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2027 Easiest Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Tennessee

Imed Bouchrika, PhD

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Charles Figley, PhD

Reviewed by Charles Figley, PhD

Counseling & Trauma Research Expert

Table of Contents

What can I expect from an online Counseling degree in Tennessee?

Most readers seeking to practice counseling are comparing graduate degrees, not bachelor's programs. Online counseling master's coursework typically covers assessment, ethics, counseling theories, research, and supervised practice. "Online" usually describes classroom delivery: practicum and internship still require an approved setting and supervision, and some programs require campus visits.

The credential you want should drive the comparison. This table distinguishes paths that can look similar in a search result but lead toward different work.

PathBest fitCredential question to resolve
Clinical mental health counseling master'sApplicants seeking psychotherapy-oriented practiceDoes the curriculum meet Tennessee's requirements for the intended counseling license?
School counseling master'sApplicants planning to work with K-12 studentsDoes it meet Tennessee educator-licensure requirements for school counseling?
Addiction-focused counseling programApplicants targeting substance-use servicesWhich Tennessee credential and employers does the specific degree prepare them for?
Counseling-related bachelor's degreeApplicants preparing for graduate study or support rolesWill a master's and further supervised experience still be needed for the intended role?

A professionally oriented master's is worth considering if you want direct counseling work and can accommodate placements alongside classes. If your goal is a support role that does not require a counseling license, compare the shorter and less costly credentials accepted by the employers you have in mind. To broaden a licensure-focused shortlist, compare the best counseling programs alongside each program's Tennessee credential disclosures.

Where can I work with an online Counseling degree in Tennessee?

The answer depends on specialization and credential, not whether lectures were online. Clinical mental health graduates may pursue positions in community mental health organizations, hospitals, outpatient practices, or substance-use treatment settings; independent practice requires the applicable state license and its post-degree requirements. School counseling follows a separate educator-licensure path and generally leads to K-12 settings (Tennessee Board for Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marital and Family Therapists and Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapists; Tennessee Department of Education).

Location matters when arranging training. A student outside Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, or Chattanooga may value online classes but still need an accessible approved practicum site and supervisor. Ask programs where recent Tennessee students completed placements and whether the school helps secure sites near your home; a distant placement can change both the cost and feasibility of a degree.

2027 Easiest Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Tennessee

# 1 position

Lincoln Memorial University

Master

MEd in Professional Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Non-School)

Delivery mode: hybrid

66.60

/ 100

Final score

Program length
Year 1 Fall - Year 2 Summer (6 consecutive semesters)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
22.73% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2022-23)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

Accreditation

Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Valid 2030-10-31 Verify accreditation

Lincoln Memorial University earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 66.6/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 2.75 and 22.73% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.

# 2 position

Lincoln Memorial University

Master

M.Ed. in Professional Counseling – PreK-12 School Counseling

Delivery mode: hybrid

66.60

/ 100

Final score

Program length
5 semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
66.67% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2022-23)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree coursework from an accredited institution; minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale; completed background check.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Valid 2030-10-31 Verify accreditation

Lincoln Memorial University earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 66.6/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 2.75 and 66.67% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.

# 3 position

Southern Adventist University

Master

M.S. in Professional Counseling – School Counseling

Delivery mode: hybrid

51.40

/ 100

Final score

Program length
approximately two and a half years of full-time study
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
86% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: July 15; Winter: November 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree: a four-year degree in any field from an accredited institution; minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
Additional requirements
Graduate application ($50 non-refundable fee); official transcripts; three professional recommendation forms (one academic); statement of purpose; resumé; background check; criminal-record release and declaration; personality test; faculty interview.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Valid 2033-10-31 Verify accreditation

Southern Adventist University earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 51.4/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3 and 86% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.

# 4 position

Carson-Newman University

Master

M.S. in Counseling – Professional School Counseling

Delivery mode: hybrid

51.40

/ 100

Final score

Program length
approximately two and half years (minimum seven semesters)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
83.3% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Fall: Feb 1; Spring: Oct 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university (international applicants welcome); minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
Additional requirements
Professional resume; statement of purpose (plus common C-N graduate admission requirements).

Accreditation

Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Valid 2032-03-31 Verify accreditation

Carson-Newman University earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 51.4/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3 and 83.3% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.

