Academics

Master of Arts in Counseling

The Master of Arts in Counseling degree (MAC) is a professional degree designed to provide students with a Christian-based, educational opportunity which will prepare students for licensure through the Texas State Board of Professional Counselors and will enable students to integrate the principles of biblically based spirituality with counseling practice for leadership with the client, within the community, and to the church. Students should refer to the respective board for complete information on how to achieve counseling licensure in the State of Texas.

• Critically evaluate contemporary psychological theories of human behavior
• Integrate theoretical and experiential learning into counseling practice
• Demonstrate knowledge and practice of ethical behavior, leadership, and professional conduct
• Integrate theory, experience, Christian faith, and one’s faith tradition to form a personal model of the counseling process
• Advocate for the worth and dignity of the individual in a multicultural setting

Graduation Requirements

The MAC degree will be awarded upon recommendation of the faculty to persons who have completed a comprehensive and integrated program of study including the specific requirements listed in one of the three degree plans shown below. Candidates must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher with no grade of less than a C- in any counseling (COU) course, and have passed a comprehensive examination in their last semester or term at HGST, pertaining to the content of their degree plan. Course remediation and/or additional credits hours may be necessary in cases where a student’s cumulative GPA falls below the requirement for graduation.

In addition, students must pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) prior to graduation. This exit exam is prepared, scored, and measured against national statistical data provided by The Center for Credentialing and Education, Inc. HGST students will be given two opportunities, at the student’s discretion, to pass the exam according to the following criteria. A third opportunity will be given following a minimum 4-month break during which time focused preparation will be expected. An overall passing score must satisfy all three of the following conditions:

• The total score must be greater than or equal to one standard deviation below the national mean for total scores;
• At least seven of the eight individual category scores must be greater than or equal to one standard deviation below the national mean for that category;
• All category scores must be greater than or equal to two standard deviations below the national mean for that category.

Ordinarily, no more than twenty-one (21) semester hours of work will be allowed as transfer credit toward the MAC degree at HGST. All transfer credits are subject to evaluation by the Academic Dean as to applicability toward MAC degree credit and must be from accredited Master of Arts in Counseling or equivalent level Master’s degree programs. The MAC degree must be completed within five calendar years from the date of first enrollment. Exceptions must be approved by the Academic Dean. Ordinarily, the last full year of work toward the MAC degree must be completed in residence at HGST.

Educational Requirements for LPC Licensure
Applicants for licensure as a professional counselor through the TEXAS STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS must show evidence of the following:

1. A master’s or doctorate degree in counseling or related field from an accredited college or university.
2. A planned graduate program of at least 48 graduate semester hours, including a supervised practicum experience that is primarily counseling in nature of at least 300 clock-hours with at least 100 clock-hours of direct client counseling contact.

HGST is not solely responsible for this information. Please refer to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors website: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/counselor/default.shtm

The MAC degree plan for preparation for the LPC exam

Total Credit Hours: 62

*Pre-practicum packets requiring background checks, liability insurance, personal counseling sessions, supervisor information, and more are available at www.hgst.edu/academics/resources.

Educational Requirements for LMFT Licensure
Applicants for licensure as a professional counselor through the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists must show evidence of the following:

1. A master’s or doctorate degree in counseling or related field from an accredited college or university.
2. A planned graduate program of at least 45 graduate semester hours, which are counseling in nature, and include twelve months or nine credit hours of supervised clinical practicum.

HGST is not solely responsible for this information. Please refer to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors website: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/counselor/default.shtm

The MAC degree plan for preparation for the LMFT exam

Total Credit Hours: 62

*Pre-practicum packets requiring background checks, liability insurance, personal counseling sessions, supervisor information, and more are available at www.hgst.edu/academics/resources.

The MAC degree plan for those wishing to prepare for both LPC and LMFT exams

Total Credit Hours: 65

*Pre-practicum packets requiring background checks, liability insurance, personal counseling sessions, supervisor information, and more are available at www.hgst.edu/academics/resources.

A degree plan for the Master of Arts in Counseling degree and a Certificate in Christian Spirituality, Spiritual Direction, or Missional Leadership, is available upon request.