We have 31 counseling degrees in Tennessee in our directory, with 28 being CACREP-accredited programs.
Tennessee provides a wealth of information for future counselors in the state. Licensure requirements include an accredited graduate degree, a period of supervised experience under a licensed individual, and successful passing of the state board exam.
These requirements allow professionals to treat the public in a knowledgeable and qualified manner. Starting at the beginning, however, prospective students can choose from one of Tennessee's 30 counseling degree programs throughout the state.
Here are a few schools in Tennessee with CACREP-accredited counseling programs:- Austin Peay State University: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S. in School Counseling
- Belmont University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- Carson-Newman University: M.S.C. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S.C. in School Counseling
- East Tennessee State University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling M.A. in School Counseling
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon University
Master's Degree in Counseling
HLC and NASAC Accredited |
✔ 100% Online
Over 14 Specializations Available |
Affordable with No Out of State Tuition Learn More |
| Northwestern University
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
The COAMFTE-accredited [email protected] is offered by The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 21 months. No GRE is required, but applicants must hold an undergraduate degree. Full and part-time tracks available. Learn More |
| University of Southern California
Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling
Prepares you for school counseling credential |
✔ Live, online classes
No GRE requirement |
Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required Learn More |
| Capella University
Master's and PhD in Counseling
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required |
Choose from Addictions, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Human Behavior. Marriage and Family Therapy, or School Counseling specialties Learn More |
| Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
| Pepperdine University
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degrees
LPC/MFT emphases available. |
✔ Online
No GRE Required. Bachelor's Degree Required. |
Choose your path at Pepperdine: pursue licensure as either an LMFT or LPC and serve diverse clients with our online master’s in clinical psychology. GRE scores are not required to apply, and you can earn your degree in as few as 27 months. Take the next step toward creating a positive social impact today. Learn More |
| NYU Steinhardt
Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
 MPCAC Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE not required; Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required |
As few as 21 months to complete Learn More |
| Pepperdine University
Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
|
✔ Online
No GRE Required Bachelor's Degree Required |
Bachelor's holders can prepare to become a licensed professional counselor online. With no GRE scores required to apply, the 24 month online MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine allows you to advance your career and be a catalyst of change. Learn More |
| NYU Steinhardt
Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance: School and Bilingual School Counseling
MPCAC Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's required. GRE scores are not required. |
Prepare to become a school counselor with NYU Steinhardt’s online master’s in Counseling and Guidance program. The online MA degree gives you the knowledge and skills to pursue certification and employment in pre-K–12 schools nationwide in as few as 18 mos. Bachelor’s required: Learn more. GRE scores are not required. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Counseling Programs in Tennessee
There are programs in many different areas, including school counseling and marriage counseling. Each of these paths a specific specialty, allowing for more focused study.
Degree programs in Knoxville and Murfreesboro are especially popular with new students, likely due to the reputation of the universities in these areas. Tennessee is known for its prestigious universities and exceptional instructors.
Online Master of Counseling Degrees in Tennessee
In earlier days, the traditional route to education was the only option for individuals with the desire to become licensed and help others live happy and healthy lives. In society today, students can choose from online Master of Counseling programs in order to maximize their opportunities in their career and enjoy time at home with their families. Online Master of Counseling programs can provide you with supportive resources, communication tools, and virtual testing that you can complete from your own home.
The reliability of online Master of Counseling programs in Tennessee is monitored by accreditation agencies in the field of counseling. The most prominent resource for you to be familiar with to identify accredited schools in your area is the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
This agency is responsible for reviewing the curriculum of a university's counseling program and determining if it meets the standards for licensure within that state. If the program meets all of the necessary components, it can receive accreditation status and be used by students interested in becoming licensed counselors after graduation. Paired with a clinical experience and state examination, an accredited Master of Counseling program online can be a great tool for your success.
Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (NASAC Accredited)
Northwestern University - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE Accredited)
University of Southern California - Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling Capella University - Master's and PhD in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Pepperdine University - Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degrees
NYU Steinhardt - Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MPCAC Accredited)
Career Opportunities as a Counselor
Professional counselors in Tennessee earn on average $39,820 per year. These counselors work in hospitals, schools, their own private practices, and businesses. The increasing acceptance of counseling throughout the country has skyrocketed services over the last 50 years.
More and more people are using services for everything from personal problems to employee relations. With the population of Tennessee at 6.3 million in recent years, the need for more qualified professionals is growing. The ratio of counselors per person in Tennessee is moderate, indicating more counselors are needed to fill the gap.