# 5 position

Southern Adventist University

Master

Master of Science in Professional Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Delivery mode: hybrid

51.40

/ 100

Final score

Program length
approximately two and a half years of full-time study
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
90% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: July 15; Winter: November 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree: a four-year degree in any field from an accredited institution; minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
Additional requirements
Graduate application; official transcripts; three professional recommendation forms (one may be academic); statement of purpose; resumé; background check; criminal-record release and declaration; personality test; faculty interview.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Valid 2033-10-31 Verify accreditation

Southern Adventist University earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 51.4/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3 and 90% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.

# 6 position

Carson-Newman University

Master

Master of Science in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Delivery mode: hybrid

51.40

/ 100

Final score

Program length
approximately two and half years (minimum seven semesters)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
77.4% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Fall: February 1; Spring: October 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university; minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
Additional requirements
Professional resume and statement of purpose, plus graduate admission requirements: application form, two recommendations, official transcripts, an interview, and a background records check.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Valid 2032-03-31 Verify accreditation

Carson-Newman University earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 51.4/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3 and 77.4% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.

# 7 position

Freed-Hardeman University

Master

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Delivery mode: hybrid

51.40

/ 100

Final score

Program length
2 to 2.5 years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
61 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
58% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
August 10
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Must have the equivalent of 12 semester hours in Behavioral Science (Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Anthropology, Family Studies).
Additional requirements
Free online application; official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate degrees (expected GPA of 3.00 or higher); essay of personal goals (300-500 words); interview with the Counseling Admissions Committee.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Valid 2028-03-31 Verify accreditation

Freed-Hardeman University earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 51.4/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3 and 58% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.

# 8 position

Johnson University

Master

M.A. in Counseling

Delivery mode: hybrid

43.90

/ 100

Final score

Program length
2 ½–5 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
100%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
55.56% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Spring: October 1; Fall: February 1
Class size
1
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE or MAT required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 (admits placed on probation)
Prerequisites
A minimum of 15 hours of undergraduate or graduate credit in counseling or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Additional requirements
Online graduate application; three references (two academic, one personal); official transcripts; government-issued photo ID; 5-10 page writing sample; interview with School of Social & Behavioral Science graduate faculty.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Valid 2033-03-31 Verify accreditation

Johnson University earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 43.9/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3 and 100% acceptance rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.

# 9 position

Johnson University

Master

M.A. in Counseling

Delivery mode: hybrid

43.90

/ 100

Final score

Program length
2 ½–5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
62.5% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Spring: October 1; Fall: February 1
Class size
7
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE or MAT required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 (such admits are placed on probation)
Prerequisites
At least 15 credit hours in counseling or a related field; three references (two academic, one personal); official transcripts; government-issued photo ID; 5-10 page writing sample; interview with graduate faculty.
Additional requirements
Online graduate application; three references (two academic, one personal); official transcripts; government-issued photo ID; 5-10 page writing sample; interview with School of Social & Behavioral Science graduate faculty.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Valid 2033-03-31 Verify accreditation

Johnson University earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 43.9/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3 and 62.5% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.

Frequently asked questions about online Counseling degree in Tennessee

What makes an online counseling program "easy"?

It may offer accessible admissions, flexible coursework, or a manageable schedule. It should not mean reduced clinical training or automatic licensure. Compare the requirements you must actually complete.

Can I become a licensed counselor in Tennessee with an online degree?

Potentially. The relevant question is whether the specific degree, coursework, and supervised experiences meet Tennessee's requirements; graduation alone does not grant a license (Tennessee counseling board).

Are counseling internships online?

Online coursework does not eliminate supervised fieldwork. Ask each program whether you can use an approved site near home and who finds the placement.

Do I need a counseling bachelor's degree first?

Not necessarily. Graduate programs set their own admissions and prerequisite rules; applicants with other majors should ask whether additional coursework is required.

Is a faster program always a better investment?

No. A shorter schedule helps only if you can complete its courses and placements without an unsustainable reduction in work hours or added borrowing. Compare total cost and a realistic graduation timeline.

See What Experts Have To Say About Studying Counseling

Read our interview with Counseling experts

Meredith A. Rausch

Meredith A. Rausch

Counseling Expert

Associate Professor

University of Alabama

Charles Figley

Charles Figley

Counseling Expert

Kurzweg Distinguished Chair in Disaster Mental Health

Tulane University

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