University of Houston - Victoria

60 Hour – Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Specialty: Professional School Counseling

The Professional Counseling program is designed to provide knowledge and skills in order to obtain a School Counselor certification along with a program of coursework that satisfies the requirements for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license. Both program tracks allow students to complete these two goals in concert within our Master of Science in Professional Counseling degree program.

School counselors work in public and private schools, grades K-12, community colleges, and universities. The role of the School Counselor varies depending on the age of the school population and their needs, but these are some common activities as listed in the TExES Preparation manual for School Counselors.

Their functions are to:

• Use their understanding of human development to provide developmental guidance programs, including counseling services, that meet the needs of all students
• Apply their understanding of human diversity to ensure that developmental guidance and counseling programs are responsive to all students.
• Employ their knowledge of the factors that may affect students’ development and school achievement to promote students’ ability to achieve their potential.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate developmental guidance programs, including counseling services, that promote all students’ success.
• Provide comprehensive developmental guidance programs that promote all students’ personal growth and development.
• Offer effective counseling services to individuals and small groups
• Utilize assessment results to identify students’ strengths and needs, monitor progress, and engage in planning to promote school success.
• Communicate effectively with families and establish collaborative relationships that enhance work with students.
• Work collaboratively with other professionals and with community members to promote positive change and to facilitate student learning.
• Comply with ethical, legal, and professional standards relevant to the profession.