Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Concentration, M.S.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Program Overview

The primary goal of the Master of Science in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health (CMHC) concentration program is to provide a solid behavioral health core with a focus on emotional, social, vocational, health, and educational issues across the lifespan. The curriculum is designed for students seeking preparation for a career in various types of mental health settings and related organizations, or for students planning to pursue a Ph.D in Counselor Education or Counseling Psychology. The primary goal is to provide a solid psychological core with a focus on emotional, social, vocational, health, and educational issues across the life span. Recognizing the value of both practice and research, the Counseling ConcentrationClinical Mental Health concentration offers two options: thesis or non-thesis.

Program Outcomes

Students will:

Demonstrate performance ability through practica experiences.
Demonstrate a knowledge base specific to counseling.
Have a thorough understanding of the psychological foundations of behavior.
Be knowledgeable to use measurement, statistics, research, and program evaluation methods in the delivery of counseling services.
Be prepared to provide psychological services to individuals and groups.
Demonstrate ethical behavior, recognize unethical behavior, and respond ethically in practice, research, and scholarship.
Gain experience in respect and value of cultural diversity and demonstrate sensitivity for diverse social, economic, and environmental experiences.
Complete practice experiences designed for mental health advocacy and service.

An additional aspirational goal is for students to develop a desire for life-long learning.

Admission Requirements

It is highly recommended that applicants have earned or are in pursuit of an undergraduate degree in Psychology or a related field. The undergraduate study must include one course in general psychology, one course in elementary statistics, one course in research methods, and one upper division psychology course. The minimum acceptable requirements for admission to the program are a 2.5 or higher GPA. However, most applicants who are admitted earn a 3.0 or higher.

In addition, the applicant should submit ALL of the following information below through the web-based application portal system PSYCAS. All application materials including the letters of recommendation must be submitted through PSYCAS by February 1 for admission for fall semester.

1. A personal statement of no more than 1000 words indicating a) why the applicant has chosen to pursue a degree in counseling clinical mental health psychologycounseling b) why the applicant is interested in the program at Tennessee State University, specifically, and c) what is your experience/understanding of working with differing populations and justice issues, and d) what experiences the youapplicant hasve with conducting mental health research

2. Official transcripts of all academic work.A copy of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts.

3. Three letters of recommendation - one of which should be from an academic advisor or his or her designee.

Important Dates

The program has a yearly application deadline of February 1^st.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of four semesters and a summer term of residential study are required to complete the program within a two year period. Both the Thesis and Non-Thesis Option require sixty (60) semester hours of study.

Program Duration

A minimum of four semesters and a summer term of residential study are required to complete the program within a two-year period. Both the Thesis and Non-Thesis Option require sixty (60) semester hours of study. This requires a course load of 12 credit hours per school term. This program can also be taken on a part-time basis.

Career Opportunities

The degree provides preparation for careers in mental health settings and related organizations, as well as preparation for graduate study at the doctoral level.

Program Website

https://www.tnstate.edu/psychology/masters-counseling.aspx

Program Coordinator

Dr. James Campbell, Associate Professor of Psychology
Email: jcampbell21@tnstate.edu
Phone: 615-963-5144

Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Concentration

Program of Study and Required Credit Hours (60 hours)

Required Core Courses (57-credit hours) and [thesis, 3-credit hours and non-thesis, 3-credit hours]

1st Fall Semester
PSYC 5010 - Foundations of Counseling 3 CIP:
PSYC 5040 - Statistics and Methodology (3) CIP:
PSYC 5070 - Professional Issues and Ethics in Counseling Psychology (3) CIP:
PSYC 5120 - Techniques of Counseling and Interviewing (3) CIP:
1st Spring Semester
PSYC 5136 - Abnormal Psychology (3) CIP:
PSYC 5140 - Statistics and Computer Applications (3) CIP:
PSYC 5170 - Counseling Theory (3) CIP:
PSYC 6504 - PRACTICUM IN CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING 3 CIP:
Summer Semester
PSYC 5190 - Group Counseling and Guidance (3) CIP:
PSYC 5270 - Vocational Theory and Testing (3) CIP:
PSYC 5580 - Multicultural Counseling (3) CIP:
PSYC 5640 - Lifespan Development (3) CIP:
2nd Fall Semester
PSYC 5030 - Biological Bases of Behavior (3) CIP:
PSYC 5570 - Individuals, Couples, & Family Systems: Assessments, Theory & Intervention. (3) CIP:
PSYC 6505 - Master’s Practicum in Counseling Psychology (3) CIP:
2nd Spring Semester
PSYC 6560 - Violence in Interpersonal Relations (3) CIP:
PSYC 6506 - Master’s Practicum in Counseling Psychology (3) CIP:
PSYC 6590 - Tests and Measures (3) CIP:
PSYC 6610 - ADVANCED ISSUES IN CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING 3 CIP:

Thesis Option Requirement (3 hours)

PSYC 6540 - Thesis (3) CIP:

Non-Thesis Option Requirements (3 hours)

The Non-Thesis option requires students to pass a Comprehensive Examination. In addition, students must choose one course from the approved list below or have a graduate level course appropriate for counseling practice approved by the program committee.