Graduate studies in Counseling
Graduate Studies In Counseling
“One of the things I appreciate the most about FHU is that the professors are very competent. They know their craft very well but they’re also easily accessible to the student. One of the best things FHU has given me that I will cherish the most is that they’ve taught me how to truly learn. I’ll carry that with me for the rest of my life.” – Cole Wade | M.S. Counseling Student
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At a Glance
GRE/GMAT Required
Tuition discounts available*
$ per credit hour with no fees
Flexible Coursework
Take a look at the following programs being offered for Graduate Studies in Counseling
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
For those pursuing an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, the future holds vast opportunities. This program integrates elements of the core mental health professionals with principles of the Christian faith to produce graduates ready for the clinical practice of professional mental health counseling. Upon completion of the program and receiving your license, you can choose to specialize in certain areas such as marriage and family therapy, addictions therapy, and much more!
Our students typically complete the entire program, including internship hours, in about 2.5 to 3 years. However, you can choose to enroll part-time and slow things down or enroll full-time and speed the process up.
Admission Requirements:
To be considered for admission into the M.A.T. program at FHU, please submit the following:
- Free online application
- Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate degrees
- Must have the equivalent of 12 semester hours in Behavioral Science (Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Anthropology, Family Studies) at the undergraduate level with a minimum GPA of 3.00
- Submit an essay of personal goals and how FHU will contribute to those goals (300-500 words).
- Interview with the Counseling Admissions Committee
- Copy of Photo ID
Counseling Core (28 hours):
| COU 000 | Orientation to Graduate Studies in Counseling | 1 hour |
| COU 501 | Clinical Intervention I | 3 |
| COU 505 | Life-Cycle Development | 3 |
| COU 510 | Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy | 3 |
| COU 520 | Assessment in Counseling | 3 |
| COU 530 | Group Counseling | 3 |
| COU 535 | Ethical Issues in Counseling | 3 |
| COU 540 | Research Methods in Counseling | 3 |
| COU 550 | Career Counseling | 3 |
| COU 560 | Counseling Diverse Populations | 3 |
Exit Requirements:
- Successful completion of all required coursework with a 3.00 GPA and other requirements for the M.S. degree.
- Successful completion of practicum and an internship.
- Completion of all courses within a six-year period.
- Successful completion of the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam (CPCE).
Master of Science in School Counseling
For those pursuing an M.S. in School Counseling, the future holds unique opportunities. This program integrates elements of counseling and educational insight through the lens of Christian principles to produce graduates ready for the practice of professional counseling in schools. Our M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students to practice in a clinical setting or to operate their own practice. Students completing the M.S. in School Counseling program will primarily work in a K-12 school system
Most students in our master’s in school counseling program graduate in about 2 to 3 years. If you already have a master’s degree in counseling or social work, we do offer a 25 credit hour licensure-only program that will prepare you to receive your license to become a school counselor.
Admission Requirements:
To be considered for admission into the M.A.T. program at FHU, please submit the following:
- Free online application
- Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate degrees
- Must have the equivalent of 12 semester hours in Behavioral
- Science (Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Anthropology, Family Studies) at the undergraduate level with a minimum GPA of 3.00
- Submit an essay of personal goals and how FHU will contribute to those goals (300-500 words).
- Interview with the Counseling Admissions Committee
- Submission of a criminal background check
- Copy of Photo ID
School Counseling Core (28 hours):
| COU 000 | Orientation to Graduate Studies in Counseling | 1 hour |
| COU 500B | School Counseling Foundations | 3 |
| COU 504 | Counseling Theories and Interventions in the School | 3 |
| COU 520 | Assessment in Counseling | 3 |
| COU 550 | Career Counseling | 3 |
| COU 560 | Counseling Diverse Populations | 3 |
| COU 665 | Organization and Administration of School Counseling | 3 |
| EDU 501 | Research Methods | 3 |
| EDU 503 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| EDU 637 | Data Analysis for School Improvement | 3 |
Exit Requirements:
- Successful completion of all required coursework with a 3.00 GPA and other requirements for the M.S. degree.
