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How to Become a Texas School Counselor
Where are you on your quest to become a Texas School Counselor?
Explore the information below and learn how you can become a school counselor in Texas. Some of the information below may be subject to change. In order to make sure you have the most current information, contact your school counseling education program advisor or the Texas Education Agency’s Educator Certification Division at (512) 936-8400.
- Top Picks
Featured Universities with School Counseling Programs
#1
Walden University
MS in School Counseling - General Program. Click here to contact Walden University and request information about their programs.
#2
Grand Canyon University
M. Ed in School Counseling (leads to initial Licensure) Click here to contact Grand Canyon University and request information about their programs.
#3
New York University (NYU)
NYU Steinhardt's accredited master of arts program in Counseling and Guidance: School and Bilingual School Counseling. Through this online program, you will gain the skills you need to become a professional Pre-K-12 school counselor, working with children and families in your community to foster academic achievement and success. Click here to contact New York University and request information about their programs.
#4
University of Denver
Earn a Master's degree in School Counseling online from the University of Denver. Learn from doctoral-level faculty in live classes and gain experience through mock counseling and in-field training. No GRE required. Click here to contact University of Denver and request information about their programs.
I’m a High School Graduate…
You’re a high school graduate already looking into the professional career of a Texas school counselor. By doing research at this stage, you are showing initiative and maturity. Both of these virtues will help you immeasurably throughout your career research and life in general. However, virtues are only as valuable as how diligently you act on them. So, don’t stop here!
Below are recommended steps that will help you learn more about what you’ll need to do to become a school counselor in Texas:
Step One:
Gather information from schools offering associate degree programs or bachelor degree programs in psychology, counseling or any type of program you are currently interested in. It is not imperative you enroll in a counseling program at this point. The only necessity is that you begin earning your associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree.
Step Two:
Volunteering is a great way to find out if you are interested in a career working with children and young adults. The following are links to organizations who can place you in volunteering positions across the state of Texas:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas (San Antonio)
- List of Texas schools and school districts
- Use this link to find schools near. Contact these schools to find out if there are any volunteer programs you may participate in.
Lastly, do not be afraid to explore various career options. In the field of education, there are many opportunities that require individuals with various talents. Whether you end up as a counselor, a teacher, an administrator or school psychologist, you will be supporting one of the greatest, most honorable endeavors you can, educating Texas.
I have already earned a college degree…
The following are the steps necessary for earning your school counseling certification in Texas:
Step One:
Fulfill educational requirements through one of the following avenues:
OR
- Browse the Texas Education Agency to find schools that offer educator preparation programs
Step Two:
You must have at least two years of teaching experience before you can become a school counselor in Texas.
Learn more about earning your Texas teacher certification here.
Step Three:
You will need to successfully complete the School Counselor: Early Childhood Grade 12 exam: 252 School Counselor EC-12 TExES.
Learn more about taking this exam here.
Step Four:
You must complete a national finger-print background check. You can find more information about the Texas fingerprinting process here.
Step Five:
Make sure you have all your credentials and qualifications completed. You can find more information about requirements for Texas School Counselor certification here.
Questions? Contact the Texas Education Agency’s Educator Certification Division at (512) 936-8400.
I’m a certified counselor from another state…
Texas does not offer educator certification simply through reciprocity agreements. You can request a review of your current credentials. If your qualifications match the Texas school counselor certification requirements, you will be awarded a certification after processing of your application. You can also apply for a temporary certification if you current credentials do not satisfy the Texas certification requirements.
Learn more about applying as an out-of-state applicant here.