Applicants must submit a complete application including required documents and statements. These materials are reviewed by the Admissions Committee to determine if the applicant’s knowledge, experience, skills, and potential align with program expectations.

A non-refundable $35 TEA technology fee is required as part of the application process.

Admissions Requirements:

A minimum 3.0 GPA is required based on the cumulative undergraduate record or the last 60 credit hours completed. Applications are evaluated by the Admissions Committee based on each of the following required application materials:

1. Curriculum Vitae / Resume- Include, education, employment history, skills, committee work, volunteer service, etc.
2. Statement of Purpose: Write a statement clearly stating the reasons you would like to become a school
3. Statement on Counseling Diverse Populations- Appreciating diversity is an important value of the school counseling program. Think about your experiences with various diverse groups and describe some of your experiences that show your commitment to diversity. How have these experiences helped you challenge various stereotypes? Address any personal assumptions, values or biases that could potentially provide difficulty for serving culturally diverse clients.
4. Statement on Interpersonal Relationships- Briefly describe an experience in which you acted in a helping role. What qualities do you possess that you believe will make an effective school counselor, and what skills do you think you need to develop in your ability to help others?
5. Three Professional Letters of Recommendation- Letter of recommendation should be signed, dated, and preferably on letter head.
6. Official Undergraduate Transcripts

View Evaluation Guide

Admission Deadlines: 

Allowable Transfer of Graduate Credits:

Upon recommendation of the Graduate Advisor or Program Director, students pursuing an M.Ed. in School Counseling may transfer up to nine semester credit hours from an accredited institution towards the fulfillment of the master’s degree. All transfer credit must have been completed with a grade of “B” or better, completed within the last six years, and approved by the Counseling program faculty at the University of Texas at El Paso. Transfer credit is not guaranteed.

Important Program Information

Teaching Experience- Teaching experience is not required for admission. As of September 1, 2023, two years of teaching experience is no longer required for certification. All other requirements remain in effect.

Background Check Requirements- Students must successfully pass a background check to complete the practicum/internship requirement.

Ineligibility for issuance of a certificate- If an individual has been convicted of an offense, they may be ineligible for issuance of a certificate upon completion of the educator preparation program. Individuals have the right to request a criminal history evaluation. For further information visit the Texas Education Agency website: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/investigations/preliminary-criminal-history-evaluation-faqs

Texas School Counselor Certification

In addition to the completion of the master’s degree and upon successful completion of the qualifying exam, students must meet the following requirements:

1. Passing score on the TExES School Counselor (252) Exam

School Counseling Program Exit Policy Statement

The School Counseling Program at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) maintains a clear and structured exit policy to guide the dismissal of candidates who do not meet academic, professional, or enrollment standards.

Exit Procedures and Candidate Review

The program's Retention and Review Policy, outlined in the School Counseling Student Handbook (pages 34–36), ensures that candidates are supported when challenges arise, and also establishes a formal process for dismissal if necessary. This policy includes:

• Early faculty intervention when concerns are observed
• Development of a Corrective Action Plan in consultation with the Program Coordinator
• Ongoing monitoring and support
• A Retention Review Hearing, if needed, to determine next steps—up to and including dismissal from the program

Additionally, the program conducts three formal Student Progress Reviews at key milestones (early coursework, prior to practicum, and prior to graduation). These reviews are designed to assess academic progress, interpersonal and professional development, and readiness for fieldwork and graduation.

Demand for School Counselors in Texas

Texas continues to experience a shortage of school counselors, limiting student access to academic and mental health support services.

While the recommended ratio is 250:1, many schools exceed 500:1.

Job growth for school counselors is projected to increase significantly, driven by increased student needs and workforce demand.

Explore UTEP Program Performance Dashboard

Program Coursework

Foundational Requirements (18 Semester Hours)

Students are required to earn a B or above in all foundational classes.

Advanced Requirements (21 Semester Hours)

Related Area (6 Semester Hours)

Clinical Experience (3 Semester Hours)

* MAY NOT BE TAKEN CONCURRENTLY

Total: 48 semester hours

Comprehensive Examination: After Approval to Take EDPC 5369.

*Pre-requisites in (EDPC 5332, 5338, 5339, 5362, 5335)

* Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA during the program.