Those wanting to make a difference in the lives of Tennesseans can find a comfortable career in the field of counseling. The process begins with finding the right accredited college for an education. The job market for counselors in Tennessee is always providing.
Since counseling has grown to be such a reliable source of stress relief and guidance over the years, more people are looking into these services for themselves or their families. For those wanting to be a part of one of the most popular degree programs in the country, counseling is the choice to make.
Tennessee Counseling Licensure: Tennessee Counseling Licensing Boards
Tennessee Counseling Licensure
Board for Professional Counselors, Marital & Family Therapists, and Clinical Pastoral Therapists
227 French Landing, Suite 300
Nashville, TN 37243
615/532-3202, x 25138
800/778-4123, x 25138
https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/pcmft-board.html/
Licensure: Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health Service Provider (LPC/MHSP)
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
School Counseling Licensure
Department of Education Teacher Licensing
Andrew Johnson Tower
710 James Robertson Pkwy.,4th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 532-4885
[email protected]
www.tn.gov/education/lic
School Counselor [PreK-12]
Counseling Career and Licensure Information
Before choosing your college and degree program, you should be current on all of the licensing requirements for professionals within your field. If you live in Tennessee, the agency you should review is the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marital and Family Therapists and Licensed Pastoral Therapists. This office can provide you with the standards for licensure within the state, recommendations for universities with proper accreditation status, and the steps you should take when applying for your license as a counselor.
According to the BLS, average salary for Tennessee professional counselors is around $39,820 annually.
If you are looking for Marriage and Family Therapy programs, go to our guide on MFT programs in Tennessee.Popular Online Counseling Programs
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of Southern California 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Capella University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Doctorate
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Schools With Campus-Based CACREP Accredited Tennessee Counseling Degrees
CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs) is the top accrediting board for counseling programs. Below, you will find a list of all of the CACREP accredited counseling programs in Tennessee. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.
Austin Peay State University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/13/2018 to 10/31/2027
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/13/2018 to 10/31/2027
Belmont University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/18/2018 to 3/31/2028
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/18/2018 to 3/31/2028
Carson-Newman University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
East Tennessee State University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 3/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 3/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 10/1/1997 to 3/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/10/2005 to 3/31/2023
Freed-Hardeman University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year (Interim Report Required)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/18/2018 to 3/31/2022
Johnson University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/7/2015 to 10/31/2024
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/7/2015 to 10/31/2024
Lincoln Memorial University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/15/2012 to 10/31/2021
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/15/2012 to 10/31/2021
Lipscomb University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/10/2013 to 10/31/2022
Middle Tennessee State University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/15/2008 to 3/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 3/1/2000 to 3/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/15/2007 to 3/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/1998 to 3/31/2023
Milligan College
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/13/2018 to 10/31/2021
Southern Adventist University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/9/2013 to 3/31/2021
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/9/2013 to 3/31/2021
Tennessee Technological University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/9/2013 to 3/31/2023
Trevecca Nazarene University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
University of Memphis
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/14/2010 to 10/31/2025
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2014 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/19/2017 to 10/31/2025
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/1/2017 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 5/1/1993 to 10/31/2025
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 5/1/1993 to 10/31/2025
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/5/2010 to 3/31/2021
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 3/1/2002 to 3/31/2021
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1999 to 10/31/2020
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1981 to 10/31/2020
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/1/2004 to 10/31/2020
Vanderbilt University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/15/2012 to 10/31/2021
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 5/1/1998 to 10/31/2021
All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in Tennessee
View all programs in Tennessee below, or jump to all Tennessee CACREP accredited counseling programs.Austin Peay State University Clarksville
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in School Counseling
Belmont University Nashville
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
Carson-Newman University Jefferson City
- M.S.C. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S.C. in School Counseling
East Tennessee State University Johnson City
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
- M.A. in Student Affairs and College Counseling
Freed-Hardeman University Henderson
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Johnson University Knoxville
- Bachelors - Marriage and Family Therapy
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate
- M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
Lipscomb University Nashville
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Maryville College Maryville
- Bachelors - Counseling Psychology
Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro
- M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
- M.Ed./Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed./Ed.S. in School Counseling
Milligan College Milligan
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Southern Adventist University Collegedale
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in School Counseling
Tennessee Technological University Cookeville
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Tennessee Temple University Chattanooga
- Bachelors - Counseling Psychology
Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville
- Doctorate - Clinical Counseling
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.M.F.C./T. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
University of Memphis Memphis
- Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
- Doctorate - School Counseling
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
- M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
- M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- M.S. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Chattanooga
- M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
University of Tennessee at Knoxville Knoxville
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Vanderbilt University Nashville
- M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
