Dallas School Counseling Degrees
In Texas, and in most other states, school counselors must have a master's degree in the field. As a result, all the programs available in this area of study are at the graduate level, including those discussed in this article. Get coursework and practicum details for three Dallas-area schools that are within a 45-minute drive of downtown. A table of stats on each university, as well as some info on a fourth school option, is also included.
- Located roughly 40 miles from central Dallas, in Denton, the University of North Texas (UNT) offers two master's degree plans that prepare students for a career in school counseling. A doctoral program in counseling is also available.
- Texas Christian University (TCU) is a private school also situated around 40 miles from downtown Dallas. It features a counseling master's degree with a specialization in school counseling, as well as a Ph.D. program in counseling and counselor education.
- Another private school, Dallas Baptist University (DBU), is around 13 miles from the city's downtown area. It offers a master's-level program in school counseling, along with a dual-degree option that leads to master's degrees in school counseling and educational leadership.
- College Student Counseling
Comparison of Schools
In some cases, where to attend college comes down to factors like financial aid availability, tuition rates or maybe even the number of students on campus. Explore these and other facts about the profiled schools to make an informed education decision.
|University of North Texas||Texas Christian University||Dallas Baptist University|
|School Type||Four-year, public||Four-year, private, not-for-profit||Four-year, private, not-for-profit|
|Total Enrollment (2014)||36,486*||10,033*||5,445*|
|Campus Setting||Midsize city||Large city||Large city|
|Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (2015-2016)||$9,730 in-state, $19,090 out-of-state*||$40,720*||$24,890*|
|% of Beginning Undergraduate Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2013-2014)||83%*||76%*||93%*|
|Undergraduate Acceptance Rate (2014)||65%*||49%*||46%*|
|Retention Rate (2014)||78% full-time*||90% full-time*||72% full-time*|
|Undergraduate Graduation Rate (for Students Who Began Their Studies in Fall 2008)||50%*||75%*||55%*|
Source: *NCES College Navigator.
University of North Texas
The College of Education at the University of North Texas offers a Master of Science in Counseling, a Master of Education in School Counseling and a Ph.D. in Counseling.
Master of Education in School Counseling
Students interested in becoming school counselors can pursue the elementary school and secondary school track offered within the M.Ed. in Counseling. The program consists of 33 semester hours of counseling courses, 15 hours within the program track, a 100-hour practicum, and a 600-hour internship. Upon graduation, students should be prepared for licensing.
Master of Science in School Counseling
The M.S. program in Counseling is somewhat more academically demanding, and is the longer degree plan. The program consists of 33 semester hours of counseling courses, 27 hours in the program track (elementary school and secondary school), a 100-hour practicum, and a 600-hour internship. The focus of the elementary and secondary school track is to establish familiarity with school guidance and counseling services.
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology
The Ph.D. in counseling psychology program is based in both theory and direct experience. The program is made up of 40 semester hours of counseling core courses, 12 hours of elective or minor courses, nine hours of specialty counseling courses, and six hours of research-based courses. For those wishing to apply to the program, a master's degree in counseling or a closely related field is required.
Applicants to the Ph.D. program must possess a master's degree in a clinical mental health field. The program consists of a minimum of 51 semester hours in counseling theory, counselor education, research, professional competencies and electives. Students must also complete a qualifying examination and a doctoral dissertation.
Dallas Baptist University
Dallas Baptist University offers the only school counseling degree program within the Dallas city limits. DBU offers a Master of Education in School Counseling as well as a dual program resulting in a Master of Education in Educational Leadership / Master of Education in School Counseling.
Master of Education in School Counseling
The Master of Education in School Counseling program is designed to provide graduates with the prerequisites for licensure. The degree plan consists of 36 course hours. Students study topics such as counseling theories and techniques, group counseling methods and developmental psychology.
Master of Education in Educational Leadership / Master of Education in School Counseling
The Master of Education in Educational Leadership / Master of Education in School Counseling degree plan is for those students wishing to pursue both counseling and administrative careers. The degree plan consists of 57 semester hours of coursework, and a thesis is not required. In addition to various counseling topics, students study subjects which are pertinent to school leadership positions as well, such as school law, and school public relations.
Other School Options
Texas Wesleyan University (Wesleyan) is located about 30 miles from Dallas in Fort Worth. Wesleyan's School of Education offers a Master of Science in School Counseling.