Counseling M.A.

(Major Code: 5464)

Major in Counseling

The counseling program is designed to prepare ethical, culturally competent counselors to provide professional counseling services in various clinical settings. The faculty approved settings where students have served their internships include: mental health centers, state hospitals and training schools, facilities for clients with dual diagnoses, as well as multipurpose mental health agencies.

Admission Requirements

Formal admittance to the counseling program requires:

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning
Admittance to WTAMU Graduate School: wtamu.edu/admissions/apply_graduate.aspx
Completion of departmental application, including resume, three letters of recommendation, and formal interviews
2.75 Undergraduate GPA (last 60 hours)

Counseling Coursework: 48 hours

All classes are offered in an online format, except COUN 6399 and COUN 6398 , which are offered online with a practicum/internship experience completed in person in a community setting.

Please browse through the Counseling Program’s course descriptions for further information.

Required courses (39 hours):

Electives (6-9 hours):

Graduation Requirements

Completion of counseling course work and supervised internship experience under the direction of a Licensed Professional Counselor, who has been licensed for at least two years.
Passing a comprehensive exam.

Additional Information

Texas Professional Counselor Licensing Information

Pass the National Counselor Exam (http://www.nbcc.org/nce).
Pass the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counseling Texas Jurisprudence Exam (http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/counselor/).
Apply for a temporary license through the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors (Licensed Professional Counselor-Intern). This involves an application packet found at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/counselor/.
Secure a Master level/Doctoral level, board approved Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) through the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors.
Secure an internship site(s) where you will accrue the required 3,000-clock-hours for application for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor.

You may also find out more information about the counseling profession through the following professional counseling websites:

American Counseling Association (live link to www.counseling.org)
Texas Counseling Association (live link to www.txca.org)

Features of the West Texas A&M University’s Counseling Program include being conveniently located in downtown Amarillo’s Chase Tower and having access to state-of-the-art teaching and supervision facilities. Faculty offices are located on the 7th floor.