Master of Education in School Counseling

Graduate Handbook (PDF)     School Counseling Practicum Handbook (PDF)

The Master of Education in School Counseling will prepare you to help students who are struggling emotionally, physically, intellectually and socially. You will learn how to provide expert guidance in each developmental area and at each stage of development.

Learn to analyze professional counseling problems/issues/ethical concerns in culturally diverse environments. Evaluate the various issues surrounding standardized tests. And learn to apply knowledge related to the physical, cognitive, social, spiritual, and emotional development of students through individual counseling skills, group facilitation, and classroom guidance.

Criminal History Checks

Prior to clinical teaching and field-based experiences, students will undergo school district criminal history checks. The state of Texas also requires a criminal background check before an individual can receive a Texas teacher certification. Information regarding requirements for certification may be found on the TEA website at: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/educator-certification-online-system

The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) may suspend or revoke an existing valid certificate, deny an applicant a certificate, bar a person from being assessed or examined for a certificate, or take other disciplinary action because of a person’s conviction of a felony or misdemeanor or certain other criminal history.” 19 Tex. Admin. Code § 249.16

Texas Administrative Code (TAC) 227.101c) states that a person who is enrolled or planning to enroll in a State Board of Educator Certification-approved educator preparation program or planning to take a certification examination may request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter regarding the person’s potential ineligibility for certification due to a conviction or deferred adjudication for a felony or misdemeanor offense. For more information about the Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation, go to the link: https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Investigations/Preliminary_Criminal_History_Evaluation-FAQs

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Program Requirements:

To be eligible to receive a Texas School Counselor certificate, the individual must:

  1. be state licensed with a valid educator certificate and provide a copy of certificate;
  2. have a minimum of two years teaching experience in an accredited school and provide copies of teacher service records;
  3. meet requirements for admission to the SAGU educator preparation program;
  4. complete structured, field-based training through a practicum component;
  5. pass the representative and state examinations of educator standards;
  6. successfully complete graduate comprehensive examination for a Master of Education program;
  7. complete the School Counselor Program; and,
  8. have earned a master’s degree from an accredited university.

State Certification

Students seeking Texas State Teaching Certification must follow specific guidelines for certification. Students are encouraged to discuss these guidelines with the SAGU Director of Teacher Certification and SAGU Teacher Education Testing Coordinator. Graduating with an Education degree from SAGU does not guarantee state certification. Students seeking certification in professional areas such as Principalship and School Counselor must meet one of the above criteria and have 70% of the degree plan coursework completed prior to testing approval.

Our goal at SAGU Teacher Education is to prepare students to pass certification exams on the first attempt. The School Counseling degree is designed to give candidates the necessary content knowledge and practice needed in each course. This degree also gives individuals the chance to continue their education to become a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Careers in education

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), education jobs are on the rise. A degree in education prepares you for careers as a(n):

  • Art Teacher
  • Biology Teacher
  • College Professor
  • Elementary School Teacher
  • English Teacher
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher
  • High School Teacher
  • History Teacher
  • Kindergarten Teacher
  • Math Teacher
  • Middle School Teacher
  • Montessori Teacher
  • Music Teacher
  • Physical Education (P.E.) Teacher
  • Preschool Teacher
  • Principal
  • School Administrator
  • School Counselor
  • School Librarian
  • School Secretary
  • Science Teacher
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Substitute Teacher
  • Superintendent
  • Teaching Assistant
  • Vice Principal

Texas average salary for new teachers: $55,000
Texas average salary for School Counselors: $57,000

Salary.com

State and Federal Reports

SAGU Teacher Education graduates have achieved a 98% TExES Certification Exam pass rate for the 2014-2015 academic year. According to the national Title II report, which ranks universities by state, SAGU achieved a high ranking by the federal government by scoring in the top quartile in the state of Texas for students passing state certification requirements.

In accordance with the U.S. Department of Education regulations, effective July 1, 2020, Title IV institutions are required to share professional licensure disclosures. For any certification or licensure, directly contacting that state’s department or entity responsible for state certification or licensure will ensure the most accurate information.

The following resources provide such data:

Military Service Waivers

In accordance with 19 TAC §228.35(a)(5)(A), military service members or military veterans may be given credit for certain verified military service, training, or education toward the training, education, work experience or related requirements (other than certification examinations) for educator certification requirements, provided that the military service, train, or education is directly related to the certificate being sought. Contact the education department for additional information.

Effective September 1, 2015, the TEA waives certain fees for eligible military service members, military veterans, and military spouses. For more information, please see the TEA website at: https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Certification/Military_Community

Information regarding Military Service Members, Military Spouses, and Military Veterans may be found in the Texas Administrative Code 234 at https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=19&pt=7&ch=234&rl=1

In accordance with 19 TAC §228.35(a)(5)(B), those who are not military service member or military veterans may be able to substitute prior or ongoing service, training or education, provided that the experience, education or training is not also counted as pare to the internship, clinical teaching, or practicum requirements, and the aforementioned was provided by an approved EPP or an accredited institution of higher education within the last five years, and is directly related to the certificate being sought.

Calendar of Events

This document provides important deadlines and events for the education programs.

Full support

Get access to full campus support and resources. Students can take advantage of the Career Center for job training and assistance, the Wellness Center for fitness classes and facilities, the Counseling Center and more.

Individual attention

Our class sizes are small. We create an atmosphere where you have 1-on-1 interactions with faculty who invest in your performance and well-being.

Affordability & value

SAGU students graduate with 20% less debt on average than other private universities. Our Financial Aid team is your team to help secure grants, scholarships and other financial resources to help ease your mind.

Sticker price vs. your cost

When choosing a college, it is important to realize the difference between the sticker price and your net costs after scholarships and grants. SAGU offers a net price calculator to help you identify financial opportunities to reduce your college costs.

Christian faith

Everything we do springs from a Christian world view. SAGU creates an environment that strengthens your faith and your mind, integrating faith and learning.

Accreditation

You can be confident that your degree at SAGU is recognized, as SAGU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Southwestern Assemblies of God University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Southwestern Assemblies of God University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

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