What you’ll learn in this article…
- Five master's counseling programs in Tennessee currently hold active CACREP accreditation, a key factor for LPC-MHSP licensure.
- Annual tuition at ranked Tennessee programs ranges from roughly $8,300 at public universities to over $30,000 at private institutions.
- Tennessee LPC-MHSP licensure requires a graduate degree plus supervised clinical hours governed by the state licensing board.
- Several top ranked programs have dropped the GRE requirement, widening access for nontraditional applicants across the state.
Tennessee's mental health workforce shortages are pushing demand for licensed counselors higher, making a master's in the field a practical career move. But the cost of getting there varies wildly. After factoring in grants and scholarships, some CACREP-accredited programs on this list leave graduates with less than $11,000 in total net tuition, while others exceed $33,000. That spread isn't small change; it's a years-long financial difference. Add in choices about online versus hybrid delivery, specialization tracks like masters in addiction counseling, and the licensure pathway you commit to, and the program you pick shapes your earning potential and professional flexibility from day one.
Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Tennessee
The programs below reflect the master's-level counseling options in Tennessee that pair strong licensure preparation with formats designed for real life. You will see fully online school counseling degrees, hybrid clinical mental health programs, and a few focused certificates that can shorten the path to practice. Each profile pulls together curriculum details, practical training expectations, and federal outcome data so you can compare on the factors that matter most to you.
Factors considered
- CACREP accreditation status
- Program delivery flexibility
- Cost and financial value
- Graduation and retention
- Earnings and debt outcomes
- Program-level records maintained in house
- National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
- Federal College Scorecard outcomes data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- CACREP accreditation directories — cacrep.org
The University of Tennessee-Martin
This fully online, CACREP-accredited M.S.Ed. in Counseling focuses on preparing ethical school counselors for K-12 settings. Students move through counseling theory, crisis intervention, group dynamics, and classroom management while completing supervised practicum and internships. Flexible tracks include the full 60-credit degree or a 30-credit licensure only route, and each student gets a faculty advisor with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. Institution-wide federal data show a graduation rate near 53%, median former-student earnings near $44,000, and median federal debt near $21,000.
- CACREP and CAEP accredited
- 60 total credit hours
- Fully online coursework
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio
- Full degree and 30-credit licensure only tracks
- Prepares for Praxis Professional School Counselor
- Personal interview with faculty
- Faculty advisor assigned to each student
School Counseling (M.S.Ed.), Master's — Online
Johnson University
This CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling master's also prepares graduates for marriage and family therapy licensure. Its 63-credit curriculum requires 1,000 clinical contact hours, with practicum placements on campus and internships in community settings. The hybrid design combines online coursework with two weekend residencies per term and supports completion in 2.5 to 5 years. Institution-wide federal data show a graduation rate near 57%, median former-student earnings near $40,600, and median federal debt near $21,500.
- CACREP accredited
- 63 total credit hours
- 1,000 clinical contact hours
- Leads to LPC and MFT licensure paths
- Hybrid with two weekend residencies per term
- Complete in 2.5 to 5 years
- Faculty members are AAMFT approved supervisors
- Practicum on campus, internships off campus
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.), Master's — Hybrid
Lincoln Memorial University
One hybrid M.Ed. in Professional Counseling supports two CACREP-accredited concentrations: PreK-12 school counseling and clinical mental health counseling. Depending on concentration, students complete school-focused internships or clinical hours leading toward Tennessee LPC-MHSP licensure, with preparation for the NCE and NCMHCE built into the mental health track. The program reports licensure pass rates and job or doctoral placement rates in the 91 to 100% range. Institution-wide federal data show a graduation rate near 50%, median former-student earnings near $50,000, and median federal debt near $20,000.
