MinerAlert
MinerAlert
Welcome! Thank you for your interest in the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling program in the College of Education at The University of Texas at El Paso. We are excited that you have taken the time to explore our website and learn more about the program, the profession of school counseling, and the opportunities available after graduation.
The School Counseling program is designed to prepare highly qualified, ethical, and culturally responsive school counselors who are equipped to support the academic, career, and personal-social development of students in K–12 educational settings. The program emphasizes the development of professional knowledge, counseling skills, and leadership abilities necessary to advocate for student success and equity in schools.
Through a combination of rigorous coursework, supervised field experiences, and practical training, students gain the skills needed to design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive school counseling programs that promote student achievement and well-being. The curriculum is aligned with national standards and reflects best practices in the field, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet certification and professional requirements.
Our program is committed to fostering strong partnerships with local school districts and community organizations, providing students with meaningful field-based learning experiences. These opportunities allow students to apply what they learn in the classroom while working directly with diverse student populations in real-world settings.
Graduates of the School Counseling program are prepared to pursue certification as school counselors and are equipped to work in elementary, middle, and high school settings. School counselors play a critical role in helping students achieve academic success, develop social-emotional skills, and plan for college and career pathways.
We hope you can join us and start your career as a School Counselor!
Applicants must submit a complete application including required documents and statements. These materials are reviewed 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.
A minimum 3.0 GPA is required based on the cumulative undergraduate record or the last 60 credit hours completed.
Required Application Materials:
Applicants are evaluated based on GPA, letters of recommendation, purpose statement, and responses related to multicultural and interpersonal skills.
Teaching experience is not required for admission.
Students enrolled in the Alternative Certification Program (ACP) are encouraged to complete ACP prior to beginning the master’s program.
In addition to completing the master’s degree, students must meet the following requirements:
The School Counseling Program maintains structured policies to support student success and ensure readiness for professional practice.
Students must remain enrolled each academic year or reapply after 12 months of inactivity.
Teaching experience is not required for admission.
Students enrolled in the Alternative Certification Program (ACP) are encouraged to complete ACP prior to beginning the master’s program.
Individuals may request a preliminary criminal history evaluation through the Texas Education Agency:
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.
| EDPC 5317 | Human Growth and Development |
| EDPC 5320 | Lifestyle and Career Development |
| EDPC 5321 | School Counseling |
| EDPC 5324 | Ethical and Legal Issues |
| EDPC 5341 | Theories of Counseling |
| EDPC 5346 | Multicultural Counseling |
| EDPC 5332 | Program Evaluation |
| EDPC 5333 | Crisis Counseling |
| EDPC 5338 | Group Counseling |
| EDPC 5339 | Techniques of Counseling |
| EDPC 5345 | Abnormal Human Behavior |
| EDPC 5362 | Counseling Children, Adolescents & Families |
| EDPC 5369 | Practicum |
| EDPC 5376 | Internship I |
| EDPC 5377 | Internship II |
Total Program Hours: 60
Interested in this program? Click here to start your application today!
