Master of Science in School Counseling Online

Diversify your educational career profile to expand into the increasingly important role of school counselor. Our robust online master's program equips you with up-to-date knowledge and expertise that prepare you for school counselor certification.

Apply by: 1/6/25
Start class: 1/21/25 Apply Now

Program Overview

Expand your career pathways with our online M.S. in School Counseling

Rise as an influential and supportive school counselor. The Master of Science in School Counseling online program helps you pivot your career from teaching students to helping them navigate educational, behavioral, social and home life challenges. You will learn the theories and techniques of counseling that prepare you to support students, and their families, as they progress through their academic journey.

This master's program is designed to prepare you as a highly effective, culturally competent professional counselor ready to serve in K-12 Texas schools. It offers you the academic rigor and qualifications you need to confidently sit for the TExES School Counselor exam. Plus, this master's education helps you meet the Texas Education Agency's degree criteria to pursue state certification.

Coursework includes a deep dive on a variety of counseling practices from social, cultural and family issues to crisis intervention and addiction. A thesis is not required for graduation. The flexible online format means you can earn and learn, logging into your graduate courses whenever it is convenient and completing the clinical teaching experience in the same school where you work.

Advance to your next career role by accessing TAMIU's strong network with districts across Texas. Known for its long-standing reputation of graduating top-quality educators, the TAMIU name will give you added recognition among school administrators that can open the door to new opportunities.

In the M.S. in School Counseling online program, you will learn to:

  • Use culturally appropriate counseling practices regarding age and stage of life
  • Transform a variety of counseling theories and interventions for efficacy in a multicultural environment
  • Apply professional, ethical and legal principles when collaborating or consulting with stakeholders (parents, teachers, other professionals, etc.)
  • Impact school and non-school counseling programs through the application of leadership and advocacy skills by designing, implementing and evaluating counseling programs in myriad settings
  • Actively engage in professional counseling associations
In the M.S. in School Counseling online program, you will learn to:+
  • Use culturally appropriate counseling practices regarding age and stage of life
  • Transform a variety of counseling theories and interventions for efficacy in a multicultural environment
  • Apply professional, ethical and legal principles when collaborating or consulting with stakeholders (parents, teachers, other professionals, etc.)
  • Impact school and non-school counseling programs through the application of leadership and advocacy skills by designing, implementing and evaluating counseling programs in myriad settings
  • Actively engage in professional counseling associations
+
+

Also available:

Texas A&M International University offers a variety of in-demand online education programs. Explore all of our online education programs.

Total Tuition $17,616*
Duration 16 months
Credit Hours 48

Accreditation

The State of Texas Education Agency

The Texas A&M International University College of Education is accredited by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification.

Also available:

Texas A&M International University offers a variety of in-demand online education programs. Explore all of our online education programs.

Apply Now

Need More Information?

Call 844-872-8712

Call 844-872-8712

Tuition

Tuition at TAMIU Online is affordable

Tuition for the M.S. in School Counseling online program is economical and can be paid by the course. All fees are included.

View additional tuition information+

In-State Tuition:

The following tuition applies only to Texas residents.

Program Per Credit Hour Per Course Per Program*
M.S. in School Counseling $367 $ $17,616

Out-of-State Tuition:

Program Per Credit Hour Per Program*
M.S. in School Counseling $1,030 $49,440

*Tuition subject to change.

Tuition breakdown:

Total Tuition $17,616*
Per Credit Hour $367

Calendar

Choose a start date and secure your spot

The M.S. in School Counseling program is delivered online, featuring 7-week courses and six start dates a year. Choose the start date that is best for you.

Graduate Programs Degree Plan

View full calendar  + 

SessionProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Spring I1/21/251/6/251/13/251/17/253/8/25
Spring II3/24/253/10/253/17/253/21/255/9/25
Summer I5/19/255/5/255/12/255/16/257/5/25
Summer II7/7/256/23/256/30/257/7/258/22/25

Now enrolling:

Apply Date 1/6/25
Class Starts 1/21/25

Ready to take the next steps toward earning your next degree?

Apply Now

Admissions

Get started on your M.S. in counseling online application today

Applying for the M.S. in School Counseling online program is a simple process. Learn more about the admission requirements below.

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Valid Texas teaching certificate
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours
  • Two years of teaching experience
View all admission requirements +

International Transcript Evaluation:

TAMIU does their own foreign credential evaluations. Graduate School does not require third party evaluations nor are obligated to accept the results, or GPA calculations, if an evaluation is submitted. If an applicant submits an official evaluation, the evaluation does not replace official transcripts or certificates of graduation.

Official transcripts from all institutions attended can be sent to:

Texas A&M International University
Graduate School
Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center, Suite 223
5201 University Boulevard
Laredo, TX 78041
OR
Electronically to [email protected]

Former TAMIU students DO NOT have to request TAMIU transcripts.

To upload the following documents to your application portal, click here.