- CACREP accredited
- Concentration in PreK-12 school counseling
- Rolling admissions
- Thesis or capstone option
- 91 to 100% licensure pass rate
- 91 to 100% job or doctoral placement
- Faculty advisor and conference research
- CACREP accredited
- Concentration in mental health counseling
- 700 clinical hours
- Prepares for NCE and NCMHCE
- Prepares for Tennessee LPC-MHSP licensure
- Hybrid online and in-person format
School Counseling (M.Ed.), Master's — Hybrid
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.Ed.), Master's — Hybrid
Freed-Hardeman University
School counseling candidates can finish in two years through this 37-credit, 12-course hybrid degree, one of Tennessee's most compact licensure pathways. Web-conference classes run synchronously and asynchronously, while only three weekends on campus are required. The degree leads to Tennessee K-12 school counselor licensure, and tuition is listed at $700 per credit with no application fee. Institution-wide federal data show a graduation rate near 71%, median former-student earnings near $47,500, and median federal debt near $21,500.
- $700 per credit tuition
- 37 total credit hours
- 12 total courses
- Full-time and part-time options
- Synchronous and asynchronous coursework
- Three weekends on campus required
- No application fee
- Leads to Tennessee K-12 licensure
School Counseling (M.S.), Master's — Hybrid
Lipscomb University
This school counseling master's is built for working education professionals, with online coursework reinforced by in-person sessions at Nashville-area locations. The curriculum emphasizes college access and student success, and practicum and internship placements are part of the plan. Scholarships for current educators and alumni, plus Yellow Ribbon program eligibility, ease the cost of the $953 per credit tuition. Institution-wide federal data show a graduation rate near 72%, median former-student earnings near $55,500, and median federal debt near $19,500.
- $953 per credit tuition
- $50 application fee
- Hybrid online and Nashville classroom
- Focus on college access and success
- Practicum and internship placements
- Scholarships for current educators and alumni
- Yellow Ribbon program eligible
- One recommendation required
School Counseling (M.Ed.), Master's — Hybrid
Milligan University
This 60-credit CACREP-accredited mental health counseling master's anchors a small, faith-based counseling unit with a general track and an addictions counseling concentration that can lead to LADAC II licensure. Nine credit hours are clinical, and program-reported outcomes show a 100% licensure pass rate and a 100% employment rate among job-seeking graduates. Students can also take advantage of locked tuition and early acceptance pathways. Institution-wide federal data show a graduation rate near 63%, median former-student earnings near $46,600, and median federal debt near $25,200.
- CACREP accredited
- 60 total credit hours
- General and addictions counseling concentrations
- Addictions track qualifies for LADAC II licensure
- Nine credit hours of clinical experience
- 100% licensure pass rate reported
- 100% job placement for job-seeking graduates reported
- Christian integration throughout curriculum
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.), Master's — Hybrid
East Tennessee State University
This online 12-credit graduate certificate is a fast, low-cost entry point into clinical addiction counseling for students who already hold a behavioral health bachelor's degree. The mostly asynchronous program can be completed in about one year, costs $672 per credit for Tennessee residents, and requires no campus visits. Credits can transfer into the university's Master of Social Work. Institution-wide federal data show a graduation rate near 53%, median former-student earnings near $44,900, and median federal debt near $19,400.
- 12 total credit hours
- One-year completion possible
- Mostly asynchronous courses
- No on-campus requirements
- $672 per credit for Tennessee residents
- Credits transfer into the MSW
- Simultaneous graduate enrollment possible
- Prepares for state addiction counseling licensure
Clinical Addiction Counseling Studies (Graduate Certificate) — Online
Southern Adventist University
This university offers an unusually broad counseling portfolio: CACREP-accredited school counseling and clinical mental health counseling master's, plus a biblical counseling concentration within a Master of Ministry. The mental health and school tracks both emphasize 700 clock hours of clinical training, with school counseling positioned for Tennessee certification and the mental health track aimed at LPC licensure. The ministry route integrates faith with clinical skills and offers free tuition to eligible church employees. Institution-wide federal data show a graduation rate near 49%, median former-student earnings near $53,700, and median federal debt near $24,500.
- CACREP accredited
- 50 total credit hours
- 700 clock hours in public school settings
- Prepares for Praxis II
- Collaboration with teachers, families, and community providers
- Positions graduates for K-12 school counseling
- CACREP accredited
- 60 total credit hours
- 700 clock hours of clinical training
- Prepares for National Counselor Examination
- Tennessee LPC licensure preparation
- Careers in clinics, substance abuse treatment, and private practice
- Master of Ministry concentration
- Blends religion, psychology, and social work
- Free tuition for eligible church employees
- Gospel-centered alongside clinical counseling
School Counseling (M.S.), Master's — Hybrid
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.), Master's — Hybrid
Biblical Counseling (M.Min.)
