Choosing a counseling degree in Tennessee means choosing a career pathway, not just a campus. A program suited to school counseling may not prepare you for clinical mental health licensure, and tuition alone cannot reveal the full cost of supervised training. This guide explains program types, Tennessee requirements, costs, and career prospects. It also features the 2027 Most Popular Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Tennessee, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about which counseling programs are worth considering.
Key findings about Counseling degrees in Tennessee
For Tennessee clinical practice, prioritize a master's curriculum that meets the state board's educational requirements; graduation alone does not confer a license.
The national median annual wage was $59,350 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in May 2025, with employment projected to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). These are national occupational figures, not Tennessee graduate earnings.
Compare total tuition, required clinical placements, and time away from work - not sticker price alone. School counseling, clinical mental health counseling, and marriage and family therapy lead toward different credentials.
What can I expect from a Counseling degree in Tennessee?
A counseling bachelor's degree generally introduces helping skills and human development; it is not, by itself, a route to independent clinical practice. A master's degree is the usual decision point for prospective clinical mental health counselors, school counselors, and marriage and family therapists. Doctoral study is more relevant to counselor education, supervision, or research than to someone seeking the shortest path into practice.
Expect counseling theory, assessment, ethics, multicultural practice, and supervised client work. The right curriculum depends on your destination: a Tennessee school role calls for an educator-licensure pathway, while clinical practice requires careful comparison with the Tennessee Board for Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marital and Family Therapists and Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapists' requirements. Program admission, degree completion, examination, supervised experience, and licensure are separate steps.
Start with the intended credential, then compare the best counseling programs against that goal. A highly regarded program in the wrong specialty is a poor investment.
Where can I work with a Counseling degree in Tennessee?
Clinical mental health graduates may pursue roles in community agencies, hospitals, outpatient practices, or private practice once their credentials and supervision permit the work. School counselors work in K-12 settings under education-system credential rules. Marriage and family therapy programs focus on relational and family-centered practice; rehabilitation pathways emphasize disability, adjustment, and access to services.
Location affects training as well as employment. A placement near Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, or Chattanooga may expose a student to a different mix of agencies than a rural placement. Ask whether a program can arrange supervision where you live and whether its placement schedule is workable alongside paid employment. Do not assume that an online classroom means remote clinical work.
National occupational wages provide a benchmark, not a prediction of a Tennessee graduate's pay. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the following May 2025 median annual wages; the occupation and setting you enter matter more than the degree title alone.
Potential pathway
U.S. median annual wage, May 2025
How to use the figure
Clinical mental health or addiction counseling
$59,350
Compare expected pay with the cost of the required degree and supervised career entry.
School counseling
$64,330
Check district pay schedules rather than treating the national median as a local offer.
Marriage and family therapy
$66,940
Consider employment setting and the time needed to establish a practice.
Rehabilitation counseling
$46,850
Compare roles and employers before assuming clinical counseling wages apply.
These BLS occupation-wide medians include workers at different experience levels; they are neither starting salaries nor program-specific outcomes. For a personal return-on-investment estimate, compare likely post-degree earnings with your current earnings, borrowing, living expenses, and the time required to qualify for the work you want.
The programs below offer different routes through a field in which the intended credential should drive selection. These distinctions concern published program focus and location - not a claim that any one program guarantees licensure or employment. Verify current curriculum and placement arrangements directly with each school.
Lipscomb University: Its clinical mental health counseling program gives Nashville-area students a direct clinical pathway to investigate rather than a general psychology degree. Ask how its required placements are arranged if you intend to keep a full-time job (Lipscomb University).
Trevecca Nazarene University: Its marriage and family program is the clearest fit in this group for applicants whose primary interest is couples and family treatment. Compare its curriculum with Tennessee's marriage and family therapist requirements instead of assuming it follows the professional counselor route (Trevecca Nazarene University).
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville: Its MS in Counseling merits a close look from applicants comparing counseling career directions within a public university. Confirm the requirements of the particular pathway you select; the MS title alone does not identify a license (University of Tennessee-Knoxville).
Tennessee Tech University: Its clinical mental health counseling master's is an option for students considering study in Cookeville rather than a larger metro area. Check where placements can be completed if you expect to practice elsewhere in the state (Tennessee Tech University).
East Tennessee State University: Its counseling concentrations let applicants compare specialty direction before committing to a course sequence. That distinction matters if you are deciding between school-based work and clinical practice in the Tri-Cities region (East Tennessee State University).
