Post-Master Graduate Certificate Program: Supplemental Pathway to licensure

• University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) – Department of Counseling and Special Education

 UTEP’s Post-Master Graduate Certificate Program: Supplemental Pathway to Licensure is designed to provide the necessary coursework for individuals seeking to meet the educational requirements for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in Texas. It is a 9-credit certificate program.

Who Should Apply?

• Individuals with a master’s degree in school counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, psychology or related mental health fields who want to become licensed professional counselors in Texas.
• Individuals who already hold a master’s degree in school counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, psychology or related mental health programs and who need additional coursework for LPC licensure.
• Mental health professionals seeking career advancement through additional licensure qualifications.

Why Choose This Program at UTEP?

1. Meets State of Texas LPC Educational Requirements – Designed for individuals with a master’s degree in counseling or related fields who need additional coursework to qualify for LPC licensure.
2. Accredited, High-Quality Curriculum – Courses are part of UTEP’s CACREP-accredited Mental Health Counseling program, ensuring rigorous training aligned with professional standards.

Curriculum – total 9 credits (3 courses)

Admission Deadlines

We accept applications year-round. Early submission is encouraged to secure your seat in the courses,

Certificate Admission Process

1. Certificate Program Application via Graduate School
2. Master’s Degree Transcripts
   • It should be in the field of counseling (i.e., School counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling) or related fields (i.e., Psychology)

The successful completion of this certificate program DOES NOT necessarily satisfy all requirements of LPC-Associate applications. It is the responsibility of the applicant to review the academic requirements for LPC provided by the Texas LPC Board to ensure they meet the requirements.

FAQ

Will I be granted LPC licensure upon completing this program?

No, successful completion of this certificate program does not automatically grant LPC or LPC-Associate licensure. While this program provides courses required for LPC-Associate applications, it is the responsibility of the applicant to review the full academic and licensure requirements set by the Texas LPC Board. For detailed information, please visit the Texas LPC Board website: https://bhec.texas.gov/texas-state-board-of-examiners-of-professional-counselors/

 What is the format of course delivery?

This is an in-person program. Most courses are held on campus; however, some courses may be offered online (currently, EDPC 5333 - Crisis Counseling).

When are the courses offered?

Most courses begin after 5 PM on weekdays.

 When do the semesters start?

Please refer to the UTEP Academic Calendar (https://www.utep.edu/registrar/academic-calendars/) for specific semester start dates.

 Is financial aid available?

Unfortunately, this program is NOT eligible for financial aid.

 If there are any further questions regarding admission process, please contact Dr. Sang Min Shin at sshin2@utep.edu. Email is the preferred method of contact. When emailing, kindly include [Supplemental Pathway] in the subject line. Thank you!