Belmont University
This 60-credit M.A. counseling program with a school counseling concentration combines online learning with one weekend intensive per semester, a structure popular with working teachers in the Nashville region. The program reports a 100% Praxis pass rate, and field placements are arranged through Nashville's healthcare and school communities. Four concentration options exist within the broader counseling master's sequence. Institution-wide federal data show a graduation rate near 71%, median former-student earnings near $55,900, and median federal debt near $20,500.
- 60 total credit hours
- 700 clinical clock hours
- Online with weekend intensives
- 100% Praxis pass rate reported
- Christian foundations integrated
- Four concentration options in the program family
- Clinical placements in Nashville healthcare community
- Interprofessional simulation experiences
School Counseling Concentration (M.A.), Master's — Online
How We Ranked Tennessee Counseling Programs
Transparency matters when you are choosing a graduate program, and the methodology behind any ranking should be easy to understand. Many competing lists for counseling programs in Tennessee offer no explanation of how schools were selected or ordered. That lack of clarity makes it impossible to know whether a ranking reflects genuine value or editorial preference. Here, we take a different approach.
Affordability as the Primary Lens
Net price and financial aid availability carry the heaviest weight in our rankings. We prioritize these factors because affordability is consistently one of the top concerns prospective counseling students raise, and because lower debt loads after graduation give new counselors more flexibility in choosing where and how they practice. Programs that keep costs manageable, whether through competitive tuition, generous institutional aid, or both, rise to the top of this list.
Online and Hybrid Delivery
Every program featured in our rankings offers online or hybrid coursework, meaning you can complete a significant portion of your degree through distance-friendly formats. We filtered specifically for these delivery modes so the list stays relevant to working professionals, career changers, and students who may not live near a Tennessee campus. If you are also exploring national options, our guide to the best masters in mental health counseling programs can help you compare Tennessee schools against a broader field.
Data Sources and Their Limits
Our analysis draws on publicly available institutional data from the College Scorecard and IPEDS. It is important to understand that metrics like graduation rates and post-graduation earnings reflect school-wide outcomes, not figures specific to a counseling master's program. Program-level earnings data for many graduate programs is not yet available through federal reporting. We flag this distinction so you can use the data appropriately rather than assuming it describes counseling graduates alone.
Why This Matters
If a ranking does not tell you how it was built, you have no way to evaluate whether the results align with your priorities. By making our criteria visible, especially our emphasis on affordability and delivery format, we give you the context to decide whether this list fits your needs or whether you should weigh other factors more heavily in your own search.
CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs in Tennessee
Five master's-level counseling programs in Tennessee currently hold active CACREP accreditation, a credential that carries real weight when you apply for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider (LPC-MHSP) designation in the state.
Why CACREP Accreditation Matters in Tennessee
Tennessee's LPC-MHSP licensure board recognizes CACREP-accredited programs as meeting the educational standards required for clinical practice. Graduating from a CACREP-accredited program also gives you portability: if you relocate after graduation, most other states either require or strongly prefer CACREP credentials for licensure. Choosing a non-CACREP program is not automatically disqualifying, but it can create additional documentation burdens during the licensure process and may limit your options if you later move.
Currently Accredited Programs
The following programs held active CACREP accreditation through the 2025-2026 academic cycle, based on the CACREP program directory:
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville: School Counseling track. Accredited since October 1982, with the current accreditation term running through October 2028.1 One of the longest-standing CACREP programs in the state.
- East Tennessee State University: Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Active accreditation status confirmed for 2025-2026.2 ETSU also offers additional counseling tracks; prospective students should verify the specific track's accreditation status directly with the program.
- Freed-Hardeman University: Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Accredited since July 2018, with the current term running through March 2028.