- Successful completion of required field experience (practicum and two internships).
- Completion of all courses within a six-year period.
- Successful completion of the comprehensive examination.
- Appropriate score on the state-approved licensure examination.
- Recommendations by the Director of School Counseling, internship mentors, and superintendent/principal of the district where the internship was completed.
Doctor of Behavioral Health
The majority of students in our D.B.H. program already hold promising careers in the behavioral healthcare field. Many are pursuing this program to advance their standing at their current place of employment, are seeking to start their own business or are attempting to expand their current private practice. We’ve had students in the following roles: clinical mental health counselor, clinical social worker, school psychologist, nurse practitioner, psychiatric nurse, physician assistant, and more!
The D.B.H. program consists of 60 credit hours and can be completed in as short as about 2.5 years. However, many students complete the program in about 3 to 4 years.
Admission Requirements:
Consistent with other graduate programs offered at FHU, applicants for admission into the Doctor of Behavioral Health (D.B.H.) program must submit and comply with the following for consideration and acceptance:
- Complete the online application.
- Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- Provide a copy of current unencumbered license in the state in which the practice will occur.
- Write and present an essay providing a professional statement of past clinical and/or work experiences, scholarly activities and community service and goals in obtaining this professional doctorate.
- Interview in person with the current doctoral admissions committee. After the initial review of the application, applicants may be contacted for a formal interview. If the interview results in a positive evaluation, the applicant will continue to be considered for acceptance.
- Demonstrate good spiritual, mental and emotional health/stability consistent with the demands of the D.B.H. program and FHU’s heritage of Christian values.
- Present a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Present a picture of Driver’s License or other government-issued Photo ID.
As well as having completed:
- A master’s degree (a minimum of 48 semester hours) in a health-related field of study (clinical mental health counseling, alcohol and drug counseling, clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, rehabilitation counseling, clinical pastoral counseling, psychiatric nursing, or psychology, etc.) from a regionally accredited college/university.
- Current state licensure as a practitioner in a mental-health discipline or health-related discipline.
- Two years of post-licensure clinical experience.
Degree Requirements:
Freed-Hardeman University’s Doctor of Behavioral Health degree program prepares current and future healthcare providers for a transforming medical care marketplace. It is designed to produce graduates who have advanced clinical and executive leadership skills as well as business insight.
The 60-credit hour doctoral degree is offered through traditional and web-conferencing modalities and may be taken on either a part-time or full-time basis. The curriculum includes courses that provide live chat with instructors and other students, clinical rotations, real-time streaming video consultations with experts in the field and a capstone research project focused on the student’s professional career or work setting. The program is geared specifically to students who prefer an alternative to research-focused doctoral programs.
The D.B.H., one of Tennessee’s first professional doctorates in behavioral health, prepares post-master’s, licensed clinicians to offer advanced-integrated care in a variety of behavioral health settings. The executive leadership component will enable graduates to maximize earning potential by filling organizational and market demands.
