence with practical benefits. Both community counseling and school counseling concentrations have earned CACREP accreditation, which ensures graduates meet high professional standards. Students learn better in smaller classes that help faculty members provide individual attention. Faculty mentoring and advising support continues throughout their academic experience.
The program works especially well for busy professionals thanks to online and evening classes. This scheduling flexibility makes higher education accessible to non-traditional students and those whose families might not typically pursue advanced degrees.
The curriculum has innovative counseling strategies like play therapy, which prepares graduates to meet various client needs. Students gain marketable skills through their coursework, co-curricular activities, and extracurricular involvement. These skills include communication, critical thinking, teamwork, ethical reasoning, adaptability, and digital literacy.
The master’s program in counseling psychology offers something special – a feminist point of view while preparing students for psychological counseling careers. Students learn to understand multicultural and social contexts, becoming counseling professionals who serve today’s diverse communities effectively.
Mental health counseling jobs should grow by 19 percent through 2034. TWU’s counseling program graduates can look forward to successful careers in multiple settings, making these programs a smart investment in their professional future.
Next steps
Want to get your counseling degree at Texas Woman’s University? You’ll need to check your program’s specific requirements and deadlines first. Doctoral applications in counseling psychology close November 30th, and master’s program deadlines are set for February 1st.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Submit your application through TWU’s Online Graduate Application Portal
- Pay the application fee ($50 domestic/$75 international)
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Upload program-specific supplemental documents
- Provide academic references as requested
After acceptance, you should set up your Pioneer Portal and TWU Gmail accounts right away. Your TWU email will be your main communication channel that brings important updates about scholarships, financial aid, housing, and enrollment.
You can get financial support by submitting your FAFSA (TWU’s code 003646) by January 15th for fall enrollment or September 1st for spring. You should also apply for TWU General Scholarships by March 1st for fall or December 14th for spring.
Before your first semester starts, you’ll need to meet with your assigned advisor listed in your acceptance letter to plan your courses. The final steps include registering for classes through Pioneer Portal, attending the required Graduate Student Orientation, and paying tuition by the deadlines to lock in your spot.
These steps will give a smooth start to your time in TWU’s respected counseling programs.