- Johnson University: M.A. in Counseling. Accreditation reaffirmed with a term extending to 2034, one of the longer windows among Tennessee programs.4
- Trevecca Nazarene University: Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Active CACREP accreditation confirmed for 2025-2026.5 Specific renewal dates were not available at publication; confirm the current term directly with the program or through the CACREP directory at cacrep.org.
Research Gaps and What to Verify
CACREP accreditation terms change, and some programs in Tennessee have historically held accreditation that later lapsed or entered a pending review cycle. The list above reflects confirmed status for the current period, but it may not capture every program in the state. Before you apply, check the CACREP directory directly to confirm a program's standing, particularly for programs that advertise accreditation without specifying an expiration date. A program in candidacy or pending status does not carry the same guarantees as full accreditation, and that distinction matters when you sit for licensure. If you are still exploring clinical mental health counseling online programs, compare CACREP-accredited options across states to ensure you find the best fit.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you need a fully online program, or can you commit to weekend or evening intensives on campus?
Are you targeting LPC-MHSP licensure, or school counseling certification?
What is your realistic monthly tuition budget while working?
Online Vs. On-Campus Counseling Programs in Tennessee
Choosing between online and on-campus delivery is one of the first decisions you will face when applying to a counseling master's program in Tennessee. Every ranked program on this page offers online or hybrid coursework, but one universal rule applies: clinical fieldwork hours, typically 600 or more, must be completed in person regardless of format. Hybrid models, which combine weekend residencies with online coursework, have become a popular middle ground at several Tennessee institutions.
- Flexible scheduling lets working professionals complete coursework evenings and weekends without relocating closer to campus.
- Online tuition often carries a lower effective cost once you factor in eliminated commuting, parking, and housing expenses.
- Students anywhere in Tennessee can access top CACREP accredited programs without being limited to schools in their metro area.
- Hybrid models with periodic weekend residencies offer structured face time while preserving most of the flexibility of online learning.
- Recorded lectures and asynchronous discussions let students review material at their own pace, which can deepen comprehension.
- Practicum and internship hours still require supervised, in person clinical placements in your local community, which you must arrange yourself in many cases.
- Spontaneous peer networking and informal mentorship happen less naturally online, requiring extra effort to build professional relationships.
- Self discipline demands are higher because online learners must manage their own schedules without the external structure of a physical classroom.
- Some students find it harder to practice counseling micro skills, such as nonverbal observation, through a screen before entering fieldwork.
- Limited access to on campus resources like counseling labs, libraries, and career services may affect the overall student experience.
Tuition and Financial Aid for Tennessee Counseling Programs
The cost gap between public and private counseling programs in Tennessee is significant, but net price tells a more realistic story than sticker tuition. The figures below reflect each institution's average net price after grants and scholarships, paired with the median debt graduates carry. Keep in mind that net price is an institutional average across all students and aid packages, not a guaranteed quote for your situation. Program-level earnings and debt outcomes are not yet available for these specific counseling programs, so the debt figures shown are institution-wide medians.
Tennessee LPC-MHSP Licensure Requirements
Earning your Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider (LPC-MHSP) designation in Tennessee follows a clearly defined pathway set by the TN Board of Licensed Professional Counselors. As of the 2025-2026 rules, candidates must complete a graduate degree, accumulate supervised clinical experience, and pass national and state examinations. A temporary practice permit is available during the supervised experience phase, allowing candidates to practice under supervision while accruing hours. The application fee for the temporary permit is $360, and the full LPC-MHSP application fee is $210.
Counseling Specializations Available in Tennessee
A counseling specialization is the focused track within your master's degree that determines the population you serve, the settings you work in, and the license you ultimately pursue. Tennessee programs offer several distinct pathways, and understanding how they differ will help you choose the one that aligns with your career goals. For a broader look at how counseling specializations compare nationally, start there before drilling into Tennessee-specific options.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
This is the most common track at Tennessee universities. Programs typically require 60 to 61 semester hours and prepare graduates to pursue LPC and, ultimately, LPC-MHSP licensure.1 Career settings include private practices, community mental health centers, hospitals, and substance abuse treatment facilities. The curriculum covers psychopathology, crisis intervention, group counseling, and evidence-based therapeutic techniques.
