10 Top Masters in Counseling Tennessee Schools & Requirements
Pursuing a master’s in counseling in Tennessee opens doors to excellent career outcomes and rewarding professional opportunities. The state offers numerous accredited programs designed to prepare graduates for successful careers in mental health services, with growing demand for qualified professionals and diverse practice settings. You’re in the right place to explore these promising educational pathways.
Tennessee has many CACREP-accredited master’s programs in counseling that have built impressive credentials. These programs need 60 credit hours of coursework that covers core subjects and specialized areas like Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) or School Counseling. The programs prepare you well to work in various mental health settings, whether you want to focus on emotional, social, vocational, health, or educational counseling throughout people’s lives.
The state’s counseling programs have achieved remarkable results. Most programs report a 100% original pass rate on credentialing exams, excellent completion rates, and strong job placement. Students can finish these programs in two years of full-time study, and part-time options are available with advisor guidance. Tennessee Tech’s program stands out by letting students earn an Ed.S. in School Counseling with just 18 extra credit hours after completing their Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville ranks among the best schools for counseling education in the Volunteer State. Their strong program creates skilled counselors ready to help people of all backgrounds in various settings.
Program overview
The University’s MS in Counseling program creates counselors who promote strong professional identity and practice skills. This 60-credit hour program takes 2.5 years and focuses on hands-on education. Students learn to build therapeutic relationships that heal deeply, respond to cultural needs, and follow ethical guidelines. These graduates become self-aware counselors who use lifelong learning to improve their service and practice.
Specializations offered
UT Knoxville offers three distinct paths:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) – Trains counselors to work in community settings like mental health centers, hospitals, and private practices.
- School Counseling – Gives professionals the tools for PreK-12 educational settings.
- Dual Concentration – Students can complete both CMHC and School Counseling requirements in three years, spending one year of internship in each area.
Admission requirements
Students start in summer (June), and applications must reach by December 1 for the next year. The selective admission process needs:
- Online application through the Office of Graduate Admissions
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Letter of introduction and ethical integration statement
- Transcripts (minimum 2.7 GPA, though most students admitted have above 3.0)
- Three references (at least two academic)
- Thinking about Counseling Exercise
- On-campus interview for selected applicants
The GRE isn’t needed for admission.
Practicum and internship
Practical experience is key to UT’s counseling program. Students must complete:
- 100-hour practicum to develop individual counseling relationships
- 600-hour internship over two semesters, working as entry-level counselors
The university’s Counseling Center and Psychological Clinic serve as main training sites. Students get real experience with clients from different backgrounds. Clinical Mental Health Counseling students need at least 1000 supervised hours in clinical settings.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits both Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling programs. Tennessee’s LPC-MHSP (Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider) requirements align with the CMHC program. CACREP accreditation helps meet educational requirements in most states.
Tuition and financial aid
For 2024-2025, UT Knoxville charges:
- In-state: $13,812 per academic year
- Out-of-state: $33,256 per academic year
Housing and food cost $13,356, while books and supplies run $1,598. Tennessee residents with family income of $75,000 or less can apply for the UT Promise scholarship. Remember that the program runs year-round, so plan your funding for fall, spring, and summer terms.
Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University has a remarkable masters in counseling program that focuses on social, vocational, and emotional health issues throughout life. This prominent institution blends academic excellence with hands-on experience to create skilled counseling professionals.
Program overview
TSU’s Masters in Counseling with Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) concentration prepares counselors to work in mental health settings and related organizations. The program serves as great preparation for students who want to pursue doctoral degrees in Counselor Education or Counseling Psychology. TSU values both practice and research and offers thesis or non-thesis tracks. Students need four semesters and a summer term of residential study to graduate within two years. Most students take 12 credit hours each term.
Specializations offered
The program’s main focus is Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Students receive solid behavioral health preparation with emphasis on emotional, social, vocational, health, and educational issues. The well-laid-out curriculum spans five terms. Students start with foundational courses in counseling, statistics, ethics, and techniques during their first fall semester. The second year covers diagnosis, theory, practicum, and specialized courses before completing internship experiences.
Admission requirements
TSU has a selective admissions process for its counseling program. Students must submit all application materials through the PSYCAS application system by February 1 for fall admission. Requirements include:
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 (most admitted students have a 3.0 or higher)
- Recommended background in psychology or related field
- Prerequisite coursework: general psychology, elementary statistics, research methods, and one upper-division psychology elective
- Three recommendation letters (one from an academic advisor)
- Personal statement (maximum 1,000 words)
- All undergraduate and graduate transcripts
The program no longer needs GRE or Millers Analogy Test scores. Select applicants receive invitations for on-campus or virtual interviews after initial review.
