Why Study School Counseling
While students in this program come from a variety of educational backgrounds, many students have a background in psychology, sociology, or social work. Other qualities that can benefit students interested in school counseling include analytical skills, compassion, interpersonal skills, listening skills, and speaking skills. Students interested in school counseling may enjoy working with children and adolescents
The School Counseling concentration prepares graduate for school counseling positions at elementary, middle/junior high, and high school levels. Graduates can work in state, local, and private schools. School counselors are highly educated, professionally certified individuals who help students succeed in school and plan their career. They help students form healthy goals, mindsets, and behaviors. With the aid of a school counselor, students learn to develop effective collaboration and cooperation skills, to practice perseverance, to develop time management and study skills, and to learn self motivation and self-direction habits. Employment of school counselors is projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. In Clarksville-Montgomery County, there is a continuing need for qualified school counselors to meet the needs within the local school system and match the growing number of schools and students in the area.
Faculty in the Counseling program have a variety of areas of research interest and clinical expertise including diverse populations and cultural competency, mental health and wellness in African American communities, African American students in the school setting, school counseling, LGBTQ+ mental health and wellness, trauma counseling, play therapy, expressive arts in therapy, and child and adolescent counseling.
This program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) demonstrating the quality and rigor of the program. Students completing this concentration will meet the current licensing requirements for the Tennessee Board of Educators.
Admission Requirements
For information related to admission requirements or to view the courses within each program, please visit the graduate bulletin.
What will I Learn
Students will complete coursework in the 8 core areas identified by CACREP:
- Professional counseling orientation and ethical practice
- Social and cultural diversity
- Human growth and development
- Career development
- Counseling and helping relationships
- Group counseling and group work
- Assessment and testing
- Research and program evaluation
- Students will also complete specialized coursework related to addictions counseling, counseling with children and adolescent along with elective coursework.
- The curriculum includes coursework, a 120-hour practicum, a 600- hour internship, and successful completion of a comprehensive exam.
Sample Course Plan
Counseling: School Counseling, MS
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Students should be aware that licensure and certification requirements vary from state to state and are subject to change. Licensing agencies or boards also may have requirements in addition to an earned degree. APSU recommends that students who are not Tennessee residents or who plan to seek licensure or certification outside the state of Tennessee contact the appropriate licensing agency or board before they enroll in an academic program designed to lead to licensure or certification and discuss their plans with an advisor.
Please visit the Professional Licensure Disclosure webpage to review specific licensure information for your state and academic program.