School Counseling
School counseling tracks also run about 61 semester hours, but the credential at the end is a Tennessee School Counselor license rather than an LPC.2 Graduates work in K-12 settings, guiding students through academic planning, social-emotional development, and college or career readiness. If you later decide you want to practice clinical counseling outside a school, you would typically need additional coursework and supervised hours to qualify for the LPC pathway.
Marriage and Family Therapy
MFT programs train students to treat relational and systemic issues, working with couples and families rather than focusing solely on individuals. The licensure endpoint in Tennessee is the LMFT, which operates under a separate board and set of supervised-experience requirements from the LPC-MHSP. Graduates often work in family service agencies, faith-based counseling centers, and private practice. Because MFT programs may carry a different accreditation standard, understanding the difference between COAMFTE vs. CACREP accreditation is worth your time.
Child and Adolescent Counseling
Because this page spotlights the child counseling category, it is worth noting which Tennessee programs offer dedicated child or adolescent coursework. Child and adolescent tracks generally fall under the clinical mental health counseling umbrella, requiring 60 to 61 semester hours and leading to LPC or LPC-MHSP licensure.3
What sets them apart is specialized training in developmental considerations, play therapy, trauma-informed care for minors, and family systems work.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga incorporates child and adolescent coursework into its Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.4 Lipscomb University goes a step further with a distinct Play Therapy Specialization within its clinical mental health degree, preparing graduates for the LPC-MHSP credential while building competency in one of the most widely used modalities for younger clients.5
Choosing the Right Track
A few practical questions can narrow your decision:
- Preferred population: Do you see yourself working primarily with children, couples, or a general adult caseload?
- Work setting: Schools require the school counselor credential; community agencies and private practice generally require the LPC-MHSP or LMFT.
- Licensure timeline: LPC-MHSP and LMFT each carry their own post-master's supervised hours, so factor that into your planning.
If child and adolescent work appeals to you but a dedicated concentration is not available at your preferred school, look for elective courses in play therapy, child psychopathology, or adolescent development. Many clinical mental health programs allow enough elective flexibility to build informal expertise even without a named specialization.
GRE Requirements and Admission Trends at Tennessee Counseling Programs
The contrast between programs that require standardized testing and those that have dropped the requirement entirely defines much of the current admissions landscape for counseling master's programs in Tennessee. Over the past several years, a growing number of graduate programs have moved toward test-optional or test-free policies, and counseling programs are no exception. Understanding where each school stands before you apply can save considerable time and stress.
The Shift Away from the GRE
Many Tennessee counseling programs have reduced or eliminated GRE requirements in recent admissions cycles. The rationale is straightforward: research consistently shows that GRE scores are weak predictors of success in professional counseling programs, and the test can create unnecessary barriers for strong candidates. Programs at institutions such as East Tennessee State University, Austin Peay State University, Lipscomb University, and Trevecca Nazarene University have each adjusted their admissions criteria in recent years, though policies can change cycle to cycle.
Because policies shift, you should not rely on secondhand summaries. Visit the official graduate admissions page for each program you are considering and check for the most current requirements for the 2025-2026 cycle. If a program's website is ambiguous, contact the admissions office or the departmental graduate coordinator directly by phone or email. Ask specifically whether a test-optional policy applies to all applicants or only to those who meet a certain GPA threshold.
GPA Minimums and Other Requirements
Most Tennessee counseling programs set a minimum undergraduate GPA in the range of 2.75 to 3.0, though competitive applicants typically present higher averages. Beyond GPA, common requirements include:
- Letters of recommendation: Usually two or three, ideally from academic or clinical supervisors.
- Personal statement: Reviewers look for clarity of purpose, self-awareness, and genuine motivation for the profession.
- Resume or curriculum vitae: Relevant experience in mental health, social services, or education strengthens an application.
- Interview: Some programs, including those at Vanderbilt's Peabody College and the University of Memphis, conduct formal interviews as part of the selection process.
Where to Find Reliable, Current Information
For state-level employment context to support your application narrative, the Bureau of Labor Statistics at BLS.gov publishes occupational outlook data that can inform your personal statement and career goals. For a complete list of accredited programs, the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) maintains a searchable directory on its website. If you are also exploring counseling graduate certificate options to complement your degree, several accredited programs offer flexible online formats.
