School Counseling Concentration
60 credit hours
Applicants pursuing a concentration in counseling have two choices: School Counseling (below) or Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The prerequisite for pursuing this degree is 12 hours of psychology or psychology related courses that can include courses like: introduction to psychology, human development, and psychopathology. If seeking a master's degree in counseling in either of these concentrations, students must request admission to candidacy before completing nine hours of graduate course work.
The school counseling concentration is designed to prepare graduates for school counseling positions at elementary, middle/junior high and high school levels. Students completing this concentration will meet the current licensing requirements for the Tennessee Board of Education.
The curriculum requirements include coursework, a 120-hour practicum experience, 600-hour internship, and a comprehensive examination. Students will be required to complete a background check prior to beginning fieldwork.
Possible changes in Tennessee certification requirements or accreditation may significantly alter this program of study. Please consult with the Coordinator of the Counseling Program (Dr. Kim Coggins) for current information.
To learn about the course requirements for the School Counseling concentration, please see the Graduate Bulletin.
For more information about school counseling check out this video!
Dual Track Option:
Students can be considered for a dual track option on a case-by-case situation based on performance to date. Students must submit a written letter to his/her academic advisor stating a rationale including career goals and a pathway to completing both programs. Consideration for dual track enrollment will be contingent upon space availability and goodness of fit determined by the program coordinator and counseling faculty.
When in the School Counseling concentration seeking dual track in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, the following additional courses 15 hours) are required:
- COUN 5180 Theory and Practice in Clinical Supervision (3)
- COUN 5200 Foundation of Clinical Mental Health Counseling (3)
- COUN 5170 Practicum in Mental Health Counseling (3)
- COUN 5720 Internship in Mental Health Counseling (6)
Important Message about Dual Track Programming
- Graduate assistantships will not cover the additional semester(s) needed to complete a dual track program
- There may be limitations to what financial aid will cover and additional courses for a dual track program may not be covered by financial aid
- Your graduation date will be delayed until all additional credits to complete a dual track program are met
- Completing a dual track program does not afford you second degree. It is only intended to provide you with the additional coursework needed to pursue additional state licensure. (clinical mental health and school counseling)