The purpose of this study was to understand the demographic and cultural factors that define the student population of the South Texas masters'-level counseling program and to understand students' perceptions of online, hybrid, and faceto- face courses, based on their experiences with these types of classes. This study was s survey research conducted online at the South Texas public university to identify and better meet the needs of a largely non-traditional population. This survey focused on multiple demographic, cultural and geographic challenges faced by students returning to school seeking training as counselors. Changes in the counseling programs were suggested based upon the results of the survey and the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards regarding instruction.