Practicum and internship
Practical experience is a vital part of TSU’s counseling program. Students begin their field experience in the second semester with practicum. Their internship experiences cover the entire second year. The program’s structure includes COUN 6504 (Practicum in Clinical Mental Health Counseling) in the first spring semester, COUN 6505 (Internship I) in the second fall, and COUN 6506 (Internship II) in the final spring semester. These experiences give students hands-on training in counseling settings.
Accreditation and licensure
TSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The program prepares graduates to meet educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) designation in Tennessee. Students who want licensure in other states should check specific state requirements. The program recommends students take all courses needed to qualify for Tennessee licensure.
Tuition and financial aid
TSU’s counseling program tuition rates vary. The university offers financial aid services, fellowships, and scholarships based on eligibility. Students can develop professional skills while keeping education affordable through available financial support options. Students should contact the financial aid office to learn about specific tuition costs and graduate program assistance.
Tennessee Tech University
Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville runs a counseling master’s program that prepares skilled counselors. The program helps students work with different client needs in schools and community settings.
Program overview
The university offers a Master of Arts degree in Counseling that needs 60 credit hours of specialized coursework. Students learn eight core CACREP areas: professional counseling orientation, social diversity, human development, career development, counseling relationships, group work, assessment, and research. The program teaches practical skills that help students direct individuals through personal, social, and academic challenges.
Specializations offered
The program features two main concentrations:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling: This track prepares professionals who provide mental health services in public and private settings. Many graduates pursue Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credentials with Mental Health Service Provider endorsement. These credentials let them handle diagnostic and clinical cases.
- School Counseling: This path gives counselors the skills to work with children at elementary and secondary levels. They learn to handle academic, personal, and social issues. Students without teaching experience need a semester-long orientation in a school setting.
Students who finish the Clinical Mental Health program can earn an Ed.S. in School Counseling with just 18 extra credit hours. This opens up dual career paths.
Admission requirements
Students need:
- A 2.75 or higher undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Previous psychology coursework
- Three recommendation letters from faculty or others who know the applicant’s potential
- International students must prove English language proficiency
Students who meet basic graduate school requirements but not all department criteria can get provisional admission. They can take up to nine credit hours before full admission review.
Practicum and internship
Hands-on experience is a vital part of the program. School counselor candidates without teaching experience must complete a semester in a school setting. Students start with supervised clinical experiences that prepare them for real-life counseling situations. Later, they finish practicum and internship requirements that match Tennessee’s licensure standards.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits the Education programs. These accreditations make the licensure process smoother in Tennessee and many other states.
Tuition and financial aid
The 2025/2026 tuition costs $699 per credit hour for Tennessee residents, $839 for domestic out-of-state students, and $1,425 for international students. The 60-credit master’s program costs add up. Tennessee Tech helps students with several financial aid options. One in three graduate students get paid graduate assistantships. The Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program also offers options for education-focused degrees.
East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University runs a top-tier counseling program in its Department of Counseling and Human Services. The program received the 2019 Robert Frank Outstanding Counselor Education Program Award from the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision.
Program overview
ETSU’s masters in counseling program has shaped professional counselors since 1963. The program creates knowledgeable, ethical counselors who work in various settings. Students learn to promote mental health, wellness, and development to help improve people’s lives. They gain hands-on experience through extensive fieldwork opportunities with clients of all ages in different settings. The faculty makes both intellectual and emotional growth easier while encouraging critical and reflective thinking.
Specializations offered
ETSU provides two CACREP-accredited masters-level concentrations:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Students become counselors ready to work in various settings like mental health centers, substance abuse facilities, and private practice under supervision. The program lets graduates meet eligibility requirements as Licensed Professional Counselors with Mental Health Service Provider designation (LPC-MHSP).
- School Counseling: Graduates work in PreK-12 public schools. They can design, implement, and evaluate complete school counseling programs that follow Tennessee Department of Education and American School Counseling Association models.
Students can enhance their education with specialized courses in couple and family counseling or college counseling and student affairs.
