Licensure and Graduate Certificate Programs

The School Counseling Licensure Program B is offered within the Graduate Studies in Counseling program overseen by the Department of Behavioral Sciences and the Director of the Master of Science in Counseling. Individuals who have a master’s degree in education can complete this licensure program to pursue licensure in Tennessee as a school counselor. Completion of the School Counseling licensure program will not satisfy requirements for licensure as a professional counselor (LPC/MHSP; LPC; etc.).

Admissions Requirements

1. Submit an application for admission.

2. The applicant must have completed a master’s degree in education with a minimum graduate-level cumulative GPA of 3.00.

3. Must submit all official transcripts from previously attended institutions.

4. An essay of personal goals and how FHU will contribute to those goals (300-500 words).

5. Completion of a criminal background check.

6. An interview with the Counseling Admissions Committee.

Program Requirements

Exit Requirements

1. Successful completion of identified coursework with a 3.00 GPA and other requirements met.

2. Successful completion of internships.

3. Appropriate score on the state-approved licensure examination.

4. Recommendations by the Director of M.S. in Counseling, academic advisor, internship mentors, and superintendent/principal of the district where the internship was completed.

The School Counseling Licensure Program C is offered within the Graduate Studies in Counseling program overseen by the Department of Behavioral Sciences and the Director of the Master of Science in Counseling. Individuals who have a master’s degree in counseling can complete this licensure program to pursue licensure in Tennessee as a school counselor. Completion of the School Counseling licensure program will not satisfy requirements for licensure as a professional counselor (LPC/MHSP; LPC; etc.).

Admissions Requirements

1. Submit an application for admission.

2. The applicant must have completed a master’s degree in education with a minimum graduate-level cumulative GPA of 3.00.

3. Must submit all official transcripts from previously attended institutions.

4. An essay of personal goals and how FHU will contribute to those goals (300-500 words).

5. Completion of a criminal background check.

6. An interview with the Counseling Admissions Committee.

Program Requirements

Exit Requirements

1. Successful completion of identified coursework with a 3.00 GPA and other requirements met.

2. Successful completion of internships.

3. Appropriate score on the state-approved licensure examination.

4. Recommendations by the Director of M.S. in Counseling, academic advisor, internship mentors, and superintendent/principal of the district where the internship was completed.

The College of Biblical Studies and the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Masters of Science in Counseling program offers a Graduate Certificate in Counseling for Church Leaders. Ministers, associate ministers, youth ministers, family life ministers and/or elders who have interest or duties in counseling are encouraged to enroll in this certificate program. The interdisciplinary design of the certificate is reflected in a combination of graduate Bible and counseling courses. Students will gain an understanding of basic counseling skills, using scripture in counseling and specific areas of counseling that church leaders are often called upon to perform. The certificate program will give students an opportunity to strengthen and refine their skills whether for members inside the congregation or as an outreach for those in need. Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Counseling for Church Leaders will be better prepared to meet individual and family needs of those seeking help and support within a church context. This certificate can be taken for audit or graduate credit.

Those students completing a Graduate Certificate (for credit) will be presented an official certificate when the program of study is completed.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

1. Submit an application for admission.

2. The applicant must have completed a master’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum graduate-level cumulative GPA of 3.00 OR be currently enrolled in a graduate program at Freed-Hardeman University.

3. Must submit all official transcripts from previously attended institutions.

4. An essay of personal goals and how FHU will contribute to those goals (300-500 words).

5. Completion of Freedom from Conviction of Crimes form.

6. An interview with the Counseling Admissions Committee.

Program Requirements

Exit Requirements

1. Successful completion of identified coursework with a 3.00 GPA and other requirements met. A course grade below “C” is not applicable toward meeting certificate requirements.

2. Courses must be completed within a six-year period.

3. Recommendation by the Director of M.S. in Counseling and program faculty.

The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Counseling is offered within the Graduate Studies of Counseling overseen by the Department of Behavioral Sciences and the Director of the Master of Science in Counseling. Individuals who have a master’s degree in counseling (or a related field) can pursue this certificate to further strengthen and enhance their counseling skills. Master’s level counselors frequently desire to take coursework to meet continuing education requirements, to gain training in specific areas, and/or to meet professional credentialing requirements. The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Counseling enables them to also receive a recognized graduate certificate while pursuing these other areas of interest.

Admissions Requirements

1. Submit an application for admission.

2. Prerequisites: The applicant must have completed a master’s degree in counseling or a related field with a minimum of 3.00 GPA.

3. Personal essay specifying goals and how the FHU program will help meet those goals (300- 500 words).

4. Freedom from Conviction of Crimes Form.

5. Interview with the Counseling Admissions Committee.

Program Requirements

Exit Requirements

1. Successful completion of identified coursework with a 3.00 GPA and other requirements met. A course grade below “C” is not applicable toward meeting certificate requirements.

2. Courses must be completed within a six-year period.

3. Recommendation by the Director of M.S. in Counseling and program faculty.

The Graduate Certificate in Professional Counseling is offered within the Graduate Studies of Counseling overseen by the Department of Behavioral Sciences and the Director of the Master of Science in Counseling. Individuals who have a master’s degree in counseling (or a related field), but who lack coursework necessary to become licensed as a professional counselor, can pursue this certificate to assist them in meeting the requirements for licensure within their respective state. The Certificate Program will give students the opportunity to strengthen and refine their skills and to obtain foundational knowledge within core counseling areas as required for state licensure.

Admissions Requirements

1. Submit an application for admission.

2. Prerequisites: The applicant must have completed a master’s degree in counseling or a related field with a minimum of 3.00 GPA.

3. Personal essay specifying goals and how the FHU program will help meet those goals (300- 500 words).

4. Freedom from Conviction of Crimes Form.

5. Interview with the Counseling Admissions Committee.

Program Requirements

Exit Requirements

1. Successful completion of identified coursework with a 3.00 GPA and other requirements met. A course grade below “C” is not applicable toward meeting certificate requirements.

2. Courses must be completed within a six-year period.

3. Recommendation by the Director of M.S. in Counseling and program faculty.