Master of Science in School Counseling
M.S. in School Counseling Overview
Prepare yourself to be a skilled and knowledgeable helper in the school counseling setting with the Master of Science in School Counseling (M.S.) program at Freed-Hardeman University. Begin a new adventure that integrates elements of the counseling and education professions with principles of the Christian faith.
Graduate Studies:
Behavioral Science
Department Chair Name:
Lisa Beene
B.S., M.S.S.W., A.C.S.W
Program Director:
James Dalton
Ph. D.
Learning at FHU
Why earn a M.S. in School Counseling at FHU?
Pursuing your M.S. in School Counseling at Freed-Hardeman University is a stepping stone to a fulfilling and edifying future in the field of counseling in a school setting. The program is led by experienced faculty dedicated to preparing students with integrated knowledge and skills from their combined backgrounds of education and counseling.
Ready to Apply?
All current and new students applying for a Master’s or Doctorate program will use the online application process.
Careers for M.S. in School Counseling
For those pursuing an M.S. in School Counseling, the future holds unique opportunities. This program integrates elements of counseling and educational insight through the lens of Christian principles to produce graduates ready for the practice of professional counseling in schools. At FHU, graduate students gain access to faculty that are experts in their field that help them develop a framework for what it means to be a Christian leader in the school counseling world.
Potential career paths include:
- School Counseling
- Community Health Counseling
- Private practice Counseling
- and more!
Master’s of Science in School Counseling Degree Requirements
At Freed-Hardeman University, students enrolled in our M.S. in School Counseling program will gain important knowledge and skills to become an impactful and empathetic leader in the counseling field specifically in the school setting. Anticipate a comprehensive journey encompassing counseling and training in the school setting, upon successful completion of the program leads to Tennessee licensure as a school counselor for K-12 schools.
I. School Counseling Core 28 hours
| COU 000 | Orientation to Graduate Studies in Counseling | 1 hour |
| COU 500B | School Counseling Foundations | 3 |
| COU 504 | Counseling Theories and Interventions in the School | 3 |
| COU 520 | Assessment in Counseling | 3 |
| COU 550 | Career Counseling | 3 |
| COU 560 | Counseling Diverse Populations | 3 |
| COU 665 | Organization and Administration of School Counseling | 3 |
| EDU 501 | Research Methods | 3 |
| EDU 503 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| EDU 637 | Data Analysis for School Improvement | 3 |
II. School Counseling Field Experience 9 hours
| COU 545B | School Counseling Practicum | 3 |
| Completion of Traditional School Counseling Internships | ||
| COU 605B | School Counseling Internship: Elementary/Middle | 3 |
| COU 605C | School Counseling Internship: Secondary | 3 |
| OR Completion of Alternative School Counseling Internship (Job-embedded pathway) |
||
| COU 605D | School Counseling Internship: Alternative License | (6) |
FORMAT OF COURSES
As one of Tennessee’s oldest universities, Freed-Hardeman University has maintained a tradition of offering quality education in ways that fit into the lives of students. The integrated residential and web-conferencing graduate program in School Counseling is designed to make learning accessible, applicable, and relevant to the classroom today and practice tomorrow. The program is designed to meet the needs of college graduates who desire training in school counseling and wish to provide such services to students in a school setting.
- The program consists of 37 semester hours of coursework (including practicum and internships).
- The program is a distance program requiring no more than 3 weekends on-campus for experiential exercises. The remainder of the program can be completed through synchronous (live web-conferenced classes) or asynchronous (online recorded or discussion-based classes) formats.
- Flexible scheduling with classes offered on nights and weekends.
- Some classes are available as hybrid courses which blend traditional and online components to provide both classroom interaction and flexibility in scheduling.
- Courses are offered by full-time and part-time faculty who are experts in their respective fields.
- Successful completion of the program leads to Tennessee licensure as a school counselor for K-12 schools.
EXIT REQUIREMENTS
- Successful completion of all required coursework with a 3.00 GPA and other requirements for the M.S. degree.
- Successful completion of required field experience (practicum and two internships).
- Completion of all courses within a six-year period.
- Successful completion of the comprehensive examination.
- Appropriate score on the state-approved licensure examination.
- Recommendations by the Director of School Counseling, internship mentors, and superintendent/principal of the district where the internship was completed.
Admission Requirements for the Master’s of Science in School Counseling Degree
To be considered for admission into the M.S. in School Counseling program at FHU, please submit the following:
- Free online application
- Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate degrees
- Must have the equivalent of 12 semester hours in Behavioral
- Science (Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Anthropology, Family Studies) at the undergraduate level with a minimum GPA of 3.00
- Submit an essay of personal goals and how FHU will contribute to those goals (300-500 words).
- Interview with the Counseling Admissions Committee
- Submission of a criminal background check
- Copy of Photo ID
Meet Our Faculty
Sharen Cypress, Ed.D.
Dean, College of Education & Behavioral Sciences
James Dalton, Ph.D., L.P.C.-M.H.S.P.
Director, M.S. in Counseling Programs / Associate Professor of Counseling
Kim Street, Ph.D., L.P.C., M.H.S.P.
Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Frequently Asked Questions About the M.S. in School Counseling program at FHU
Why should I get an M.S. in School Counseling at Freed-Hardeman University?
Attending FHU for your master’s degree in school counseling offers several benefits:
- Flexible scheduling options, allowing working professionals and individuals with busy schedules to pursue their degrees while balancing other commitments.
- A combination of online, web-conference, and hybrid courses, providing students with a dynamic and interactive learning experience.
- At 37 credit hours, our program is one of the shortest in the state of Tennessee. We have shortened our program to help you fulfill your dream of becoming a school counselor even quicker!
What is the difference in earning a M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and an M.S. in School Counseling at Freed-Hardeman University?
Our M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students to practice in a clinical setting or to operate their own practice. Students completing the M.S. in School Counseling program will primarily work in a K-12 school system.
However, if you already have a master’s degree in counseling or social work, we do offer a 25 credit hour licensure-only program that will prepare you to receive your license to become a school counselor.
What career paths can I pursue with an M.S. in School Counseling?
Freed-Hardeman University’s M.S. in School Counseling program integrates elements of the counseling and education professions with principles of the Christian faith to produce graduates ready for careers in professional school counseling
How long will it take me to complete an M.S. in School Counseling?
Most students in our master’s in school counseling program graduate in about 2 to 3 years. Students may be enrolled as a full-time student or part-time student, whichever fits their schedule best!
Questions about the application process?
Have more questions about applying for a graduate or doctorate program? If you’d like to discuss anything further, submit an inquiry or schedule a visit and we’ll have someone from the Office of Graduate Studies contact you.