Master of Arts in Professional Counseling

The M.A. in Professional Counseling is a 60-61 hour degree program that prepares graduates to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in the state of Texas. Gain the licensure and the skills necessary to practice in a variety of settings, both secular and Christian.

DBU's faculty and staff members guide students in developing a Christian worldview as it pertains to counseling, while also providing opportunities to expand the skills and disciplines necessary to excel in this field. Faculty members present real-world applications for the students by sharing their own professional and personal experiences.

More than an Education

The Master of Arts in Professional Counseling's degree plan includes a 2-semester practicum that prepares students to meet the licensure requirements set by the state of Texas. Become an effective counselor who reflects Christ-like professionals by counseling real clients and receiving feedback from experienced professors and off-campus supervisors.

This program offers a counseling curriculum which is based upon biblical truth for its foundation. Our graduates are taught how to counsel effectively in any agency where they are introduced, whether it be Christian or secular. Because this program is a lengthy program that requires 60 hours to complete, perseverance and commitment are essential for the completion of this program with excellence, as the Lord calls us to complete all that to which He calls us.

Marked by Service

Students are challenged to continue to mature in their relationship with the Lord as they grow in their understanding of counseling. The courses in this program are taught from a Christian Worldview. This foundation enables students to pursue professional goals that support their Christ-like lifestyle.

The counseling profession revolves around servanthood. Students are encouraged to consider any client who seeks counseling help, despite their financial background. Apply today to take your first steps towards becoming a licensed counselor in the state of Texas!

"As the director for the main campus Master of Arts in Professional Counseling program, it has been my privilege to see students graduate from this program and step into their places in the professional counseling field. The counseling community welcomes and appreciates graduates from our program."

- Dr. Mary Becerril, Program Director
214-333-5265 | maryb@dbu.edu

Get Connected with your Program Director

Additional M.A. in Professional Counseling Program Information

Our program provides the option to pair the Master of Arts in Professional Counseling with a Master of Arts in Children's Ministry, Discipleship, or Family Ministry, as well as options to pursue advanced certificates in Professional or School Counseling.

Practicum/Internship

The Practicum/Internship experience consists of three courses, COUN 6317 Counseling Practicum, COUN 6318 Counseling Internship I (S-L), and COUN 6319 Counseling Internship II (S-L), completed sequentially. The Practicum/Internship is the culmination of the M.A. in Professional Counseling degree program and is intended to provide practical experience for students as they make plans to enter the counseling profession. The 3 (three) courses include supervised delivery of direct counseling services in an approved agency or institution. Students are evaluated on a wide range of personal and professional criteria which includes analysis of video-recorded counseling sessions and seminar discussions of counseling theories, methods, and techniques. 
(S-L) = Course(s) with field-based service-learning component.

Students should attempt to enroll in the 3 (three) Practicum/Internship courses sequentially. In order to progress through the 3 (three) courses, a grade of “B” or higher must be earned. In the event of any grade below at “B,” the course will have to be repeated until at least a “B” is earned. The student is responsible for any remedial work that may be suggested by the faculty in order to successfully complete the Practicum/Internship course.

In order to proceed to Practicum/Internship, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Student must have completed the 8 required personal counseling sessions.
  • Student must have completed the 12 hours of undergraduate prerequisite courses.
  • Student must have a current GPA of 3.0 or above.
  • Student must secure an internship site before enrolling in Internship I.

Admission Requirements for the M.A. Professional Counseling

View DBU Graduate School’s admission requirements.

Admission to one graduate program does not guarantee admission to another. Applicants who show potential for graduate study but do not meet the criteria for Full Admission may be admitted for up to 12 hours under provisional status. Students admitted under Provisional Admission will be granted Full Admission upon successful completion of 12 credit hours and fulfillment of the conditions of their admission as determined by the Master’s Degrees Admission Committee.

Full Admission Requirements | International Admissions | Transfer Admissions