School Counseling
Master of Arts | Education Specialist
School counselors help students deal with personal and academic problems and choices. This program gives you the competencies you need to work with children at the elementary and secondary level.
The counseling and consultation skills you gain will allow you to help diverse individuals and groups deal with a wide range of personal, social, and academic issues.
Licensure as a school counselor requires an additional step after earning a master's degree. It is possible to earn this master's degree and not be eligible for licensure. Licensure as a school counselor is a standard-based process.*
The standards are mandated by the state board of education. These requirements may be fulfilled in our program by taking the appropriate courses, transferring courses, or life experiences/ independent study.
*Licensure also requires successful completion of the guidance section of the Praxis examination.
Annual Reports
Comprehensive Annual evaluation Information
Concentration Leader
Dr. Mark Loftis / 931-372-3209 / mloftis@tntech.edu
Mission Statement
The Master of Arts Degree in School Counseling is designed to prepare professionals to provide school counseling services in educational settings. This master's degree program is specifically for individuals who possess at least a bachelor's degree and are interested in becoming school counselors. Students are required to complete 60 hours of coursework specifically related to school counseling.
Program Objectives
Education of Counseling Students
1) To educate and prepare School Counseling students who meet all Tennessee standards for licensure as School Counselors.
2) To provide training across the 8 common core areas as identified by CACREP. These are: Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice, Social and Cultural Diversity, Human Growth & Development, Career Development, Counseling and Helping Relationships, Group Counseling and Group Work, Assessment and Testing, Research and Program Evaluation.
3) To promote key stakeholders’ confidence in the School Counseling program’s ability to train students in the skills and dispositions of professional counselors.
Advancement of Program Excellence
1) Promote professional school counselor identity with students through involvement in professional counseling organizations.
2) That our faculty contribute to the field of Counseling, Counselor Education, and School Counseling at the national level through publications, presentations, and membership in professional counseling organizations and service.
3) To obtain and maintain CACREP accreditation for our School Counseling program.
Community Service
1) To provide service to school counseling interns in various school settings in the Upper Cumberland area.
2) To provide service to the greater Upper Cumberland area through Continuing Education workshops, pro bono presentations, and consultation.
3) Provide service to the school counseling profession.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The counseling programs at Tennessee Tech University are devoted to promoting an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion for all students and faculty. We believe this can occur through 1) establishing an environment of mutual respect that encourages an open exchange of ideas and perspectives through constructive dialog and 2) maintaining a learning environment that is free from harassment and discrimination.
Consistent with the core values of professional counseling, Tech strives to promote an understanding of culture and human development, avoid harm and imposing of values, and support social justice advocacy at individual, group, institutional, and societal levels to address issues that obstruct advancement and progress. We desire for all students and faculty to feel welcome.
Praxis, Licensure Standards, Verification Form
School counselor candidates who do not have teaching experience are required to participate in a semester-long orientation experience, in a school setting. A verification form indicates that you meet the standards mandated by the Tennessee State Board of Education.
Mapping of Assessment Measures on Course Goals
MORE INFORMATION
931-372-3457
edcp@tntech.edu