  1. FERPA consent found here
  2. Code of Ethics Form Teacher Candidate found here
  3. College of Education application found here
  4. Copy of your valid Texas teaching certificate
  5. Complete the TAMIU College of Education On-line Screening Survey
  6. 700 word Statement of Purpose
  7. (If Required) Submit verification of minimum scaled scores on the (a) Test of English as a Foreign Language internet- Based Test (TOEFL iBT) of 24 for speaking, 22 for listening, 22 for reading, and 21 for writing or (b) International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to evidence English language proficiency if your undergraduate or graduate degree was not earned at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States as listed https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/laws-and-rules/sbec-rules-tac/texas-administrative-code-title-19-part-7

If transcripts are uploaded to the portal, you will be asked to resend all official transcripts by mail or email and will delay the application process.

Have a question? Call us at 844-872-8712.

Courses

Take a closer look at the online school counseling degree courses

Curriculum for the online master’s in school counseling program is comprised of 16 courses (48 credit hours).

Expand All
You must take the following courses.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is an introductory course for school counselor candidates that will provide an overview of the counseling profession withan emphasis on the K-12 school environment which includes history and philosophy, professional roles and function, advocacy, andcollaborative consultation. Students will master the basic skills of professional counseling in this course.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is an introductory course for school counselor candidates that will provide an overview of the major counseling theories used within the profession. Primary emphasis will be placed on the practical application of each theoretical model with specific focus on the school setting. Case examples will be used to facilitate understanding.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is an intermediate course for school counselor candidates that will provide students an opportunity to study, administer,score, and interpret a variety of assessment instruments used in school and non-school settings. Students will be exposed toinstruments measuring personality, intelligence, aptitude and achievement, career and interest, and environmental factors. Ethicalissues in testing and the special education environment will also be addressed.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is an intermediate course that will provide an orientation to best practices in school counseling. Emphasis will be placed on comprehensive developmental school counseling programming and effective collaboration and consultation with school administration. Additional emphasis will be placed on the integration of the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs. Course activities include conducting a school counselor interview and the construction of a Comprehensive School Counseling Program Framework.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is an introductory course which focuses on the major theories of vocational choice and career development with demonstrations on how to translate these theories into meaningful practice in the counselor-client relationship. A guidance model for career education in the school setting will be developed as a part of the course.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This is an intermediate course which concentrates on the examination of a variety of racial, cultural, and ethnic groups in the United States. Students will also broaden their knowledge, awareness, and skill in applying culturally responsive counseling techniques in the school setting. The formulation of a multicultural treatment plan will be developed and the impact of diversity among group differences is also examined.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is an introductory course for school counselor candidates that will provide an overview of the counseling profession with an emphasis on the K-12 school environment which includes history and philosophy, professional roles and function, advocacy, and collaborative consultation. Students will master the basic skills of professional counseling in this course.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This is an intermediate course which will provide an overview of professional issues in counseling with an emphasis on current ethical standards and practices. Ethical standards of the American Counseling Association and the American School Counseling Association and related entities will be reviewed. Application of these codes in professional settings will be discussed and ethical decision-making models will be explored.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This is an advanced course where students will practice basic helping skills common to the counseling profession using audio-videotaping of mock counseling sessions. Additional skills will be developed in problem-solving, case conceptualization, goal setting, and selecting theoretically appropriate interventions.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This is an intermediate course which is designed to familiarize students with the theories, processes, and practices of group counseling and psychotherapy. Exploration of group membership and facilitation is examined. Students will participate in a small group experience and an audio-video taping simulation of a group counseling session.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This is an advanced, competency-based course that requires 100 hours of actual counseling experience with a variety of clients and challenges in the school-community setting. Applying theory to practice will be stressed.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This is an advanced course where practical experience will be gained in a school setting under supervision of a qualified on-site school counselor. A total of 300 hours will be required with an approximate balance between direct and indirect counseling experiences. A university lab experience with counselor education faculty is also required.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is an intermediate course which reviews crisis intervention skills and their applicability to the school setting. Students willreflect on how people deal with crisis, exploring crisis experiences, and begin to develop skills in crisis intervention. Relevant researchon crises, resolution, trauma informed counseling techniques, and resilience will also be examined. The major focus of the course willbe learning the practical skills related to assisting children and adolescents with crisis in the school setting.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This is an introductory course that focuses on counseling techniques appropriate for children and adolescents for fostering wellness and social-emotional learning competencies. The emotional and behavioral experiences of childhood and adolescence are discussed within the context of the school and family. Students will also develop skills related to problem conceptualization, goal setting, and selecting theoretically appropriate counseling interventions for children and adolescents.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is an intermediate course that will provide students with a thorough and in-depth exploration of the professional knowledge, skills, and practices related to addictions counseling, treatment, and prevention. Emphasis is placed on etiology of addictions and addictive behaviors including, but not limited to, gambling, sex, eating, alcohol, and drug addictions. In addition, this course will assist students in understanding strategies for the prevention, intervention, and treatment of addictions. Course activities include reflective discussions regarding treatment plan development for clients suffering from addiction.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This advanced course is intended to equip students with knowledge and skills for conducting qualitative, survey research, and program evaluation methodology, within the field of school counseling. Emphasis will be on practical application of basic components of research and program evaluation in producing and consuming social research as it pertains to School Counseling, Social Emotional Learning Programs, Trauma Informed Education, the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs, and the American School Counselor Association Model. The course will offer an intensive focus on data-driven decision research and the school counselors craft of examining and evaluating a school counseling program in preparation for the school counseling certification exam. Students will apply knowledge and skills using the research and/or program evaluation process to develop a research project in School Counseling.

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