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga: Its clinical mental health track offers a Chattanooga-based route for applicants targeting community or clinical settings. Ask which local sites accept students and how placement hours fit the program schedule (University of Tennessee-Chattanooga).
Vanderbilt University: Its MEd in Human Development Counseling frames counselor preparation within human development. It may appeal to students who value that academic emphasis, but they should confirm that their selected pathway matches their intended Tennessee credential and compare the full net cost (Vanderbilt University).
Freed-Hardeman University: Its graduate clinical mental health counseling program provides a Henderson-based alternative to metro-area study. Students considering it should check placement reach and curriculum fit, especially if they plan to train near home (Freed-Hardeman University).
Belmont University: Its MA in Counseling gives Nashville-area applicants another graduate counseling option to compare on program requirements, schedule, and net price. Its degree label should not replace a course-by-course licensure check (Belmont University).
Milligan University: Its graduate clinical mental health counseling program is a Northeast Tennessee option for students seeking that specific practice direction. Ask whether available supervised placements and travel requirements fit your location before enrolling (Milligan University).
Published program descriptions establish focus, but they do not make unlike measures - such as a placement arrangement and an academic concentration - directly comparable. Request each school's current handbook for credit requirements, supervised hours, accreditation status, completion information, and all required charges.
A bachelor's degree typically takes about four years of full-time study. A counseling master's commonly takes about two to three years full time; part-time enrollment or a placement that cannot begin until prerequisites are complete can extend that timeline. Doctoral study generally adds several years. These are planning ranges, not promises about an individual program.
For a working adult, the important comparison is time to the intended role, not just time to graduation. Tennessee clinical licensure can require supervised experience and examinations after the degree (Tennessee counseling licensing board). Ask when clinical placements begin, whether evening placements exist, and how many semesters students typically need at your proposed course load.
Online coursework can reduce commuting and make a graduate degree more manageable for students outside Tennessee's major cities. Campus study can make scheduled interaction and local placement coordination easier. Neither format removes supervised practice or changes the requirements of the credential you seek.
For an online option, establish where in-person training occurs, who secures the site, and whether the program's curriculum supports Tennessee licensure. If you might move, ask about the rules of the state where you expect to practice as well. Choose the format that lets you complete clinical requirements reliably - not simply the one with the most convenient lectures.
There is no single useful statewide price for a counseling degree: public resident tuition, nonresident tuition, private-university charges, credit requirements, and required fees differ. Compare each school's current graduate tuition and fees through its published price schedule and NCES/IPEDS data, then obtain a program-specific estimate. An institutional average may not reflect what a particular counseling cohort pays.
Clinical training can add travel, background-check, insurance, and reduced-work-hour costs. Build a semester-by-semester budget that includes those expenses and the time to completion. The most affordable counseling programs can help identify price candidates, but compare the amount you would actually pay after aid and any residency rules - not tuition alone.
Eligible students can complete the FAFSA to determine access to federal aid; graduate students should also ask about institutional scholarships, assistantships, employer tuition benefits, and payment plans (Federal Student Aid). Aid packages vary by enrollment status and school. Tennessee undergraduate awards should not be assumed to continue into graduate study.
Request the amount of aid that does not have to be repaid, the conditions for keeping it, and the likely borrowing needed through graduation. Confirm current federal loan eligibility with the financial aid office before relying on a particular loan product; rules and limits can change. The better offer is the one that supports completion with manageable debt, not necessarily the largest stated award.
View the chart data as a table
Graduates (2024-25) distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
0–9
17
10–19
8
20–29
5
30–39
1
40–49
1
Master's applicants generally need a bachelor's degree and the materials specified by the program, which may include transcripts, recommendations, a statement of purpose, and an interview. Schools differ on prerequisite courses and whether they welcome applicants changing fields. Check each program's admissions page rather than assuming a psychology major is mandatory.
Admissions eligibility is separate from professional eligibility. Before paying an application fee, identify your target credential and ask the program to show how its courses and supervised training align with the applicable Tennessee board or education-department requirements. Check its current programmatic accreditation directly with CACREP or another accreditor relevant to your chosen profession; institutional accreditation is a different designation.
Graduate counseling study commonly covers helping relationships, human development, diagnosis or assessment where relevant, ethics, research, group work, and culturally responsive practice, followed by supervised practicum or internship. A school pathway adds school-specific preparation; a marriage and family pathway emphasizes relational treatment. Course titles alone do not establish that a degree satisfies licensing rules.
Compare the catalog and clinical handbook with your intended credential's requirements. Pay particular attention to when fieldwork starts and whether a specialty course is required or merely an elective: that difference can affect both licensure preparation and graduation timing.