Professional organizations such as the American Counseling Association and the Tennessee Counseling Association also publish resources on application trends, ethical standards, and career development. Staying connected to these organizations early signals to admissions committees that you are engaged with the profession beyond the classroom.
Easiest Counseling Programs to Get Into in Tennessee
Which Tennessee counseling programs have the most accessible admission requirements? Several CACREP-accredited programs in the state have eliminated the GRE requirement entirely or offer flexible pathways for candidates with modest undergraduate GPAs, making graduate counseling education achievable for a wider pool of applicants.
It's important to clarify what "easiest" means in this context. No reputable counseling program admits students who cannot succeed in rigorous graduate coursework or meet state licensure standards. Instead, these programs use holistic review processes that evaluate work experience, personal statements, and interviews alongside academic records, rather than relying exclusively on test scores or a single GPA cutoff. They recognize that traditional metrics don't always predict clinical competence or professional success.
Programs with No GRE Requirement
Several Tennessee counseling programs have dropped the GRE entirely for all applicants. The University of Tennessee at Knoxville's MS in Counseling does not require the GRE, though it does use a competitive two-step admission process that includes a written application and an interview.1 Lipscomb University's School Counseling programs (M.Ed. and Ed.S.) similarly waive the GRE and use a holistic review model that considers the full applicant profile. The University of Tennessee at Martin's fully online M.S. in Education, School Counseling concentration eliminates standardized testing as an admission barrier while maintaining CACREP and CAEP accreditation.
Flexible GPA Minimums and Conditional Admission
Trevecca Nazarene University's M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling sets a minimum GPA requirement of 2.7, lower than many graduate programs that demand 3.0 or higher.3 The program also offers conditional admission pathways for applicants who fall below standard cutoffs but demonstrate potential through other means. While Trevecca does require the GRE, the minimum combined score of 290 is attainable for most test-takers, and waivers are available under certain conditions.3 Prospective students considering a career change to mental health counseling may find these more flexible entry points especially valuable.
What to Expect from Access-Oriented Programs
Programs with more accessible admission standards typically maintain rigorous academic expectations once students enroll. UT Martin's 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports smaller cohorts and personalized mentoring. Lipscomb's hybrid format allows working professionals to complete coursework while maintaining employment. Applicants should prepare strong personal statements that articulate their commitment to the counseling profession and any relevant volunteer or work experience in helping fields, as these components often carry significant weight in holistic reviews.
Counselor Salary Outlook in Tennessee
What can you realistically expect to earn as a licensed counselor in Tennessee? Salary is a practical concern for any graduate student weighing program costs against future income, and Tennessee's counseling wage landscape reflects both regional cost-of-living advantages and below-national-median pay scales.
Tennessee Counselor Wages Compared to National Benchmarks
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, mental health and substance abuse counselors in Tennessee earned a median annual wage of $49,280 in 2023.1 That figure sits well below the national median of $59,190 for the same combined occupation category in 2024.2 The 10th percentile in Tennessee started at $30,890, while the 90th percentile reached $75,240.2 Nationally, the 10th percentile was $39,090 and the 90th percentile was $98,210.2 The gap is consistent across the distribution: Tennessee counselors typically earn about 15 to 20 percent less than their national counterparts, but the state's lower housing and living costs help offset that difference for many practitioners.
Regional Wage Variations Across Tennessee Metro Areas
Within Tennessee, counselor salaries vary by metro area, though detailed breakdowns by city for this combined occupation are not consistently published in recent BLS reports.3 Anecdotally, Nashville and Memphis tend to offer higher wages due to larger populations, more agency employers, and greater demand for specialized services. Knoxville and Chattanooga follow closely, with robust community mental health systems and hospital-based counseling roles. Counselors in rural counties or smaller towns often earn at or below the state median, though some find lower practice overhead and stronger community ties offset the pay difference.
Earnings Potential for Program Completers
Institutional median earnings for graduates of the ranked Tennessee programs are not yet available in the College Scorecard dataset for counseling-specific degree programs. However, the overall 10th percentile institutional earnings for universities like Belmont ($55,930) and Lipscomb ($55,541) suggest that completers across all programs at these schools tend to command competitive salaries. Keep in mind these figures reflect all graduates from the institution, not counseling majors alone, so they serve as broad context rather than program-specific guarantees.
