Southwestern Adventist University’s Education and Psychology department houses two programs: education and psychology. Both offer courses leading to undergraduate and graduate degrees in education and psychology. A person interested in Secondary Education must complete a major and/or a minor in another discipline in addition to the course work required for teaching certification.

We offer unique opportunities for students planning to become teachers to do microteaching episodes by observing the teaching and learning process in an actual classroom (field experience), culminating in a 14-week internship in one of our local school districts. Students also give back to the community by providing reading re-mediation to students at risk, participating in a number of activities such as reading nights in schools in Johnson County, and helping with special Olympics for Johnson County schools.

Southwestern Adventist University’s Education and Psychology department offers two majors in its undergraduate program in psychology namely:

1. Bachelor of Science in Psychology is designed for students wanting to obtain entry-level positions in the field of psychology or who are planning on pursuing advanced degrees as part of their career path. To be a licensed counselor you must have a master degree or higher and successfully complete the respective licensure examinations.

2. Bachelor of Science in Psychology Emphasis School Guidance prepares students to be licensed and certified as a Generalist EC–6 teachers, as well as obtain entry level positions in psychology. Please note that the State of Texas requires candidates who desire a certificate in school counseling to complete two years of successful teaching and hold a valid teaching certificate issued by the State of Texas and a master degree in school guidance/school counseling.

We offer unique opportunities for students planning to become teachers initially, to do a number of microteaching episodes, observing the teaching and learning process in an actual classroom (field experience), culminating in a 14 weeks internship in a school in one of our local school districts. Students also have opportunities to do field experience or internship in a mental health facility once their major is psychology.

The Master of Arts in Counseling at Southwestern Adventist University is designed to develop and deliver a program that ensures the highest of counseling preparation and performance.  Southwestern is a recognized contributor in the field of counseling  through effective teaching, quality research, and meaningful service.  The University is committed to the advancement of counseling in the mental health and school environments, at all levels, and for all students, especially graduate Christian education within the Adventist system of values.

The objectives of the MA in Counseling program are

1. To promote excellence in graduate education through exemplary teaching, research, practice, and service.
2. To prepare competent counselors for both public and private mental health and school settings.
3. To improve human cognitive, academic, physical, emotional, social development and performance.

Master of Arts degree in Counseling

• School Counseling
• Counseling Psychology