Psychology, Counseling Psychology Concentration, M.S.

Counseling Psychology Concentration

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. 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 Concentration offers two options: thesis or non-thesis.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will:

1. Demonstrate performance ability through practica experiences.
2. Demonstrate a knowledge base specific to psychology.
3. Have a thorough understanding of the psychological foundations of behavior.
4. Be knowledgeable to use measurement, statistics, research, and program evaluation methods in the delivery of psychological services.
5. Be prepared to provide psychological services to individuals and groups.
6. Demonstrate ethical behavior, recognize unethical behavior, and respond ethically in practice, research, and scholarship.
7. Gain experience in respect and value of cultural diversity and demonstrate sensitivity for diverse social, economic, and environmental experiences.
8. 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.  

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 psychology b) why the applicant is interested in the program at Tennessee State University, specifically, and c) what experiences the applicant has with conducting psychological research

2. Official transcripts of all academic work.

3. Three letters of recommendation.

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. 

Thesis Option

This option is appropriate for students planning to pursue a Ph.D. The candidate must submit a thesis on a topic approved by the thesis committee.

Non-Thesis Option

The non-thesis option is for students who choose to focus on training in the practice aspects of psychology. Students who select the non-thesis option are required to pass a Comprehensive Examination to meet the requirements for the degree. In addition, non-thesis option students must choose one course from the approved list of electives or have a graduate level course appropriate for counseling practice approved by the program committee.

Program of Study (60 hours)