Admission requirements
Students must apply by February 1st to start in summer or fall. They need:
- A 3.0 undergraduate GPA (GRE needed if below 3.0)
- Three recommendation letters from professional references
- A personal statement with autobiographical information and career goals
- An interview if selected
School counseling students must complete a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation background check.
Practicum and internship
The ETSU Counseling Center offers excellent training opportunities. Interns become active team members and receive weekly didactic training, conduct live counseling sessions, work with licensed counselors, and review videos. They get feedback at the start, middle, and end of their experience with clear clinical goals. Students who commit to two semesters and attend Friday morning meetings get preference.
Accreditation and licensure
CACREP accredits both concentrations, which helps with licensure processes. Clinical Mental Health graduates can get LPC-MHSP licensure in Tennessee. School Counseling graduates meet requirements to become licensed school counselors, with reciprocity in Virginia and North Carolina.
Tuition and financial aid
ETSU has many financial aid options including Graduate Assistantships and Tuition Scholarships. Students from certain Virginia and North Carolina counties can get in-state tuition rates through the Border County In-State Eligibility program. The Graduate School website lists federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants.
Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University runs a trauma-informed, culturally-centered counseling program. The program prepares professionals who can handle social, emotional, and academic challenges in different settings effectively.
Program overview
MTSU’s Professional Counseling program features an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree that needs 61 credit hours of specialized coursework. This advanced practitioner-focused degree trains students to work with people of all ages. The curriculum weaves information about diversity and trauma throughout its courses. Yes, it is built on three key pillars—trauma-informed, culturally-centered, and wellness-focused approaches. Students become counselors who stand for social justice and equal chances.
Specializations offered
MTSU has two CACREP-accredited concentrations:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Students learn to work in mental health agencies and private practice settings. Graduates meet educational requirements to become licensed professional counselors with mental health service provider (LPC-MHSP) designation.
- School Counseling: Students focus on developmental school counseling and prepare to work in elementary, middle, and high school settings.
Students get focused preparation while keeping a strong professional counseling identity in both specializations.
Admission requirements
Students go through a competitive selection process with these requirements:
- 00 or higher undergraduate GPA (faculty might look at last 60 hours for GPAs below 3.00)
- A grade of B or better in an undergraduate abnormal psychology course
- Students with GPAs below 3.50 need: GRE verbal score of 146+ or MAT score of 385+
- Three positive recommendations
- Written essay/statement of purpose on the supplemental application
- Resume showing education, honors, and relevant experience
- Half-day interview with faculty and practicing counselors
Students can apply by February 10 for Summer/Fall and September 10 for Spring admission.
Practicum and internship
Students get hands-on training at MTSU’s Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CCPS). This high-tech facility lets students provide counseling under faculty supervision. CCPS has three individual/family counseling rooms, a child therapy room, and advanced audio/video recording systems. Students complete a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship in mental health settings or schools. This real-world experience prepares them for professional roles.
Accreditation and licensure
CACREP accredits both concentrations. Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduates can become licensed professional counselors with mental health service provider designation in Tennessee. School Counseling graduates qualify for school counselor licensure.
Tuition and financial aid
Half-time enrollment of 6 credit hours costs in-state students about $7,812. Out-of-state students pay around $19,800. Students can get graduate assistantships with monthly stipends and tuition waivers. MTSU also offers scholarships through the MTSU Foundation Graduate Scholarship, the Tammy Jones Memorial Scholarship, and more. The Financial Aid Office helps students find funding for their education.
University of Memphis
The University of Memphis stands out with its counseling concentrations that surpass all other Tennessee programs. This nationally ranked institution provides complete training to counseling professionals and with good reason too.
Program overview
The master’s program equips entry-level counseling professionals with essential knowledge in social/behavioral science, counseling skills, research tools, and professional identity. The program aims to help students master counseling concepts, analyze individual and group data, and work effectively in different settings. Students learn to implement appropriate programs, maintain ethical behavior, and develop cultural sensitivity. Graduates leave ready to transform lives through evidence-based counseling approaches.
Specializations offered
Memphis has four distinct concentrations:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling (60 semester hours) – Prepares counselors to work in agencies, private practice, and nonprofit organizations
- School Counseling (48 semester hours) – Focuses on educational settings
- Rehabilitation Counseling (48 semester hours) – Tennessee’s only such program
- Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (60 semester hours) – Combines clinical and rehabilitation approaches
Admission requirements
The program accepts applications until March 1 for fall and October 1 for spring. Students need:
- Official undergraduate/graduate transcripts
- GRE scores
- Program admission application with goals essay
- Three academic/professional reference letters
- In-person faculty interview
Practicum and internship
Students complete practicum (150 clock hours) and internship (600 clock hours) as clinical components. Client contact requires students to show good judgment and appropriate emotional functioning. Community agencies, hospitals, rehabilitation programs, or schools provide supervised experiences.
