Counseling
Counseling
You’re the one people turn to when they need understanding. You listen with compassion, empathize without judgment, and believe deeply in the power of personal growth. Now you’re ready to transform your natural empathy into professional expertise.
In Texas A&M University-Texarkana’s Master of Science in Counseling-Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program, you’ll gain the advanced knowledge, clinical skills, and professional disposition needed to help individuals and communities thrive.
With your A&M-Texarkana counseling degree, you’ll be prepared to become a licensed professional counselor, a leader and advocate for mental health, and be ready to meet the evolving needs of a complex and changing world.
Program Information
Degree Name: Master of Science in Counseling-Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Degree Type: Graduate
Format: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 60
Thesis/Non-Thesis: Non-Thesis
Catalog: Program Requirements
Questions: 903-223-3000
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Why Get Your Counseling Degree from A&M-Texarkana?
As an A&M-Texarkana counseling graduate, you’ll receive a prestigious Texas A&M University System degree through a program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP accreditation ensures your counseling degree upholds the highest standards in education, training, and clinical preparation. A degree received from a CACREP accredited program is more portable and widely accepted by state counseling licensure boards across the nation. You can also enter the field with confidence, knowing our graduates maintain a 100% National Counselor Exam pass rate and 100% receive their counseling license.
In the A&M-Texarkana counseling degree program, you’ll be mentored by supportive faculty who will guide you every step of the way through coursework, advising, and professional growth. Through the University’s partnerships with community and mental health agencies, you’ll gain the hands-on clinical experience you need to make a meaningful impact from day one.
You’ll be prepared to meet the growing demand for mental health professionals and, as a graduate, bring compassionate, evidence-based care to your community and beyond.
Program Highlights
Small Classes. Big Mentorship. Lifelong Impact.
In the A&M-Texarkana counseling program, you’ll learn from faculty with extensive experience in child and adolescent, trauma, and marriage and family counseling. Within small classes, you’ll receive individualized support every step of the way from coursework and advising to scholarly pursuits and professional development.
Focus Your Passion. Sharpen Your Purpose.
Throughout the counseling program, you can pursue elective courses that lead to specialization or certifications in telemental health, child and adolescent, marriage and family, and trauma-informed counseling. You’ll emerge ready for clinical mental health counseling licensure and uniquely equipped to help individuals of all ages and stages of life.
Strong Partnerships. Stronger Counselors.
A&M-Texarkana maintains a collaborative partnership with Texarkana and its regional resources. As a counseling student, you’ll benefit from University connections with community and mental health agencies, giving you the hands-on experience that prepares you for the counseling profession.
Counseling FAQ's
Are there special admissions requirements for the counseling program?
Yes, we do have specialized admissions requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a regionally accredited institution, preferably in psychology or related fields. *
- Meet the minimum GPA of 3.0 (or last 60 hours)
- Submit official transcripts from all degree-
granting institutions. - Complete an online application.
- Submit any program-specific materials identified
below:- Letter of Intent
- Resume’ or curriculum vitae
- Three professional references- (supervisors or core faculty from your degree program (email & phone numbers)
- Successful interview with Program Faculty
*Other degrees may be accepted, provided additional coursework in abnormal psychology and statistical methods in psychology, or similar courses are completed.
Note: Refer to the state counseling licensure board’s rules requiring a review of criminal history before applying to a counseling program and/or licensure.
State, federal, and child maltreatment background checks will be required before for all practicum and internship experiences.
Are there admissions deadlines for the program?
Yes! Please refer to the catalog for specific admissions deadlines.
How long does it take to earn the M.S. in Counseling-Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree?
Most students complete the program in two and a half to three years, depending on their course load.
Will I need to take an entrance exam to be considered for the Counseling program?
No, you will not have to take an entrance exam.
Will I need to take a comprehensive exam to earn my degree?
Yes, you will take The Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) to complete your degree requirements.
Will I be able to use this program for licensure in any state?
Yes. CACREP-accredited counseling degrees are widely accepted across the U.S. However, some state licensure boards may require an additional course or two. Check state licensure boards where you intend to practice counseling.
Are there any other A&M-Texarkana programs that relate well with the Counseling program?
Our Psychology programs, both undergraduate and graduate, and Social Work, both undergraduate and graduate, complement the counseling program well, offering either a strong introductory foundation or an advanced opportunity for deeper study to strengthen your expertise.