Master of Science in Counseling “Where the Pieces Come Together” Click here to return to Track Declaration page

= Maximum Marketability & Earning Potential The SMU Advantage: 1 program + 3 track options + 4 specialization areas + Numerous elective courses = Maximum Marketability & Earning Potential

How the SMU Advantage Works One program, three track options: Licensed Professional Counselor Marriage & Family Therapist School Counselor Plus two specialization areas: Licensed chemical dependency counselor (LCDC) Child & Play counseling Expressive Art Therapy Child Custody Evaluations Plus, numerous elective courses, summer courses at SMU-in-Taos, and study abroad opportunities

The SMU Advantage allows you to train in multiple disciplines, all in one location – often with no additional coursework.

Finding the Best Fit for YOU: Three Tracks to Success LPC LMFT SC

The Licensed Professional Counselor Track

What is Professional Counseling? An approach consisting of numerous models for the promotion of healthy mental & emotional functioning.

The LPC Distinction LPCs are trained to focus on individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors (intrapsychic and/or behavioral emphasis). LPCs are typically client-centered & use a therapeutic relationship of warmth, acceptance & positive regard as the medium for change.

What do LPCs do? Work with children, adolescents, adults & groups in a variety of agency & private practice settings Address mental and behavioral health issues Promote mental & emotional well-being & functioning

Why Study LPC? Broad Recognition & Acceptance LPC is one of the most widely recognized and accepted mental health professional designations. Because of this, employers will recognize and respect your qualifications. Your credentials & training will be accepted in nearly all MH work settings and provider panels in every state.

Why Study LPC? Expandable Versatility With an LPC background, you can obtain specialized training in such areas as child/play therapy, substance abuse treatment, or geriatrics. LPC means you can work just about anywhere – specialized training means you can market yourself as having distinct expertise.

Who Should Study LPC? LPC may be right for you if… You like the idea of understanding people’s thoughts, perceptions, feelings, & actions You want to help individuals with their overall well-being & adjustment to life changes You enjoy working “one on one” to help people understand themselves better, exercise better choices, and lead more satisfying lives.

How do I Study LPC at SMU? You have several options to suit your interests! LPC Track – prepares you for LPC licensure with room left over for electives LPC/LMFT Dual Track – prepares you for dual licensure in 60 hours (no added coursework) LPC Electives – prepares you to work with particular issues & populations in conjunction with your LMFT or School Counselor licensure.

The Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Track What, Why, Who, How, & Where?

What is Marriage & Family Therapy? (MFT) MFT is an approach to mental, emotional, and behavioral health that emphasizes the importance of relationships to individuals, couples, families, and larger groups Individual Family Community/Culture

The MFT Difference MFTs are trained to think systemically – to see each individual in the context of group membership & influence (friends, family, co-workers, culture, etc.) ME WORK FAMILY

What do MFTs do? Work with individuals, couples, families, & groups in a variety of agency & private practice settings Address mental and behavioral health issues with particular attention to systemic contexts (e.g., family & social relationships, cultural & societal influences) Promote mental, emotional, & relational functioning for individuals & larger systems such as families or groups

Why Study MFT? Expanded Treatment Options Imagine a mother comes to you to discuss conduct problems with her child. As an MFT, you have the options to: Do play therapy with the child Conduct parent training with the mother & father Provide couple therapy to the parents Work with family subsystems such as siblings or grandparents Provide family therapy to facilitate whole family functioning

Why Study MFT? Expanded Practice Opportunities Expertise to treat individuals, couples, families & groups Competence to work with multiple ages, backgrounds, and complex problems involving multiple people Ability to offer effective brief therapy

Who Should Study MFT? MFT may be right for you if… You think a lot about how families & other important relationships affect individual and relational functioning & quality of life You are invested in improving relationships such as couple, parents, & families You like the idea of helping whole systems at the same time

How do I Study MFT at SMU? You have several options to suit your interests! LMFT Track – prepares you for LMFT licensure with room left over for electives LPC/LMFT Dual Track – prepares you for dual licensure in 60 hours (no added coursework) LMFT Electives – prepares you to think systemically and work with relational issues within LPC or School Counselor licensure.

The School Counselor Track

What is School Counseling? An approach to mental, emotional, and behavioral health that emphasizes the healthy functioning of children, adolescents, & adults.

What do School Counselors do? School counselors understand human development & the developmental needs of people as individuals, as social beings, and as learners across the lifespan. School counselors master a wide range of skills, including assessment, modifying the learning environment, testing, parent consultation, college & career counseling, and critical incident response.

Why Study School Counseling? Making a difference! School counselors are often the first point of contact when a student has learning, social, or emotional difficulties By working with children, parents, & teachers, school counselors can have an important impact on students’ entire school experience – and beyond.

Why Study School Counseling? A Passion for Learning As an School Counselor, you can: Intervene at the “right time” in a student’s development to promote lasting improvements in learning, self-esteem, family life, and peer relations. Facilitate students’ ability to learn in the classroom, but also to love learning and to aim high in their life goals.

Who Should Study School Counseling? School Counseling may be right for you if… You’re a teacher but want to work more closely with students on issues that are important to them & their families You think a lot about how students’ cognitive, social, & emotional functioning affects their ability to learn and achieve You are invested in helping learners reach their potential You like the variety & challenge of using different types of skills and working with a different types of people every day

How do I Study School Counseling at SMU? You have several options to suit your interests! School Counseling Track – prepares you for School Counselor licensure with room left over for electives Dual Track with LPC or LMFT– prepares you for work in multiple settings &/or future career options (no added coursework) LMFT or LPC Electives – prepare you to better understand mental & emotional issues, coordinate care with families, or plan for future career options.

Where do I get More Information? Dr. Gay McAlister, Counseling Program Director Your academic advisor Or contact our track specialists: School Counseling: Dr. Gay McAlister LMFT: Dr. Maggie Keeling LPC: Dr. Brandy Schumann LCDC: Dr. Misty Solt