Most Affordable Master’s Degree in Counseling Programs Near Nashville, Tennessee

Trevecca Nazarene University offers a Master of Marriage and Family Counseling, a 60-credit, CACREP-accredited program aimed at preparing students for licensure as LPC-MHSP or LMFT. This on-campus program stands out for its small class sizes and extensive internship opportunities with over 60 partner agencies, fostering hands-on learning. With a tuition rate of $775 per credit hour and a total program cost of $46,500, it presents an affordable option for students seeking quality education in counseling. A GRE score of 290 is recommended for admission, alongside a minimum GPA of 2.7. The program's focus on family systems and evidence-based interventions prepares graduates for diverse counseling settings.

• 60-credit CACREP accredited program
• Prepares for LPC-MHSP/LMFT licensure
• $775 per credit hour
• Total tuition: $46,500
• On-campus face-to-face format
• 60+ internship agency partners
• Small class collaborative learning
• 2.7 GPA minimum requirement
• GRE score of 290 recommended
• Three annual admission cycles

Freed-Hardeman University offers a Master of Science in School Counseling, a hybrid program blending online and web-conferenced classes for flexibility. With a focus on preparing students for Tennessee school counselor licensure, the program emphasizes Christian principles and practical field experiences. The 37-credit curriculum is designed for completion in two years, catering to working professionals. Notable for its affordability at $665 per credit, the program does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible. The integration of faith, experienced faculty, and flexible scheduling options positions this program as a cost-effective choice for aspiring school counselors in Nashville.

• 37 credit hours total
• Hybrid learning format
• Tennessee school counselor licensure
• Full-time or part-time options
• Christian faith integration
• Cost per credit: $665
• Flexible web-conference classes
• Professional experienced faculty
• Two-year completion time

Tennessee State University offers an affordable Master of Science in Professional School Counseling with a concentration in Pre-K-12 School Counseling, designed to prepare culturally competent professionals for diverse educational settings. This program stands out for its focus on prevention and leveraging individual strengths, requiring a 2.75 undergraduate GPA and competitive GRE/MAT scores for admission. As an HBCU with military-friendly policies, it provides a supportive environment for students. The affordability is attributed to its public university status, offering lower tuition rates compared to private institutions, and its commitment to accessible education without the need for a teacher's license.

• Pre-K-12 School Counseling concentration
• Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA
• No teacher's license required
• Culturally aware counseling approach
• Supports diverse student populations

The Masters of Science in Counseling at Tennessee State University, with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, is tailored for those aiming to tackle psychological challenges through a comprehensive two-year curriculum. This program emphasizes multicultural perspectives, professional ethics, and advanced clinical skills, with flexible thesis and non-thesis tracks to suit various career paths. Admission requires competitive entrance exam scores, aligning with its rigorous academic and practical training approach. Its affordability is enhanced by Tennessee State University's status as a public HBCU, offering lower tuition and part-time options, making it a cost-effective choice for aspiring mental health professionals.

• Two-year full-time program
• Evening and part-time options
• Practicum and internship experiences
• Thesis and non-thesis tracks
• Comprehensive counseling curriculum
• Multicultural counseling focus
• Professional ethics training
• Advanced clinical skills development

Lipscomb University's Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT) is a COAMFTE-accredited program designed to prepare students for licensure and a career in systemic therapy. With a 60-credit curriculum, 300 clinical hours, and a focus on cultural competence, this program stands out for its comprehensive training and affordability at $962 per credit hour. The two-year cohort model and specialization options make it an attractive choice for those seeking a faith-based education in Nashville, TN. No entrance exam is required, enhancing accessibility for applicants.

• 60-credit hour comprehensive curriculum
• COAMFTE accredited program
• 300 hours clinical training
• Two-year cohort model
• $962 per credit hour
• Nashville, Tennessee location
• Specialization options available
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Fall 2025 deadline: March 1
• Assistantships available

The School Counseling program at Lipscomb University offers a flexible hybrid format, blending online and in-person learning. With competitive tuition rates starting at $953 per credit hour and no GRE generally required, it's an affordable option for aspiring school counselors. The program focuses on college access strategies and provides practicum and internship opportunities, preparing graduates to support students' academic and career development. A 25% discount for in-service educators further enhances its affordability.

