By: Jennifer Smith
Success in higher education is often measured by the achievement of its graduates. The test of Amberton’s Counseling programs lies in professional licensure outcomes. Amberton University recently confirmed a significant achievement regarding its Master of Arts in School Counseling. The university reports a perfect pass rate for the 2024-2025 academic year on the Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES) 252. This exam is a mandatory requirement for becoming a certified school counselor in Texas.
A Legacy of High Standards
The School Counseling Program has established a reputation for preparing students for the realities of the mental health profession. The Master of Arts in School Counseling is a standout offering within this division. The program’s recent performance on the state exam exceeds state and national averages.
Dr. Carla Moffitt serves as the Director of the School Counseling Program. She attributes this success to the caliber of students the university attracts.
“I think we have some amazing students,” Moffitt says. “Our students, they’re mature for the most part. Most of them, if not all, not quite all, but most of them have had experience in education as teachers for varying numbers of years.”
Moffitt notes that this prior experience creates a focused learning environment.
“Some of them have been teachers for 20 or so years. So for them to decide to work on this master’s degree in school counseling, they’re pretty dedicated.”
Practical Instruction from Industry Veterans
A distinct feature of the program is its faculty composition. Professors typically maintain active careers in their respective fields. This ensures that the curriculum remains grounded in current industry practices. Moffitt brings 30 years of education experience to her role. She worked as a teacher and a school counselor for 22 years before entering private practice and academia.
“I started off a long time ago as a teacher, and now I’m not retiring anytime soon, but have been able to come full circle,” Moffitt states.
She emphasizes that this dual-role faculty model benefits students directly. It moves instruction beyond theory into practical application.
“I think that’s one of the strengths of Amberton University because so many of the professors have such a breadth of experience and are still also currently working in their areas that they’re teaching in,” says Moffitt.
This experience leads to what Moffitt calls “instructional conversations.” These discussions allow faculty to guide students through real-world scenarios.
“There are so many ways that that’s more memorable to them, probably than something they’ll read in a textbook.”
Streamlined Curriculum Design
The structure of the degree also plays a role in student success. Amberton designs its programs for efficiency without sacrificing quality. The Master of Arts in School Counseling requires 48 credit hours. Many competing programs in Texas require more.
The curriculum covers ten specific competencies required by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). These range from human development and student diversity to program management and assessment. The program ensures students meet all state standards within a concise timeframe.
Addressing Industry Challenges
The program does not shy away from the difficulties of the profession. Graduates often face role ambiguity in the workplace. School administrators sometimes assign counselors duties that fall outside their scope of practice. Amberton University prepares students to handle these situations through professional advocacy.
“The big struggle is being able to stick with the actual requirements that TEA gives us for what counselors are supposed to be doing in schools,” she notes. “What their role is supposed to be versus what sometimes it turns into, things that are non-counselor duties.”
Faculty members teach students how to advocate for their roles respectfully and effectively. This preparation protects the integrity of the profession. It also ensures counselors can focus on student welfare.
The Profile of a Successful Counselor
The program attracts a specific type of individual. Successful candidates often possess a deep desire to help others during critical life moments. Moffitt suggests that this career path is often more than just a job choice.
“You just almost feel called, I’m very spiritual about it because I think God puts it in our heart sometimes,” Moffitt reflects. “When finally I decided to become a school counselor, you just have this peace because you think, okay, everything about me makes sense now.”
Amberton continues to see consistent enrollment in its School Counseling Program. The combination of experienced faculty, efficient curriculum, and high licensure pass rates drives this demand. The university remains a significant pipeline for School Counselors in Texas.
The program’s 100% pass rate on the TExES 252 exam serves as a strong indicator of quality. It validates the university’s practical approach to adult education. As the demand for school counselors grows, Amberton University stands ready to meet the need.
About Amberton University
Amberton University specializes in flexible, affordable degree programs for working adults, offering fully online and on-campus options, practitioner-led instruction, and career-focused curricula.
