Master of Science in Counseling

It's Not Just a Career. It's a Calling.

SMU is a leader in counseling education, and our students are often requested for internships and counseling positions. With SMU's Master of Science in Counseling, you'll gain more than a degree. You'll get an education, training, and credentials that will ensure that you stand out in the job market, and make an outstanding impact in the lives of clients you serve.

Stephanie McGary - Director of Clinical Programming, Registered Play Therapist Tot's N Teachers/ Communities In Schools

The SMU Counseling program is one of a kind with professors that are truly invested in your growth. The supervision and support given by professors is genuine and extends well beyond your graduation date.

Julie Sorrels - Counselor Behavioral Health Program Manager & Therapist Resource Center(LGBTQIA+ Community Center)

I'm passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ population...I learned affirming and culturally responsive strategies for addressing mental health and relational concerns.

Farina Tahir, M.S., LPC-A, NCC - Site Team Leader 316 Counseling Center

SMU's Counseling Program equipped me to work with a variety of populations from all walks of life.

Snehal Kanitkar, M.S., LPC- Associate Metta Counseling

Don’t hesitate! I believe that this program provides students with professors who are experts in their field. You will receive a world class education, and also form long lasting relationships that can support you personally and professionally

Ahou Line, Ph.D. - Co-Founder of Thread Counseling Group Research Assistant Professor at University of North Texas

My professors were extremely well-respected in the field of counseling, they created an environment of acceptance. Those experiences have inspired me to further education in the field of counseling.

Careers that MS in Counseling graduates often pursue

➤ Licensed Professional Counselor / LPC Associate
➤ Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
➤ Elementary School Counselor / Secondary School Counselor
➤ Education / Teaching (Elementary through University level)
➤ Corporate Operations Leadership/ Business Administration
➤ Psychotherapist: Counseling/Mental Health/Social Services, Counseling, Community
➤ Healthcare Practitioner
➤ Researcher
➤ Case Manager
➤ Contract Therapist
➤ Group Therapist
➤ Facilitator
➤ Detention Dept. Counselor
➤ PHP / IOP Clinic Coordinator / Residential Counselor
➤ Owner
➤ Behavior Therapist
➤ Sales (Retail, Business to Business)

SMU’s CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Counseling program provides the skills and cultural knowledge necessary for students to become professional counselors who assist children, adults, and families with psychological growth and mental health concerns. SMU is by Best Value Schools.

Where do professional counselors work?
Counselors work in community agencies, religious institutions, hospitals, private practice, and schools.

What do students study and learn in SMU’s M.S. in Counseling program?
Students acquire knowledge in the disciplines that underlie counseling including education, psychology, human development, learning, and social change. Students develop basic skills in counseling and assessment and become familiar with the legal and clinical considerations that confront practitioners. Students engage in repeated practice and role playing with feedback and strategic modification and complete a year-long Practicum and Internship experience.

What are students professionally equipped to do when they graduate?
The Counseling program provides the educational and clinical requirements necessary for certification, licensure, and actual counseling practice. Successful graduates are able to pursue State Licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), or School Counselors. The opportunity to be licensed as a Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) in the state of Texas can be incorporated in an elective concentration.