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Doctoral Degree in Behavioral Health Program Coordinator: Dr. Michael Cravens |
60 HOURS | |
| Required Courses: | ||
| DBH 700 | Residential: Orientation to Doctoral Study (offered every semester) | 3 |
| DBH 705 | Suffering and the Human Condition | 3 |
| DBH 710 | Bases of Human Behavior | 3 |
| DBH 715 | The United States Health Care System | 3 |
| DBH 720 | Advanced Research Methods | 3 |
| DBH 725 | Advanced Clinical, Ethical and Legal Issues in Behavioral Healthcare | 3 |
| DBH 730 | Advanced Clinical Psychopathology | 3 |
| DBH 735 | Advanced Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| DBH 740 | Behavioral Healthcare Executive Leadership | 3 |
| DBH 745 | Evidence-Based Treatment for Clinical Practice | 3 |
| DBH 750 | Complementary and Alternative Behavioral Health | 3 |
| Treatment Strategies | ||
| DBH 755 | Integrated Behavioral Healthcare in Medical Settings | 3 |
| DBH 760 | Behavioral Healthcare Administration I | 3 |
| DBH 765 | Behavioral Healthcare Administration II | 3 |
| DBH 770 | Advanced Treatment Strategies for Addictive Disorders | 3 |
| DBH 775 | Behavioral Health Informatics | 3 |
| DBH 780 | Advanced Diagnosis and Treatment Planning | 3 |
| DBH 785 | Behavioral Health and Wellness | 3 |
| DBH 790A | Doctoral Capstone Project | 2 |
| DBH 790B | Doctoral Capstone Project | 2 |
| DBH 790C | Doctoral Capstone Project | 2 |
| If Warranted: | 1 hour | |
| DBH 790D | Doctoral Capstone Project | 1 |
| (If needed for continuous enrollment) | ||
Graduate Certificate Programs in Counseling
The Graduate Certificate Programs in Counseling offers three certificate programs which are Counseling for Church Leaders, Advanced Counseling and Professional Counseling.
If you later decide that you want to pursue a full master’s for doctorate degree, some graduate certificate credits may be transferable, potentially reducing the time and cost of earning a graduate degree.
Graduate Certificate in Counseling for Church Leaders:
The College of Biblical Studies and the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Masters of Science in Counseling program offers a Graduate Certificate in Counseling for Church Leaders. Ministers, associate ministers, youth ministers, family life ministers and/or elders who have interest or duties in counseling are encouraged to enroll in this certificate program. The interdisciplinary design of the certificate is reflected in a combination of graduate Bible and counseling courses. Students will gain an understanding of basic counseling skills, using scripture in counseling and specific areas of counseling that church leaders are often called upon to perform. The certificate program will give students an opportunity to strengthen and refine their skills whether for members inside the congregation or as an outreach for those in need. Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Counseling for Church Leaders will be better prepared to meet individual and family needs of those seeking help and support within a church context. This certificate can be taken for audit or graduate credit.
Those students completing a Graduate Certificate (for credit) will be presented an official certificate when the program of study is completed.
Graduate Certificate in Counseling in Advanced Counseling:
Individuals who have a master’s degree in counseling (or a related field) can pursue this certificate to further strengthen and enhance their counseling skills. Master’s level counselors frequently desire to take coursework to meet continuing education requirements, to gain training in specific areas, and/or to meet professional credentialing requirements.
Graduate Certificate in Counseling in Professional Counseling:
Individuals who have a master’s degree in counseling (or a related field), but who lack coursework necessary to become licensed as a professional counselor, can pursue this certificate to assist them in meeting the requirements for licensure within their respective state. The Certificate Program will give students the opportunity to strengthen and refine their skills and to obtain foundational knowledge within core counseling areas as required for state licensure.
CACREP Accredited:
The counseling graduate programs at Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) are accredited. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has granted accreditation to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.) program offered by FHU.
CACREP is a widely recognized and respected accrediting body for counseling programs in the United States. It ensures that counseling programs meet rigorous standards of quality and excellence in counselor education. Accreditation from CACREP is vital as it assures students that they are receiving high-quality education and that employers and licensing boards will recognize their degrees.
Choosing an accredited counseling program is crucial for individuals pursuing a career in counseling. It demonstrates that the program meets industry standards and prepares students for success in the field. Accreditation also plays a significant role in licensure requirements, as many licensing boards prefer or require candidates to have graduated from a CACREP-accredited program.
Want to Learn More?
Check out the Graduate Studies page on our website. If you’d like to discuss anything further, submit an inquiry or schedule a visit and we’ll have someone from the Office of Graduate Studies contact you.