The most consequential choice is usually among clinical mental health, school counseling, and marriage and family therapy. Rehabilitation and addiction-focused study may also appear as programs, concentrations, or electives. These labels are not interchangeable credentials: compare the actual degree and training sequence with the rules for the job you want.
If you want to counsel students in a K-12 school, investigate the Tennessee Department of Education's school-counselor pathway. If you want clinical assessment and therapy, investigate the relevant Tennessee professional licensing board. If you are undecided, favor a program that clearly explains the options and when students must commit to a track; do not assume an elective can change a degree's licensure destination.
Popularity indicates interest, not personal fit. First decide which credential and setting you want, then compare only programs that plausibly support that goal. Use the most valuable counseling programs as another comparison point, while testing value against your own aid offer, current earnings, and likelihood of completing the required training.
Ask admissions and program staff for evidence that resolves the biggest risks before you enroll:
Which Tennessee credential is this exact pathway designed to support, and where can I verify its current accreditation?
Who arranges clinical placements, where may they occur, and what schedule do they require?
What is my estimated total cost after aid, including fees and placement expenses?
Which transfer credits will count toward this degree, and will accepting them change my graduation or licensure plan?
What completion and licensure-exam outcomes does the program publish, and for which reporting period?
A common mistake is to choose the lowest advertised tuition without accounting for an extra term, lost wages, or a difficult placement commute. Another is to treat a ranking or accreditation claim as proof of individual license eligibility. For return on investment, consider debt, aid, completion probability, earnings before and after study, time horizon, and the cost of delaying work.
View the chart data as a table
Programs by specialization (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
14
School Counseling
12
Counselor Education and Supervision
3
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
2
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
1
A bachelor's graduate may seek support or human-services roles but should not mistake them for independently licensed counselor positions. A relevant master's degree can lead toward clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, marriage and family therapy, addiction services, or rehabilitation work, subject to the credential and employer requirements for each role.
Experience can later support supervision, program management, or a change of practice setting; counselor education and research may call for doctoral preparation. If your goal is a nonclinical student-support or human-services role, compare the cost of a counseling master's with degrees or certificates that meet that employer's requirements. The longer clinical pathway is worthwhile only if it advances the work you actually intend to do.
View the chart data as a table
Pay vs projected growth by counseling career path (U.S., BLS) (Source: BLS)
Name
Median annual wage (USD/year)
Projected growth (%)
Mental Health Counselors
59,350
18
School & Career Counselors
64,330
3
Rehabilitation Counselors
46,850
2
Marriage & Family Therapists
66,940
14
Psychologists
99,110
6
Postsecondary Teachers
85,330
7
The national outlook is strongest among the counseling occupations most closely associated with mental health and addiction: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% employment growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors from 2025 to 2035. That projection signals potential opportunity, but it is not a Tennessee hiring forecast or a promise of a job after graduation.
Local opportunity depends on specialty, credential, employer, and willingness to travel. Compare current openings in the Tennessee communities where you could work, note their license and supervision requirements, and ask prospective programs whether placements exist in those same markets. A degree is a more defensible investment when its training route matches both the required credential and the jobs you would realistically accept.
2027 Most Popular Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Tennessee
An education investment deserves more scrutiny than a popularity label alone. Research.com evaluates counseling programs using graduate outcomes, licensure exam results where applicable, accreditation, federal aid eligibility, and cost. Its team checks multiple education datasets to make the rankings more credible and useful for comparing programs; a ranking remains a starting point, not a substitute for checking a program's current requirements.
For the Best ranking, a graduate-outcomes-and-accreditation score weighs completion at 40%, employment or doctoral admission at 20%, applicable licensure exam results at 20%, CACREP recognition at 16%, and institutional Title IV eligibility at 4%. Weights are adjusted when a measure does not apply. Cost contributes about 7% of the final Best score. The method applies to online and on-campus programs; other rankings order programs by the dimension named in their title.
The ranking draws on the following sources to cross-check institutional, program, and outcome information:
IPEDS database: institutional enrollment, completion, and price reporting.
Use the ranking to narrow your list, then confirm each program's current accreditation, clinical placements, charges, and fit with your intended license. Read more about Research.com's methodology.
# 1 position
Lipscomb University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
53.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
7 semesters
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
95.4%
Employment or doctoral admission
100%
Licensure exam pass rate
100%
Application deadline
Fall 2027: Mar 4, 2027
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree (any major) with a 3.0 GPA; if GPA is below 3.0, applicant may submit an explanation, GRE scores, or transcripts of a completed master's degree
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended (unofficial accepted for initial review), resume, and Bachelor's degree with 3.0 GPA (if below 3.0, submit one of: a short explanation of the GPA, GRE scores, or transcripts of a…
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).
