Professional School Counseling, Pre-K - 12 Counseling Concentration, M.S.

Pre-K-12 School Counseling Concentration

The primary goal of the Professional School Counseling Psychology Program is to train competent and culturally aware counselors to support teachers, other professional personnel and parents in addressing the needs of students from diverse backgrounds related to academic and career preparation as well as personal growth and development. Special emphasis is placed on prevention and recognition of values and strengths. Professional School Counseling curriculum is designed to meet the requirements for licensure as set forth by the Tennessee State Board of Education.

NOTE: Applicants must successfully complete an interview with the TSU Professional School Counseling Community Advisory Council.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of four semesters and a summer term of residential study and forty-eight (48) semester credits (51 hours for those not holding a teaching license) of approved course work. All candidates must successfully complete a final written comprehensive examination.

Note: Licensure as a Professional School Counselor in the state of Tennessee requires a minimum score of 156 on the Praxis II Professional School Counselor (K-12) #5421 Specialty Area Test. The test application is available at www.ets.org/praxis.

Program of Study

Required Courses - 48 credits*

*Fifty-one credits are required of all students who do not hold a valid teacher’s certificate/license.

Area I - Human Growth and Development (6 Hours)

Area II - Social and Cultural Foundations (9 Hours)

Area III - The Helping Relationship (*12 or 15 Hours)

Area IV - Group Work (3 Hours)

PSYC 5190 - Group Counseling and Guidance (3)

Area V - Career and Lifestyle Development (3 Hours)

PSYC 5270 - Vocational Theory and Testing (3)

Area VI - Appraisal (6 Hours)

Area VII - Research and Program Evaluation (3 Hours)

PSYC 5040 - Statistics and Methodology (3)

Area VIII - Professional Orientation (6 Hours)

Required Field Experience

Practicum: Students are required to complete 100 clock hours of observation and participation in a middle school counseling setting.

Internships: Students are required to complete 300 clock hours (approximately 20-25 hours per week) of on-site field experience and practice during each of two semesters of internship experience: Elementary School Counseling (PSYC 6405 ) and Secondary School Counseling (PSYC 6406 ).

Endorsement Only Students

Individuals who seek the State Department of Education endorsement through the Pre-K-12 School Counseling concentration, but do not intend to pursue a degree through TSU, must:

Have earned a Master’s Degree in School Counseling or a related area.
Apply for non-degree admission to the Graduate School.
Apply for acceptance into the program and for a mandatory Interview with the Professional School Counseling Advisory Council by scanning and email to jlee6@tnstate.edu one electronic file to the program coordinator materials by April 1st.
1. All previous transcripts
2. Letter of intent
3. 3 letters of recommendation, and
4. Proof of application to the Graduate School.