When Counselors Earn Above the Median
Licensed Professional Counselors with Mental Health Service Provider designation (LPC-MHSP) in private practice, or those working in specialized niches such as childhood trauma counseling, addiction treatment, or employee assistance programs, frequently earn above the state median. Supervisory roles, clinical directorships, and contract positions with school systems or telehealth companies also push earnings into the upper percentiles. Exploring broader counseling careers can help you identify which specializations command premium pay in your area. Building a full caseload in private practice and accepting insurance panels or offering sliding-scale fees can yield annual incomes in the $60,000 to $75,000 range or higher, particularly in Nashville and Memphis markets.
Several of the top ranked counseling programs on this list carry CACREP accreditation, charge tuition well below the national average, and produce graduates who earn above Tennessee's state median for counselors. Affordability and strong career outcomes are not mutually exclusive in Tennessee's counseling landscape, so cost alone should never be the reason you rule out a quality program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Programs in Tennessee
Below are answers to some of the most common questions prospective students ask about pursuing a master's in counseling in Tennessee. For deeper detail on any topic, refer to the corresponding sections earlier in this article.
- What are the best CACREP-accredited counseling programs in Tennessee?
- Tennessee is home to several well-regarded CACREP-accredited programs, including those at Vanderbilt University, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, the University of Memphis, and East Tennessee State University. CACREP accreditation is especially important in Tennessee because the state licensing board requires graduation from a CACREP-accredited program (or its equivalent) for LPC-MHSP licensure. Our ranking earlier in this article evaluates these programs on accreditation, affordability, and student outcomes.
- How do I become a licensed professional counselor in Tennessee?
- To earn a Licensed Professional Counselor, Mental Health Service Provider (LPC-MHSP) credential in Tennessee, you must complete a 60-credit-hour master's degree from a CACREP-accredited program, accumulate 3,000 hours of supervised post-graduate clinical experience, and pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). The licensure requirements section of this article outlines each step in detail.
- How long does it take to get a master's in counseling in Tennessee?
- Most master's in counseling programs in Tennessee require 60 semester hours, which full-time students typically complete in two to three years. Programs that include a practicum and internship built into the curriculum may run closer to three years. Part-time and online students may take longer, sometimes up to four years, depending on course load and clinical placement scheduling.
- Can I get a master's in counseling online in Tennessee?
- Yes, several Tennessee universities offer online or hybrid master's in counseling programs. Schools such as Trevecca Nazarene University and Lincoln Memorial University provide flexible online formats, though most programs still require in-person components for practicum and internship hours. If you choose an online program based outside Tennessee, confirm that it holds CACREP accreditation and that clinical placements can be arranged within the state.
- What is the difference between clinical mental health counseling and school counseling?
- Clinical mental health counseling prepares you to diagnose and treat mental health disorders in settings like private practices, community agencies, and hospitals. School counseling focuses on academic, social, and emotional development within K-12 school systems. The licensure paths also differ: clinical mental health graduates typically pursue the LPC-MHSP, while school counseling graduates seek a Tennessee Department of Education school counselor license. Our specializations section covers additional tracks available in Tennessee.
- Do counseling programs in Tennessee require the GRE?
- GRE requirements vary by program. Several Tennessee institutions, including some at the University of Memphis and Middle Tennessee State University, have moved toward GRE-optional or GRE-waived admissions in recent years. Other programs, such as those at Vanderbilt, may still require standardized test scores. Check each school's current admissions page, and refer to the GRE and admission trends section of this article for a broader overview.
- How much does a master's in counseling cost in Tennessee?
- Tuition varies widely. Public universities such as the University of Memphis and Austin Peay State University may offer total program costs in the range of roughly $20,000 to $35,000 for in-state students, while private institutions like Vanderbilt can exceed $100,000. Many students offset costs through graduate assistantships, federal loans, and scholarships. Our tuition and financial aid section breaks down estimated costs and funding strategies in more detail.