• Hybrid online and in-person format
• 44-38 credit hour program
• $953 per credit hour
• No GRE generally required
• 25% in-service educator discount
• Practicum and internship opportunities
• Focus on college access strategies
• Multiple scholarship opportunities
• Located in Nashville, Tennessee

Lipscomb University's CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers specialized tracks in play therapy and addiction counseling. With small class sizes, a 100% licensure exam pass rate, and 750 clinical supervised hours, students receive personalized mentorship. The program's affordability is highlighted by its $962 per credit tuition, making it a cost-effective choice for those seeking comprehensive training in ethical practice and cultural humility in Nashville, TN.

• CACREP-accredited counseling program
• Two specialized tracks available
• 100% licensure exam pass rate
• 750 clinical supervised hours
• Small class sizes
• 2.5-year in-person program
• 61 total credit hours
• $962 per credit tuition
• Faith-based educational approach
• Multiple internship site options

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Lipscomb University with an Addiction concentration is CACREP-accredited, offering rigorous training for those aiming to become licensed counselors. The program's 61 credit hours, 750 clinical supervised hours, and 100% job placement rate prepare graduates for dual licensing as an LPC-MHSP. At $962 per credit hour, it's an affordable pathway to addressing complex mental health and addiction challenges in a faith-based environment.

• CACREP-accredited program
• Addiction specialization option
• 61 credit hours total
• 2.5 year in-person program
• 100% job placement rate
• $962 per credit hour
• 750 clinical supervised hours
• Faith-based counseling approach
• Nashville campus location
• Multiple specialization tracks

Lipscomb University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program with a Play Therapy specialization is designed for those interested in child-centered therapeutic approaches. CACREP-accredited, it offers 750 clinical hours and meets certification requirements for Registered Play Therapists. With a 100% job placement rate and tuition at $962 per credit hour, this program is an affordable and comprehensive option for aspiring counselors in Nashville, TN, seeking a faith-based education.

• CACREP-accredited program
• Play Therapy specialization offered
• 750 clinical experience hours
• 100% LPC exam pass rate
• $962 per credit hour
• 2.5 year in-person program
• 61 total credit hours
• First faith-based program in TN
• Multiple internship site options
• 100% job placement rate

Austin Peay State University offers an affordable and CACREP-accredited Master's in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling, designed for those aiming to impact K-12 educational settings. The program emphasizes student development, mental health support, and career guidance, preparing graduates for Tennessee educator licensing. With a curriculum that includes a 120-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship, students gain hands-on experience. The program's affordability is attributed to its public university status, offering lower tuition rates, and its military-friendly policies, providing additional financial support options. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible to a broader range of students.

• CACREP-accredited program
• 120-hour practicum included
• 600-hour internship experience
• Meets Tennessee licensing requirements
• Diverse faculty research interests
• 8 core counseling curriculum areas
• Career growth potential
• Supports elementary through high school

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Austin Peay State University is an affordable, CACREP-aligned master's degree preparing students for diverse mental health settings. Focusing on treating conditions like anxiety and depression, the program includes a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship, offering real-world experience. Its affordability stems from the university's public status and military-friendly benefits, alongside no GRE requirement, easing the admission process. Graduates are well-positioned for the growing mental health field, with a 23% job growth projection, ready to serve various populations in community agencies, hospitals, and private practices.

• CACREP-aligned core curriculum
• 100-hour practicum experience
• 600-hour clinical internship
• Diverse mental health settings
• 23% job growth projected
• Multiple specialized coursework options
• Faculty with diverse research expertise

Belmont University's Master of Arts in School Counseling, offered online, is designed for aspiring professionals aiming to impact educational settings positively. This 60-credit hour program focuses on school counseling, preparing graduates to address academic, personal, and social challenges among students from pre-K through 12th grade. With a 100% Praxis Exam pass rate, the program meets Tennessee's licensure requirements, blending theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Affordable tuition and the option for military-friendly benefits make this program accessible. The curriculum includes a professional practicum, ensuring students gain hands-on experience in student assessment and intervention strategies.

