MS in Professional Counseling

Here are some advantages of enrolling in our program:

CACREP accreditation: Both of the program emphases of the MS in Professional Counseling degree have been conferred accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). School Counseling is also accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Christian-based: The program is grounded in Adventist Christian principles and designed to train professionals for work in any setting.

Diverse faculty: The multicultural faculty members and widely varied professional experiences of the instructors and supervisors provide for abundant interpersonal growth and interaction.

Comprehensive program: Our program provides the academic preparation necessary for licensure anywhere in the United States.

Convenience: Late afternoon and evening classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays and are delivered via live, online instruction.

Flexibility and efficiency: Full-time students can complete the program in as few as six or seven semesters. Part-time enrollment is also available. Students wishing to expand their career and future work opportunities may complete a master's degree with dual emphases in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling by adding one semester to their regular CMHC plan of study.

Smaller classes: Personal attention and group camaraderie are the well-designed result of limited class sizes.

Submit official college and university transcripts. Many institutions subscribe to the convenient transcript-request service at National Student Clearinghouse, or you may also contact your institution directly. Have your transcripts sent to the Graduate and Professional Studies office (gradtranscripts@southern.edu).

If you earned your prerequisite degree at Southern, you do not need to complete this step.

Submit three letters of reference as part of the required recommendation forms (completed by work supervisors or professors). The forms will be distributed as part of the online application process.

Submit a statement of purpose.

Download PDF Guidelines

Submit your current resumé through your Application Status Page

Successfully complete an approved background check. (Alternatively, verification may be submitted by your current employer.)

Download PDF Instructions

Submit the Criminal-Record Statement. Your signature on this form gives the School of Education and Psychology permission to retain your criminal-history record and affirms that you are not a registered sex-offender.

Download Form

Complete a personality test, as required by the School of Education and Psychology. Contact graduate programs manager, Mikhaile Spence, for information and instructions.

After submitting items 1—8, schedule an interview with the faculty.

Schedule Faculty Interview

Applicants who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States are considered international students and must meet additional requirements for admission.

International Student Admission Requirements

International students who will be coming to Southern's campus need some additional information about travel documents and living on campus.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the International Student Services Coordinator at 423.236.2845 or internationals@southern.edu.

Read our blog

4 Steps for Finding the Right Faith Based Counseling Program for You

Being a professional counselor is a fulfilling, challenging, and rewarding path to take and one that we applaud you for considering. So, if you’retrue

Access the blog

Read our blog

4 Steps for Finding the Right Faith Based Counseling Program for You

Being a professional counselor is a fulfilling, challenging, and rewarding path to take and one that we applaud you for considering. So, if you’retrue

Access the blog

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