Accreditation and licensure
CACREP accredits the Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling concentrations, while CORE accredits Rehabilitation Counseling. Accreditation status extends through October 31, 2026.
Tuition and financial aid
Graduate students from Tennessee pay approximately $646 per credit hour. Students can access several financial aid options:
- MDSS Scholarship for disadvantaged students in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- RSA Scholarship for Rehabilitation Counseling students
- Research and teaching assistantships with tuition remission for doctoral students
- Annual research travel awards for presenting at national conferences
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College runs a highly respected Human Development Counseling (HDC) program. Students come here for quality training in a supportive learning environment.
Program overview
The Human Development Counseling program at Vanderbilt equips professionals to work with individuals and communities in a variety of settings. This hands-on program builds on three core principles: theory application, research-based practice, and ethical counseling approaches. Students build strong foundations in human development, counseling theories, and proven strategies that promote positive change. The program takes three years to complete full-time (fall and spring semesters with some summer options).
Specializations offered
Students can choose from three distinct tracks:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC): A 60-credit hour program that prepares graduates to work in agencies, private practices, higher education administration, or as school-based mental health counselors in private schools. Many graduates pursue Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure.
- School Counseling: A 60-credit hour program that focuses on preventative approaches. Graduates support K-12 students’ emotional wellbeing and academic success. Most obtain school counselor licensure.
- Dual Track Option: A 66-credit hour program that prepares students for both Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling licensure. This track offers maximum career flexibility.
Admission requirements
You’ll need to submit:
- Unofficial transcripts from all previous institutions
- Two letters of recommendation (three preferred)
- Statement of purpose explaining your interest in Peabody
- GRE scores are optional for master’s programs
The priority deadline falls on January 3, with decisions coming by mid-February. A secondary deadline extends to February 3. After that, admissions continue on a rolling basis as space allows.
Practicum and internship
Practical experience is the background of Vanderbilt’s counseling education. Students spend three semesters (five for dual track) working in real-life settings. The university partners with counseling centers, mental health agencies, and schools. Students get extensive supervision as they develop their professional identity and clinical skills.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited the School Counseling program through March 31, 2030. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) provides regional accreditation to Vanderbilt University. These credentials help with licensure pathways for graduates in Tennessee and other states.
Vanderbilt tuition and financial aid
Each credit hour costs $2,405, bringing the total to about $43,290 for a 60-credit program. Students also pay service fees ($676), transcript fee ($100), and health fee ($882). The Office of Financial Aid at Vanderbilt offers various support options. Submit your aid applications by February 15 for priority consideration.
Carson-Newman University
Carson-Newman University combines Christian values with counseling education to create counselors who address their clients’ needs through evidence-based practices. This private institution in Jefferson City has achieved impressive results with almost 100% post-graduation placement rates in clinical mental health and school counseling programs.
Program overview
The Master of Science in Counseling program pairs excellent academic study with hands-on clinical experiences. Students complete this 60-credit hour program in a hybrid format that blends online and onsite learning. The program prepares counselors to work with people from many backgrounds. The university’s Student Success Team assigns academic advisors who create tailored plans for professional development.
Specializations offered
Students can choose from three specialization paths:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling – preparing graduates for individual, group, and family counseling
- Professional School Counseling – giving counselors skills for PreK-12 settings
- Dual Degree in both areas – letting students complete requirements for both specializations
Admission requirements
The program accepts applications for fall (February 1 deadline) and spring (October 1 deadline). Students need:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Professional resume and statement of purpose
- Two recommendations (one academic, one employer)
- Interview and background check
Practicum and internship
Students gain practical experience through a 100-clock-hour practicum over 10 weeks, which includes 40 hours of direct client service. They receive weekly individual supervision and 1.5 hours of group supervision. The program uses a “Double Lock Rule” to manage client recordings securely.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits both Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling programs. Students who complete the program meet Tennessee’s educational requirements for professional counselor licensure.
Tuition and financial aid
The Master of Science in Counseling costs $550 per credit hour. Students can access financial help through graduate assistantships, competitive scholarships, and federal work-study positions if they qualify.
