Introduction to the Professional Counseling Program

The Womack Educational Leadership Department offers an Ed.S. (Specialist in Education) in Professional Counseling degree with concentrations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. Both concentrations are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Program Overview

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration is a 61-hour degree program designed to train students to work with children, adolescents, and/or adults in mental health settings. Students who complete the concentration will have met the educational requirements for licensure as a professional counselor with mental health service provider designation (LPC MHSP).

The School Counseling concentration is a 61-hour degree program emphasizing developmental school counseling. Students who complete the concentration will have met the educational requirements necessary for licensure as a school counselor in elementary, middle, and high school settings.

Program Structure

In both concentrations, students start by taking foundation courses to orient them to the field of counseling as well as their areas of focus – clinical mental health counseling or school counseling. As students progress through the program, they take skills courses to learn the fundamental skills of counselors, such as listening, paraphrasing, empathizing, and summarizing. Students also participate in a practicum experience at the MTSU Center for Counseling and Psychological Services or a middle school, followed by a 600-hour internship experience.

Pillars of the Program

The MTSU professional counseling program is built on three key pillars:

• Trauma-Informed: Understanding the impact of trauma on human development.
• Culturally Centered: Serving a widely diverse range of people and needs.
• Wellness Focused: Promoting overall well-being.

Accreditation

The MTSU Professional Counseling Program is voluntarily accredited by the Council on the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP). Graduation from a CACREP-accredited graduate program is increasingly essential for securing state licensure for counseling.

Admission Requirements

• Undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or above (no admissions exam required).
• For GPAs below 3.00, the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) may be required, with a minimum Verbal subtest score of 146.
• Strong application materials, including recommendation forms, supplemental application/written essay, and resume, may offset a low GPA.

Program Length and Format

• The program takes two-and-a-half to three years to complete, including summer classes.
• Classes are typically offered one night a week from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m., with some weekend classes.
• The program is a traditional, in-person program with maximum direct contact between faculty, students, and peers.

Internship

• All students complete a one-semester practicum experience, followed by a 600-hour internship.
• Internships are usually completed across two semesters, with students working at the internship site three to four days a week.

Employment Opportunities

• Clinical mental health counseling graduates often find jobs in local mental health agencies.
• School counseling graduates are in high demand, particularly in the middle Tennessee area.
• The field of counseling is growing faster than many other professions, with employment of mental health counselors projected to grow 23% from 2020 to 2030.

Tuition and Financial Aid

• Tuition information is available upon request.
• Graduate assistantships (GAs) are limited and competitive, offering a small monthly stipend and a 50% tuition discount.
• Scholarships are available, and students may search and apply for additional scholarships.

Transfer Credits

• According to the College of Graduate Studies, courses used to fulfill the requirements of another graduate degree cannot be used to fulfill the requirements of the Ed.S. program.
• A maximum of 12 credits of select courses may be transferred, with faculty determining transferability.

Differences Between Counseling Professions

• Clinical Psychologist: Doctoral degree, licensed psychologist, focuses on psychological testing, therapy, and research.
• Clinical Mental Health Counselor: Master's, Educational Specialist, or doctoral degree, licensed professional counselor, focuses on therapy.
• School Counselor: Master's or Educational Specialist degree, licensed school counselor, focuses on developmental school counseling.

Conclusion

The Professional Counseling Program at MTSU offers a comprehensive education in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling, with a focus on trauma-informed, culturally centered, and wellness-focused practices. With accreditation from CACREP and a strong reputation in the field, graduates are well-prepared for licensure and employment in their chosen profession.

Middle Tennessee State University

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Overview:

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a large university with a small-town feel, located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It is known for its affordability, strong academic programs, and vibrant campus life. MTSU is a public university with a diverse student body, including a significant number of first-generation students.

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Services Offered:

MTSU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Financial Aid:

83% of students receive financial aid, with over $230 million in assistance available.

Campus Improvements:

The university has invested $1.5 billion in recent campus improvements and renovations.

Academic Support:

MTSU provides academic advising, tutoring, and other support services to help students succeed.

Student Life:

The university offers a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance the campus experience.

Career Services:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

MTSU boasts a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can enjoy:

Large Campus with Small-Town Feel:

MTSU's 515-acre campus offers a scenic, park-like setting while maintaining a close-knit atmosphere.

Active Student Organizations:

Students can join over 200 student organizations and clubs, catering to diverse interests.

Athletics:

MTSU has 17 Division I sports teams, providing opportunities for both participation and spectator enjoyment.

Campus Events:

The university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and sporting events.

Student Union:

The Student Union serves as a central hub for students, offering dining, a bookstore, a game room, a theater, and more.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordability:

MTSU offers the lowest tuition among Tennessee's three largest universities, making it a highly affordable option.

Strong Academic Programs:

MTSU offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate majors and concentrations, including highly ranked programs in areas like Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Audio Engineering.

Diverse Student Body:

MTSU is home to a diverse student population, including a significant number of first-generation students.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, fostering a strong sense of community.

Career Opportunities:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities to help students prepare for their future careers.

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Academic Programs:

MTSU offers a wide range of academic programs across eight colleges, including:

Arts and Sciences:

Offers majors in fields like biology, chemistry, English, history, and mathematics.

Business:

Offers majors in accounting, finance, marketing, and management.

Education:

Offers majors in elementary education, secondary education, and special education.

Engineering and Technology:

Offers majors in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Fine Arts:

Offers majors in music, theater, and art.

Health and Human Sciences:

Offers majors in nursing, health sciences, and human development.

Liberal Arts:

Offers majors in communication, journalism, and political science.

University College:

Offers a variety of general studies programs and interdisciplinary majors.

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Other:

• MTSU is the number 1 producer of college graduates in the greater Nashville area.
• MTSU is home to the first public Honors College in Tennessee.
• MTSU has more than two dozen Fulbright scholars.
• MTSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff have won 47 Grammy Awards since 2001.
• MTSU is known for its flexible programs that emphasize real-world projects and soft skills development.