Lipscomb University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 53.3/100, supported by 45 graduates (2022-23) and 95.4% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 2 position
Trevecca Nazarene University
Master
Master of Marriage and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
48.70
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.70 - 4.00
Program completion rate
94% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: May 1; Spring: October 1; Summer: February 15
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE (minimum 290 verbal + quantitative) required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, unless the applicant holds an MA
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree conferred from a regionally accredited college/university.
Additional requirements
Online application, official transcript(s) showing bachelor's degree conferred, GRE score (min 290 combined; typically waived for applicants who hold an MA or have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher), two reference assessment forms…
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).
Trevecca Nazarene University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 48.7/100, supported by 32 graduates (2024-25) and 94% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 3 position
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Master
MS in Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
45.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.70 - 4.00
Program completion rate
89.3% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
December 1 (for June start)
Application process
direct (UT Office of Graduate Admissions online application)
GRE
no
Additional requirements
Online application; resume/CV; letter of introduction; ethical integration statement; transcripts; three references; Thinking about Counseling Exercise; on-campus interview if invited; GRE not required.
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).
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 45.4/100, supported by 25 graduates (2024-2025) and 89.3% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-10-31.
# 4 position
Tennessee Tech University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychology – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
43.60
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
December 1 (fall cohort)
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
Undergraduate coursework in psychology
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, proof of residency, interview with faculty review committee, English proficiency for international students
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).
Tennessee Tech University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 43.6/100, supported by 22 graduates (2024-25) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 5 position
East Tennessee State University
Master
M.A. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
42.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-3 years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
84% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2022-23)
Application deadline
February 1
Application process
direct (ETSU Graduate School application)
GRE
Conditional: GRE required if GPA is below 3.0
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution; any program prerequisite coursework transcripts
Additional requirements
Graduate School application, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, personal statement (1200-1500 words), interview by invitation, background check before practicum. GRE required if GPA is below 3.0.
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).
East Tennessee State University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 42.4/100, supported by 20 graduates (2022-23) and 84% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 6 position
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Master
M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
41.70
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.70 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: February 1
Application process
direct (UTC Graduate School application portal)
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree completed before starting graduate coursework.
Additional requirements
Graduate application, official transcripts, two graduate school essay questions plus biographical sketch, resume/CV, two professional recommendations, admission workshop with group interview and writing proficiency exam.
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).
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 41.7/100, with 19 graduates (2024-25) among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 7 position
Vanderbilt University
Master
Human Development Counseling (M.Ed.)
Delivery mode: campus
38.60
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
88% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Priority Decision 1: Dec 1; Priority Decision 2: Jan 3; Final Decision: Jul 27 (Fall admission)
Application process
direct (Vanderbilt online application, apply.vanderbilt.edu)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree
Additional requirements
Application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose; interview in January; no application fee
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).
Vanderbilt University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 38.6/100, supported by 15 graduates (2024-25) and 88% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 8 position
Freed-Hardeman University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
38.60
/ 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).
Freed-Hardeman University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 38.6/100, supported by 15 graduates (2025) and 58% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 9 position
Belmont University
Master
M.A. in Mental Health Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
35.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years full-time (6 consecutive semesters, including summers)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
95% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
95% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2025-26)
Class size
13
Prerequisites
Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
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).
Belmont University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 35.7/100, supported by 12 graduates (2025-26) and 95% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 10 position
Milligan University
Master
Master of Science in Counseling (MSC) – Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC)
Delivery mode: campus
35.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
6 semesters
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
91%
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE (50th percentile or higher) required if overall undergraduate GPA is below 3.00
Prerequisites
An undergraduate degree that includes at least 9 hours of psychology courses, including General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Research Methods or Statistics
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).
Milligan University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 35.7/100, supported by 12 graduates (2024-25) and 91% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 11 position
Southern Adventist University
Master
Master of Science in Professional Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
34.60
/ 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).
Southern Adventist University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 34.6/100, supported by 11 graduates (2024-25) and 90% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 12 position
Carson-Newman University
Master
Master of Science in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
34.60
/ 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).
Carson-Newman University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 34.6/100, supported by 11 graduates (2023-24) and 77.4% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 13 position
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Master
M.Ed. in Counseling – School Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
30.60
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.70 - 4.00
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: February 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university (or foreign equivalent) required before beginning graduate coursework.
