Counseling, M.A. (Elementary/Secondary School Counseling Concentration)

General Program Information

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The counseling program is designed for the advanced preparation of personnel to serve children, adults, and families in various school and community agency settings. The counseling program offers two concentrations: clinical mental health counseling and elementary/secondary school counseling. Emphasis is placed upon assisting students to develop a broad range of counseling skills that are applicable in a variety of professional settings. Students are admitted into the counseling program once a year in the fall or summer semesters. Applications that are not complete by the early deadline risk denial of admission due to no remaining available spaces. A minimum of 60 credits are required to complete the Master of Arts degree in Counseling. The Elementary/Secondary School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling options are accredited by The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Faculty: Jon Borland; Rebecca Milner; Mickey White

Program Admission Requirements

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Applicants seeking admission to the Master of Arts in Counseling degree must fulfill all the requirements for admission of both the Graduate School and the Department of Counseling and Human Services.

The Department of Counseling and Human Services values diversity and does not condone or engage in discrimination based on race, color, gender identity and expression, sexual or affectional orientation, religion, age, national origin, veteran status, physical ability or socioeconomic status.

Because of the importance of interactional competency in the field of counseling, interpersonal skills, professional behavior, and aptitude for counseling work will be considered in addition to academic potential.

In addition to the requirements for admission to the Graduate School, the Master of Counseling degree requirements for admission include:

1. A bachelor’s degree grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Exception: Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below a 3.0 may be considered for admission:

1. Upon the submission of valid Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores with minimum Analytic Writing score of 3.5 or higher.

OR

2. Completion of at least 9 hours of graduate coursework with a GPA of at least 3.5 (This must be accomplished before applying to the Counseling program).

2. Three (3) letters of recommendation that address the applicant’s abilities and potential for graduate education and counseling professional practice;
3. A personal statement of 1200-1500 words clearly addressing the following: An autobiographical statement explaining how your interest in pursuing the degree in counseling/concentration developed, your skills and experiences in advocating for and helping others in their personal and social development, the place of social diversity/justice in your thinking and future work, what you hope to gain from the degree, and goals upon completion of the degree;
4. Applicants whose documents indicate potential for success will be invited for an interview. Applications and interview results will be reviewed by a committee that includes all or part of the counseling program faculty with representatives from each concentration area (e.g., professional school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, etc.).

Elementary/Secondary School Counseling

The school counseling concentration is designed to prepare individuals to work in school settings and to be eligible for licensure as a K-12 school counselor. The school counseling concentration has been approved by the state of Tennessee as a preparation program for K-12 school counselors. To satisfy state requirements, candidates without teaching experience seeking to be licensed as school counselors for grades K-12 must take SPED 5401 - Positive Behavior Supports and Classroom Management  and SPED 5500 - History, Issues and Trends in Educating Exceptional Learners .

NOTE: All school counseling students must complete a background check prior to beginning Practicum. Please note that a criminal record may significantly impede success in practicum and internship site placements, matriculation toward graduation, and future job opportunities as a professional counselor.