Advantages

Commitment to Excellence

The Counseling program is committed to providing quality education. Our Community Agency, Higher Education, and School Counseling concentrations are accredited by the Council for Counseling and Related Educational Programs ( CACREP).

We maintain appropriate faculty to student ratios and do not have large lecture courses. Courses are capped at 20 students and many courses have fewer than 20 students. We maintain a ratio of 1:6 or fewer in practicum and 1:12 or fewer in internship courses and provide supervision directly to our students. Students are also encouraged to work closely with their advisor in planning their program of study.

Although each of our counseling faculty members have various specialties and interests, the faculty teaches and supervises across concentration areas and focuses on excellence in the preparation of professional counselors regardless of the setting in which they will be employed. We are all committed to excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. As a whole our faculty continue to provide counseling services to people in the community, supervise professional counselors seeking licensure, consult with local and regional agencies, have active research agendas, and are active in presenting at regional, national, and international venues. Please take a look at our faculty on the Meet the Faculty page.

Counseling faculty are committed to creating teaching-learning environments that encourage the active participation of students. The Counseling Program faculty utilize technology, multi-media, and pedagogically effective teaching methodologies in their courses. The Master's degree program is offered face-to-face on the ETSU campus and the Ed.S. in Counselor Leadership is offered online in conjunction with cohort programs.

Options

We offer two Master's Degree concentrations (Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling), opportunities to take specialized coursework in couple and family counseling or higher education, and the post-graduate Counselor Leadership Ed.S. concentration. Students may take coursework that leads to three different licensure options: Licensed Professional Counseling with the Mental Health Services Provider designation (LPC-MHSP), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and/or licensed School Counselor. Master's degree students may change concentrations within the program without going through the readmission process.

 In addition, students may take courses other concentration courses (or add internships) in order to augment their education or work toward become eligible for multiple types of licensure. For example, students who are interested in licensure as both a School Counselor and a Professional Counselor can extend their program of study in order to meet requirements for both.

 Students may engage in full or part-time study. We offer courses throughout the day and evening and many classes are offered in multiple semesters affording students the opportunity to assist in designing their program of study. Full-time students can expect to complete their program of study in 6-8 semesters depending on the number of courses they take each semester. Summer courses are available.

Opportunity

Our students have been very successful in securing Tuition Scholarships, Graduate Assistantships, and scholarships which provide tuition relief in exchange for service. See our Admissions tab for more information.

The Counseling Program has its own clinic ( Community Counseling Clinic) housed in the College of Health Sciences with six individual, group, play therapy, and family rooms available. Rooms are equipped with video/audio equipment for both live observation and supervision as well as recording sessions. Our practicum and internship students provide free counseling services to the community under the supervision of the counseling faculty.

Upon graduation, students meet the eligibility requirements of the National Board of Certified Counselors and may immediately sit for the National Counseling Exam (NCE) to become Nationally Certified Counselors (NCC). This is also a required test for Tennessee Licensure as a Professional Counselor...moving you one-step closer.

Summer courses give students the opportunity to take a variety of courses—from needed core courses to unique electives that are not offered during the fall and spring semesters.

There are a number of options for local practicum and internship placements in a variety of settings with diverse clientele. Often our alumni are able to offer supervision to our current students. In addition, we may be able to place students in other parts of the region or other states if needed.

Advantages of Attending ETSU

Educational supplements and course information are managed by a user-friendly system called "Desire2Learn" (D2L).

The Wayne G. Basler Center for Physical Activity ( CPA) is a 100,000 square foot facility featuring a variety of exercise options. The CPA offers the latest equipment, various courts, an indoor pool, an 1/8 mile track, and much more for students, staff, and faculty to enjoy.

There is always something to do at ETSU. From lectures and free movies to Division 1 sports and over 170 organizations on-campus: there is something for everyone. The University Events page has information on just about everything happening on-campus.

ETSU is located in the northeast corner of Tennessee in Johnson City. At the edge of the Smoky Mountains, ETSU is in a geographic area that has a moderate climate and four seasons. The area offers access to many outdoor activities including hiking, backpacking, camping, rafting, boating, biking, snow and water skiing, golf, etc.

ETSU is surrounded by an area that is rich in the musical tradition. In Johnson City and throughout the region, there is live music to suit any taste.