Additional requirements
2-3 professional/academic letters of recommendation, resume with helping-profession experience, two essay questions, a biographical sketch on motivation, an admission workshop with group faculty interview, and a writing proficiency exam.
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).
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 30.6/100, supported by 8 graduates (2024-25) and 100% licensure exam pass rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 14 position
Johnson University
Master
M.A. in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
30.60
/ 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).
Johnson University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 30.6/100, supported by 8 graduates (2024-25) and 62.5% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 15 position
Tennessee Tech University
Master
M.A. in Counseling and Psychology – School Counseling Concentration
Delivery mode: campus
28.90
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
December 1
Class size
7
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
Undergraduate coursework in psychology
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, proof of residency, interview with faculty review committee, English proficiency for international students
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).
Tennessee Tech University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 28.9/100, supported by 7 graduates (2024-25) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 16 position
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Doctor
PhD in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: campus
28.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3-4 years full-time
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
73 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
November 1 (Fall entry only)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Master's degree in counseling or a closely related profession, preferably from a CACREP-accredited program, prior to beginning the program
Additional requirements
Resume/CV, Letter of Introduction, Ethical Integration Statement, transcripts, three completed references (at least two by deadline); GRE not required; if invited, on-campus interview including a 2-3 page written response to a case study
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).
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 28.9/100, supported by 7 graduates (2024-25) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-10-31.
# 17 position
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Master
MS in Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
27.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.70 - 4.00
Program completion rate
85.7% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
December 1 (for June start)
Application process
direct (UT Office of Graduate Admissions online application)
GRE
no
Additional requirements
Online application; resume/CV; letter of introduction; ethical integration statement; transcripts; three references; Thinking about Counseling Exercise; on-campus interview if invited; GRE not required. Due Dec 1 for June start.
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).
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 27.1/100, supported by 6 graduates (2024-2025) and 85.7% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-10-31.
# 18 position
Belmont University
Master
M.A. in Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
27.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
6 consecutive semesters
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; applicants should have a strong academic record with a GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
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).
Belmont University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 27.1/100, with 6 graduates (2025-2026) among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 19 position
Austin Peay State University
Master
M.S. in Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
27.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-, 3- or 4-year plans available (part-time options)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
83% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Summer: Feb 20; Fall: Feb 20
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
12 hours of psychology or related courses (e.g., introduction to psychology, human development, psychopathology); admission to candidacy required before completing nine graduate hours; background check required before fieldwork.
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).
Austin Peay State University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 27.1/100, supported by 6 graduates (2024-2025) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 20 position
The University of Tennessee-Martin
Master
Master of Science in Education: Counseling - School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
27.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
9 Hour Plan of Study: Year 1 Fall ... Year 3 Fall; Spring internship *if internship remains
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
69% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
90% (2022)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2022-23)
Application deadline
Fall: Feb 20; Spring: Oct 8
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Additional requirements
Three letters of recommendation; a four-question personal statement; resume detailing degrees and occupational/counseling experience; signed acknowledgement of a 3-day on-campus residency; transcripts for all conferred degrees.
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).
The University of Tennessee-Martin earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 27.1/100, supported by 6 graduates (2024-2025) and 69% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
Frequently asked questions about Counseling degree in Tennessee
Do I need a master's degree to become a counselor in Tennessee?
For professional clinical counseling licensure, plan on a qualifying graduate degree plus the applicable examination and supervised-experience requirements. Check the Tennessee counseling licensing board for the credential you intend to pursue; a bachelor's degree alone is not a substitute.
Does a CACREP-accredited degree automatically qualify me for licensure?
No. CACREP is programmatic accreditation, not a license. The Tennessee board determines whether your education and other qualifications meet its requirements.
Can I complete a Tennessee counseling degree entirely online?
Coursework may be online, but supervised clinical training still requires an approved setting. Ask the program which activities require attendance and who arranges placements near you.
Should I choose school counseling or clinical mental health counseling?
Choose based on the setting and credential you want. School counseling points toward K-12 work under education rules; clinical mental health counseling points toward clinical practice under professional licensing rules.
Are Tennessee public universities always cheaper than private universities?
Not necessarily for an individual student. Residency-based tuition can favor a public option, while scholarships or a different completion timeline can change the comparison. Request a full program-cost estimate and your own aid offer.
Is a counseling degree worth the investment?
It can be if the program supports your intended credential and its total cost is reasonable relative to your likely career path. Compare debt, time to completion and licensure, existing earnings, and the jobs available where you intend to work.
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