Graduation Requirements for the Master’s Programs in Counseling
To qualify for graduation, a student earning the Master of Arts in Professional Counseling degree must have successfully completed an approved program of study with a minimum of 60 hours of coursework and earned at least a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale). A student earning the Master of Science in School Counseling degree must have successfully completed a minimum of 48 hours of coursework and earned a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale). A student earning the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy degree must have successfully completed a minimum of 60 hours of coursework and earned a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale). All students must:
- Satisfactorily complete the comprehensive examination and exit interview (see below);
- Receive no more than two (2) grades of “C” in academic (non-clinical) practicum;
- Receive a grade of “B” or higher in all practicum courses;
- Complete required practicum hours.
Comprehensive Examination
A passing score on the Master of Arts in Professional Counseling/Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy Comprehensive Exam is required before the respective degree can be awarded. Students are permitted three (3) attempts to successfully complete this requirement. The exam is given on a regular basis. All students must be registered during the term in which they wish to schedule their exam. The comprehensive exam has both a written and a practical component; each must be successfully completed prior to graduation. All students must have completed academic course work or be registered for the last term of academic coursework before being allowed to take the exam.
Exit Interview
Each student will be required to complete an exit interview with their academic advisor during their last semester of classes. The exit interview must be completed prior to graduation, or the student will not be approved to graduate.
Time Limitation
All course work applicable to the Master of Arts in Professional Counseling, the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, and the Master of Science in School Counseling must be completed within five (5) years from the date that the student was admitted to the program. Students may request an extension of the time period, but under no circumstances will that extension be granted for more than two (2) additional years.
Residency Requirement
To be awarded the Master of Arts in Professional Counseling , Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, or the Master of Science in School Counseling, students must successfully complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at Texas Wesleyan University.