• 100% Praxis Exam Pass Rate
• Online Program with Intensives
• Tennessee School Counselor Licensure
• 60 Credit Hour Comprehensive Program
• Professional Practicum Experience

The Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration at Belmont University is a campus-based, CACREP-accredited program. It prepares students for licensure with a comprehensive 60-credit curriculum, including 700 clinical practice hours. Known for its 100% NCE exam pass rate, the program offers a spiritually affirming approach to psychotherapy, emphasizing ethical, culturally sensitive care. Affordable for many, thanks to military-friendly policies and diverse faculty expertise, it prepares graduates for work in clinical facilities, nonprofits, and private practices, blending rigorous training with compassionate care.

• 60-credit hour program
• CACREP accredited program
• 100% NCE exam pass rate
• 700 clinical practice hours
• Multiple specialty tracks
• On-campus instruction
• Spiritually affirming approach
• Diverse faculty
• Nashville-based experiences

Belmont University offers a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling on campus. This 60-credit hour program prepares students for LMFT licensure in Tennessee, focusing on holistic therapy approaches within social and relational contexts. With practical skills development through practicum and internship, the program emphasizes ethical and compassionate care. Affordable tuition and military-friendly benefits enhance accessibility. Graduates are equipped to make a meaningful impact in diverse counseling settings, supported by a curriculum that balances professional ethics with hands-on experience.

• 60 credit hour program.
• Prepares for LMFT licensure.
• Holistic therapy approach.
• Includes practicum and internship.
• On-campus instruction.
• Diverse faculty expertise.
• Focus on social and relational contexts.
• Ethical and compassionate care.
• Practical skills development.
• Prepares for diverse counseling settings.

The Clinical Pastoral Therapy concentration within Belmont University's Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling program offers a unique blend of spiritual insight and psychological healing. This 60-credit, CACREP-accredited program includes 700 clock hours of clinical experience, preparing students for Tennessee licensure. On-campus instruction by diverse faculty ensures a comprehensive understanding of ethically integrating faith into therapy. Affordable options, including military-friendly benefits, make this program accessible to those seeking to work in faith-based counseling centers, psychiatric hospitals, and private practices, emphasizing transformative therapeutic techniques and diverse perspectives.

• 60-credit hour master's program
• Spiritually affirming psychotherapy
• Multiple specialty tracks available
• CACREP accredited program
• On-campus instruction method
• 700 clock hours clinical experience
• Tennessee licensure preparation
• Diverse faculty with clinical experience

Vanderbilt University's M.Ed. in Human Development Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling is a 60-credit, campus-based program designed for aspiring school counselors. It offers a comprehensive curriculum covering counseling techniques, educational psychology, and support for diverse populations. A standout feature is the full-year internship in various school settings, providing hands-on experience. The program boasts a 100% job placement rate and exam pass record, highlighting its effectiveness. With a focus on ethical practices and specialized coursework in areas like career development, it prepares graduates for impactful roles in education. The program is affordable due to Vanderbilt's financial aid options and military-friendly policies.

• 60-credit hour program
• Full-year school internship
• 100% job placement rate
• Campus-based instruction
• Comprehensive counseling curriculum
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Diverse specialized coursework
• Ethical counseling practices focus

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track at Vanderbilt University is a rigorous 60-credit-hour master's program that prepares students for advanced counseling roles. It features a three-semester internship across diverse mental health settings, offering real-world experience. The program is known for its 100% credentialing exam pass rate and near-perfect job placement success. Courses cover a wide range of clinical topics, supported by faculty research. Affordable aspects include financial aid opportunities and military-friendly benefits. This program does not explicitly require an entrance exam, making it accessible to a broader range of applicants.

• 60-credit hour comprehensive program
• Three-semester supervised internship
• 100% credentialing exam pass rate
• Multiple mental health setting placements
• 99% job placement success
• Diverse clinical course offerings
• Expert faculty research focus
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement