FAQ

We welcome your questions.

Your question and answer not here? See our " Contact Us" page.

• I am interested in becoming a counselor. Why should I go to East Tennessee State University?

  Great question. We are proud of our counseling program and hope you will check out our site and see what we have to offer. Also, check out our "advantages" page. We think you will agree, we have a lot to offer.
• I'm interested in applying for your master's degree, what do I need to do?

  Great! We review applications once a year in the spring and admit people for the summer or fall of that year. The application deadline is February 1st. We require an application, transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation, and a personal statement/essay. The GRE is not required for admission into our counseling program unless your GPA is lower than a 3.0.  For more details visit our Admissions page. You are also encouraged to check out the Graduate Studies website.
• Is your program offered in a fully online format?

  Although we do offer some online courses, our program is primarily on ground, on campus in Johnson City, TN.
• Do you have tuition assistance?

  Yes! There are many opportunities for you to get help with the cost of your graduate education!  At ETSU, we have a number of options that may assist students in keeping the costs of graduate education as minimal as possible. We encourage our students to consider applying for Graduate Assistantships or Tuition Scholarships in addition to other forms of federal financial aid. Also, take a look at scholarships and grants that are offered. More information can be found at the Graduate Studies website.
• Is the GRE required for admission?

  The GRE is not required for either admission into our Master's degree program or the Ed. S. in Counselor Leadership.
• I am interested in becoming a professional counselor, but I'm not sure about concentration? Do I have to decide before I apply?

  The short answer is "yes." We admit people into a concentration, so you will need to choose a concentration when you apply. However, it is possible to change concentrations after you are admitted, with the assistance of your advisor. In addition, although we do not offer dual degrees (i.e., you can only graduate with one concentration), it is possible to take courses that are associated with multiple concentrations and specialty areas. Students can choose to meet requirements for both school counseling and clinical mental health concentrations. Another example is students who wish to pursue an LMFT can take elective courses in couple and family counseling.
• I already have a Master's Degree in Teaching (or Administration), which courses are required to be licensed as a school counselor?

  A Master's degree in School Counseling is required to be a School Counselor (there is not an add-on option in Tennessee). You are welcome to apply to our program and petition to earn a 2nd Master's degree. The curriculum for school counselors is very different than that of teachers or administrators.
• Is a school counselor the same as a guidance counselor?

  Technically, yes. the term "guidance counselor" is outdated although it is not uncommon to hear individuals use the term. It is also common to have positions and job descriptions listed as "Guidance Counselor" even today. The professionally appropriate term is "Professional School Counselor" or "School Counselor" and we continue to advocate for its use today. In fact, in the state of Tennessee there is a regulation that passed in 1999 that the official term be known as "School Counselor."
• I have a Master's degree in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Heath counseling. What would it take to become a school counselor?

  For individuals with a Master's degree in counseling or a related mental health field, you may be able to take the some of the required courses toward a school counselor license. The first step is to look at Tennessee State School Counselor License regulations. You are welcome to contact us for more information.
• If I earn my School Counseling degree at ETSU, can I become a School Counselor in another state?

  It's possible. Upon graduation and application for licensure, our students receive an initial license as a school counselor in TN. Regardless of where you hope to work, this path is recommended because many states have reciprocity with other states so that licenses my "transfer" if requirements are needed. Graduates from the School Counseling program at ETSU are in a good position as we meet or exceed many state requirements including CACREP accreditation, 2 required education courses for any person who does not have a teaching degree/certification, and the requirement to pass the PRAXIS II exam in School Counseling. However, be sure to check with the states in which you are interested to be sure of their requirements. We cannot "guarantee" licensure any other states. Check out the American School Counselor Association for information on School Counselor License requirements for each state.
• I am really interested in working in a higher education setting, but I'm not sure I want to work in a counseling center. Is the clinical mental health concentration with elective coursework in college counseling/student affairs an option for me?

  Yes, it is. Individuals who go through our program are educated to be professional counselors and hold a counseling identity, and counseling knowledge and skills are transferable to many areas of higher education. Examples include career services, TRIO programs, residence life, disability services, campus diversity and multicultural programs, and other student support services. If you have a stronger interest in working in student personal offices (e.g., student activities or financial aid), you may want to look at the Master's Degree in Student Personnel in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis (ELPA) or the Master of Arts Program in Human Services in the Department of Counseling and Human Services to determine which program is a better fit for your interests.