School Counseling (48 Hours) – Texas
The M.Ed. School Counseling 48-hour program (MECU) is closed to new enrollments, but previously enrolled students are still permitted to finish this program. The below information addresses state requirements measured against the 48-hour program. Degree Completion Plans (DCPs) beginning after July 1, 2023, will reflect the 60-hour School Counseling Program (SHCO). Students on DCPs prior to 2023-2024 whose state requirements are 60 credit hours can contact LUO Academic Advising to switch to the new 23-24 60-hour M.Ed. School Counseling DCP.
The Texas Education Agency requires applicants to:
- Complete an approved EPP for the specific certificate desired: https://tea-texas.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/8fdeed6e29b741ba8bac151ac023186d
- Hold a master’s degree from an institution of higher education that is accredited by an accrediting agency, as recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
- Complete the required test.
- Have two years of classroom teaching or school licensure experience in a public or accredited private school.
*An educational diagnostician is required to have a valid classroom teaching certificate and three years of classroom teaching experience in a public or accredited private school.
Additional Requirements
The School Counseling (M.Ed.) degree meets the master’s degree requirement since Liberty is SACSCOC-accredited. However, students must ensure they also meet Texas’ other requirements (listed above).
A student who goes through our program must fulfill two years of classroom teaching or school counselor experience in a public or accredited private school to be evaluated for licensure in TX. If a student does not have two years of experience, they must complete an approved EPP in TX for the desired certification.
The following information is listed on the TEA site: “Effective September 1, 2023, the 2 years of classroom teaching experience are no longer required for the School Counselor certification.”
*This exception is only made if a student chooses to complete an approved EPP in TX. If a student chooses to go through our program without completing an EPP, then the 2 years of classroom or school counselor experience is required.
For more information: