Master of Science in Counseling

The Master of Science in Counseling program prepares students for the counseling profession, which involves the application of the developmental and social sciences in assisting children and adults with psychological growth and social adjustment problems. Counselors work in schools, community agencies, churches, hospitals, and private practice.

The counseling program provides the elements necessary for certification, licensure, and actual counseling practice. Students acquire knowledge in the disciplines that underline counseling, including education, psychology, human development, sociology, learning, and social change. They develop the basic skills in therapy and assessment and become familiar with the legal and clinical considerations confronting practitioners. Repeated practice and role playing with feedback and strategic modification are critical to mastery of the skills, as is the completion of a year-long Practicum and Internship experience.

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 the LPC graduate plan as well.

CHANGING MINDS

As a catalyst for transformation and change, the Simmons School provides real solutions to issues challenging our community and the world.

Welcome to the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development, where faculty and staff are dedicated to the development of professionals across many fields of education, counseling, dispute resolution, applied physiology, and wellness. The interdisciplinary work we do at Simmons focuses on creating and disseminating evidence-based knowledge across these fields to address the challenges of an increasingly changing, diverse world. Our high-quality teaching and rigorous scholarship are grounded in a collaborative spirit and in an orientation to the communities we serve. After all, we believe that the scholarship and training that shape our degree programs, students, and alumni must remain committed to making an impact beyond SMU. With this central focus on working together across our communities, we hope we can change lives for the better.

We invite you to explore the numerous research projects, degree programs, training centers, and new initiatives in the Simmons School. If you envision your future in any of our areas, we look forward to helping you achieve your career goals. Our faculty encourages students to aspire toward high goals in their careers, to meet the rigors of preparation in their fields, and to build toward a better future for all.

As the Annette Caldwell Simmons School grows, your participation matters. We hope you decide to join us.

Stephanie Knight, Ed.D.

Leon Simmons Dean of Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development