Lipscomb University
Lipscomb University’s accredited masters in counseling program combines faith with professional practice. The program’s graduates achieve an impressive 100% job placement rate.
Program overview
The M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling curriculum spans 61 hours and meets Tennessee’s academic requirements for LPC-MHSP licensure. Students complete this seven-semester program with exceptional results – a 95.4% completion rate and a perfect 100% licensure examination pass rate. The program creates an environment where caring and competence intersect within a faith-informed setting.
Specializations offered
The program provides two specialized tracks beyond the general curriculum:
- Play Therapy: The track has specialized coursework and internship experience that leads to Registered Play Therapist credential
- Addiction Counseling: Students gain focused coursework and complete practicum/internship at residential addiction facilities. This prepares them for both LPC-MHSP and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor credentials
Admission requirements
Candidates need an undergraduate degree in any major with a 3.0 GPA, two recommendation letters, transcripts, resume, short video, personal essay, and must complete an interview. Students with lower GPAs can submit GRE scores or explanation letters.
Practicum and internship
The clinical program requires 750 total hours. Students receive supervision through strategic collaborations with Lipscomb’s on-campus Counseling Center and nearby Family Therapy Center.
Accreditation and licensure
Nashville’s second CACREP-accredited counseling program maintains its CACREP accreditation status.
Tuition and financial aid
Each credit hour costs $962. The program provides financial assistance to 99% of enrolled students.
Lee University
Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee distinguishes itself through a Christian-centered approach to counseling education. The university blends faith, science, and experience into clinical practice effectively.
Program overview
The Master of Science in Counseling program shapes future licensed counselors who work from a relaxed point of view that takes an all-encompassing approach to treatment. Students learn the value of hope, love, forgiveness, and reconciliation while following evidence-based treatment methods.
Specializations offered
Lee’s master’s program features four specialized tracks:
- School Counseling: Students learn to blend counseling into PreK-12 school curricula
- Marriage and Family Therapy: Tennessee’s first and only COAMFTE-accredited program
- Holistic Child Development: Students focus on child advocacy
- Marriage and Family Studies: A thesis option prepares students for doctoral studies
Admission requirements
Students should submit applications by April 1 for Fall and November 1 for Spring. The program needs:
- 0 undergraduate GPA (GRE/MAT needed for GPAs below 3.0)
- Three recommendation letters
- Personal interview
- Statement of background and goals
Practicum and internship
Students in school counseling complete their field experience in public schools. They develop simple counseling skills, assessment abilities, and learn collaborative techniques.
Accreditation and licensure
SACSCOC accredits the university. The Marriage and Family Therapy program holds the prestigious COAMFTE accreditation.
Tuition and financial aid
Each credit hour costs $915 (2023-2024). Students can access financial assistance through FAFSA.
Make Your Start Today
Picking the right Masters in Counseling program in Tennessee will shape your professional future. This piece explores ten outstanding institutions with CACREP-accredited programs that prepare you for rewarding careers in counseling settings of all types.
These Tennessee programs pack several notable strengths. Most programs need about 60 credit hours of complete coursework that covers everything in counseling foundations. On top of that, these schools showcase impressive credentials – many report 100% original pass rates on licensing exams and exceptional job placement numbers.
You can tailor your education to match your career goals through various specialization options. Tennessee schools line up with your professional aims, whether you lean toward Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, or unique focuses like Play Therapy at Lipscomb or Marriage and Family Therapy at Lee University.
Hands-on experience is the key to these programs. You’ll get valuable practical training through well-laid-out practicum and internship experiences under seasoned professionals’ guidance. This real-life application of knowledge teaches you to help diverse populations in multiple settings.
Program flexibility should factor into your decision. While most students finish these programs full-time in two years, many schools offer part-time options through advisement. Some universities give you chances for dual credentials – Tennessee Tech lets you earn an Ed.S. in School Counseling with just 18 extra credit hours after completing their Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
When choosing your ideal program, look beyond academics. Location, cost, financial aid options, and campus culture shape your graduate school experience. The counseling field needs dedicated, well-trained practitioners, and these ten Tennessee institutions are ready to welcome you.
Starting your path to becoming a licensed counseling professional begins with the right educational foundation. Tennessee’s exceptional counseling programs provide the academic excellence, practical experience, and supportive environment you need to build a career helping others.