If you already have a 48-hour master’s degree in counseling from a regionally accredited university, you may qualify for the certification-only School Counselor program at Region 4 Inspire Texas. This option allows you to earn your Texas School Counselor certification without completing another degree.

Step 1: Apply
THE APPLICATION FEE IS $100 AND IS NON-REFUNDABLE. ASSEMBLE THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS, TO BE MAILED OR ELECTRONICALLY SUBMITTED TO US AT LEAST 10 DAYS PRIOR TO THE APPLICATION DEADLINE.

 

  • Official transcript(s), in sealed envelopes, of a master’s or other advanced degree program with a minimum 3.0 GPA overall or last 60 hours. Electronic copies may be sent to transcripts@inspiretexas.net
  • Certified or notarized copy of service record indicating a minimum of 2 years creditable teaching experience.
  • Letter of recommendation from current principal or supervisor (if current position is not campus based) on school or school district letterhead
    • Approval from a certified school counselor who will serve as mentor/site supervisor (mentors must have 3 years of experience as a school counselor)
  • Completion of Counselor Aptitude by Supervisor or Professional Reference

You may send all materials to:

Region 4 Inspire Texas,
7145 W. Tidwell Rd.,
Houston, TX 77092

After your application is submitted and documents received, you will be notified via email of your acceptance into the program. When you receive your notification, choose the training date that works best for you.

Step 2: Select Cohort

The next UST/INSPIRE TEXAS COUNSELOR CERTIFICATION COHORTS are starting September 2025.

Step 3: Train

The school counselor M.Ed. and certification program provides flexible yet comprehensive online training to meet your needs. Internships can be completed anywhere in Texas.

At University of St. Thomas and Region 4 Inspire Texas, your professors will provide guidance and feedback throughout the six (6) term program. Understanding students, planning, collaboration, consultation and professionalism are critical training objectives. All field supervisors have been counselors in Texas.

You will meet with the field supervisor and a campus/district mentor at least three times while enrolled in the program. This exchange will include sharing reflections of the internship experiences and activities completed, which allows you to apply that knowledge as you have learned in the coursework.

As a counselor candidate, you will complete school counselor program training, which includes coursework, and a practicum at an accredited public, private or charter school.

Courses:  

  • COUN 5304 Introduction to Counseling Methodology 
  • COUN 5339 Human Growth and Development  
  • COUN 5310 Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling 
  • COUN 5335 Multicultural Populations   
  • COUN 5366 Counseling Theories and Approaches 
  • COUN 5358 Group Procedure Dynamics of Group Counseling 
  • COUN 6326 Educational Research and Scholarly Writing 
  • COUN 5318 Developmental School Counseling
  • COUN 5359 Lifestyles and Career Development
  • COUN 6302 Techniques and Trends in Counseling 
  • COUN 5314 Consultation in School Settings
  • COUN 5316 Family Counseling with Children and Adolescents
  • COUN 5368 Practicum
  • COUN 5367 Appraisal Techniques  
  • COUN 5312 School Response to Typical & Atypical Challenges
  • COUN 6327 Educational Research Design and Data Analysis
Step 4: Get Certified

You are required to pass the designated state certification content exam(s). Passing a content area is required by the majority of school districts in the state of Texas.

More information is available online for TExES exam registration, preparation, and test dates.

  • 48-hour master’s degree in counseling
  • 3.0 GPA (overall or last 60 hours)
  • Principal/supervisor recommendation
  • Approved mentor (certified school counselor with 3+ years of experience)
  • Background check

The Region 4 Inspire Texas Counselor Certification program, in partnership with the University of St. Thomas, prepares candidates to earn a 48-hour master’s degree in counseling and the Texas School Counselor certificate. The six-term program includes 48 credit hours and a 160-hour practicum. As of September 1, 2023, prior teaching experience is no longer required. Candidates must pass a background check and the state certification exam to qualify for the Standard Certificate.

Application fee *
$100

M.Ed. School Counselor UST Tuition and Certification Training Fees
Approx. $24,000

One of the ways we encourage our graduate-level students to seek an available scholarship opportunity is by reviewing our scholarship page at Our Opportunities – University of St.Thomas Scholarships (academicworks.com).

Another option for graduate-level students is applying for federal loans, Graduate Plus Loans, which you may find on the Federal Aid website at https://studentaid.gov/.

We now offer a certification-only pathway for school counselor candidates who have already earned a minimum 48-hour M.Ed. in Counseling. This option is designed for individuals who meet the state coursework requirement and are seeking to obtain their Texas School Counselor Certification without pursuing an additional degree.

If you meet this requirement and are ready to move forward, contact us today to begin your next steps toward certification.

Apply Now

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