School Counselors are crucial in helping the next generation succeed. They are responsible for working with students to reach their full educational and professional potential.
As the Texas Education Agency (TEA) describes, School Counselors work with school faculty and staff, students, parents, and the community to plan, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive school counseling program. These professionals help students navigate academic challenges, explore career opportunities, and prepare for success after graduation.
According to TEA, school counselors also provide responsive services by intervening on behalf of any student whose immediate personal concerns or problems put the student’s education and future at risk.
How Long Does It Take to Become a School Counselor in Texas?
Most students can complete The University of Texas Permian Basin’s Master of Arts in Counseling program in two to four years, depending on their enrollment status. The MA in Counseling is a 60-credit hour degree with two tracks: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling.
Falcons who complete this program will meet TEA educational requirements for Professional School Counselor Certification and are eligible to apply for state licensure. These students will gain the knowledge and skills to support K-12 students' academic, career, personal, and social development while collaborating with families, educators, and communities through comprehensive school counseling programs.
The degree requires clinical coursework including a practicum and internship to give students hands-on experience.
“What sets UTPB apart is its practicum model,” Maria Avalos, Program Coordinator of Counseling, said. “Students see real clients through the campus Mental Health Center under live faculty supervision. By the time students head off-site for their internship, they’re confident and ready.”
How Much Does a School Counselor Make?
According to U.S. News & World Report, School Counselors made a median salary of $65,140 in 2024.
The need for counselors is expected to continue to grow. 32,400 new jobs are projected to open in the school counseling field by 2031.
Can You Be a School Counselor Without Being a Teacher in Texas?
Thanks to Senate Bill 798, an individual is not required to have any teaching experience making it easier for anyone who is passionate about counseling to pursue.
Is it Hard to Pass the Required NCE Exam?
Students pursuing state licensure must take the National Counselor Examination (NCE), and those pursuing school counselor certification take the TExES 252.
UTPB's curriculum is designed to prepare students for certification and licensure exams, with graduates achieving a 97% pass rate on credentialing exams.
“The program is built around state and national accreditation standards, and all students must pass comprehensive program exams before graduating,” Avalos said. “They are modeled closely after the real thing, so you walk in on exam day already feeling prepared.”
How Much Does it Cost to Become a School Counselor?
At UTPB, Falcons have the opportunity to get their degree for free. Thanks to Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP) and Scharbauer Foundation, UTPB will cover tuition and mandatory fees for graduate students majoring in Clinical Psychology, Social Work, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, or School Counseling, through Impact Behavioral Health.
Students must complete a scholarship application, meet academic and residency requirements, and maintain eligibility throughout the three years. Students looking to apply for the competitive three-year scholarship can apply on UTPB’s website.
UTPB’s tuition estimator can help students figure out how much their degree will cost without financial aid and scholarships.
First 5 Program Helps Prepare Children for School
The University of Texas Permian Basin is stepping up to answer a critical need in the community – make sure all children are ready for school.