--- title: MS in Professional Counseling | Southern Adventist University description: Break into a rewarding career in counseling by earning an MS in Professional Counseling from Southern Adventist University's CACREP-accredited program. --- # MS in Professional Counseling   Request More Information #### Quick Links - [Program Overview](https://adc.e.southern.edu/graduatestudies/master-of-science-in-counseling#overview) - [Admissions](https://adc.e.southern.edu/graduatestudies/master-of-science-in-counseling#admission) - [Course Guides](https://adc.e.southern.edu/graduatestudies/master-of-science-in-counseling#resources) - [Contact Us](https://adc.e.southern.edu/graduatestudies/master-of-science-in-counseling#rmi-form) - [Graduate Studies Blog](https://adc.e.southern.edu/graduatestudies/master-of-science-in-counseling#blog) ## Program Details Southern’s CACREP-accredited MS in Professional Counseling blends practical knowledge, supervised clinical experience, and a Christ-centered approach. Graduate prepared to serve others with skill, compassion, and faith—choosing an emphasis in School or Clinical Mental Health Counseling. To continue, scroll down or [visit the program's catalog](https://www.southern.edu/catalog/graduate.html#/programs/1254).   #### **Program Mission and Objectives** **The mission of the Master of Science in Professional Counseling program** is to facilitate the comprehensive development of counselors as servant leaders in their communities. Articulated in the language of the program’s conceptual framework, the goal is to provide opportunities for candidates to become effective as caring persons, as informed facilitators, as reflective decision-makers, and as committed professionals. Within this framework, the **objectives** of the Master of Science in Professional Counseling program are to prepare graduates who demonstrate the following: The annual Counseling Outcomes Assessment Report shares details of how the program continues to fulfill its mission and objectives. ![Counselor working with clients](https://adc.e.southern.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/%5BGS%5D%20Images/%5BGS%5D%20Counseling/Counselor%20working%20with%20clients.jpeg?width=2000&height=1335&name=Counselor%20working%20with%20clients.jpeg) [Annual Counseling Outcomes Assessment Report](https://adc.e.southern.edu/hubfs/2024_Annual%20Assessment%20Report.pdf?hsLang=en) [Counseling Program Graduate Outcomes](https://adc.e.southern.edu/hubfs/Coun_Outcomes_2024.pdf?hsLang=en) ![A person holding a clipboard and pen is taking notes while another person sits in the background, gesturing with their hands.](https://adc.e.southern.edu/hubfs/%5BGS%5D%20Images/%5BGS%5D%20Program%20Pages%20Photo%20Bank/MS%20Counseling%202.png) #### 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). Both emphases meet Tennessee state licensing board educational requirements. - 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.   ![Two people seated, one holding a clipboard and pen, appearing to be in a discussion.](https://adc.e.southern.edu/hubfs/%5BGS%5D%20Images/%5BGS%5D%20Program%20Pages%20Photo%20Bank/MS%20Counseling%203.png) ## Applying to Southern’s MS in Professional Counseling ![A man sits on a couch smiling and talking to a person with a clipboard.](https://adc.e.southern.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/%5BGS%5D%20Images/%5BGS%5D%20Program%20Pages%20Photo%20Bank/MS%20Counseling%201.png?width=832&height=490&name=MS%20Counseling%201.png) ### Personal and Professional Dispositions There are four dispositions students aspiring to pursue the MS in Professional counseling are expected to demonstrate.  To learn about them, please access the document **[*Personal and professional Dispositions: Standards for Success in the Counseling Program.*](https://adc.e.southern.edu/hubfs/%5BGS%5D%20Program%20Course%20Guides/%5BGS%5D%20MS%20in%20Counseling/Personal%20and%20Professional%20Dispositions.pdf)** ### General Admission Requirements - **Bachelor’s Degree:** From an accredited program - in any field - **GPA:** Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0, or a 3.0 GPA (no grade lower than B-) on at least 9 graduate credits. Please scroll down application deadlines and program specific requirements or visit the ***[MS in Professional Counseling's Catalog](https://www.southern.edu/catalog/graduate.html#/programs/1254)*** for these details and more. ### Visit the [Program's Catalog](https://www.southern.edu/catalog/graduate.html#/programs/1254) ### Application Deadlines Scroll Horizontally -> #### Term #### U.S. Residents #### International Fall June 1 April 1 Winter October 1 September 1 Summer April 1 Not Applicable ### How to Apply Submit an [**application**](https://gradadmissions.e.southern.edu/apply/) (with non-refundable fee of $40.) Transcripts Submit official college and university transcripts. Many institutions subscribe to the convenient transcript-request service at [National Student Clearinghouse](https://tsorder.studentclearinghouse.org/school/select?_afrRedirect=2128488693326846), or you may also contact your institution directly. Have your transcripts sent to the Graduate and Professional Studies office ([gradtranscripts@southern.edu](mailto:gradtranscripts@southern.edu)). *If you earned your prerequisite degree at Southern, you do not need to complete this step.* Recommendations 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. Statement of Purpose Submit a statement of purpose. [Download PDF Guidelines](https://adc.e.southern.edu/hubfs/%5BGS%5D%20Program%20Page%20Assets/SEP.counseling-statement-guidelines.pdf) Resumé Submit your current resumé through your [Application Status Page](https://gradadmissions.e.southern.edu/account/login?r=https%3a%2f%2fgradadmissions.e.southern.edu%2fapply%2fstatus) Background check Successfully complete an approved background check. (Alternatively, verification may be submitted by your current employer.) [Download PDF Instructions](https://adc.e.southern.edu/hubfs/%5BGS%5D%20Program%20Page%20Assets/SEP.background-check.pdf) Criminal-Record Release and Declaration 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](https://adc.e.southern.edu/hubfs/Criminal%20Record%20Release%20and%20Declaration_Fillable2.pdf) Personality test Complete a personality test, as required by the School of Education and Psychology. Contact graduate programs manager, [Mikhaile Spence](mailto:maspence@southern.edu), for information and instructions. Interview After submitting items 1—8, schedule an interview with the faculty. [Schedule Faculty Interview](mailto:maspence@southern.edu) International Applicants 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](https://www.southern.edu/graduatestudies/graduate-international-requirements.html) 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](mailto:internationals@southern.edu). ![AdobeStock_77711294](https://adc.e.southern.edu/hubfs/AdobeStock_77711294.jpg) ### I’ve Been Admitted to the DNP! Next Steps:  Before you enroll, we need acceptable documentation of these items. Email all documents to [jlthompson@southern.edu](mailto:jlthompson@southern.edu). - Personal health assessment and physical exam [Download Form](https://adc.e.southern.edu/hubfs/%5BGS%5D%20Program%20Page%20Assets/SON.personal-health-physical-exam.pdf) - Criminal background check [Download Form](https://adc.e.southern.edu/hubfs/%5BGS%5D%20Program%20Page%20Assets/SON.background-check.pdf) - Medical-information disclosure and drug-screen consent [Download Form](https://adc.e.southern.edu/hubfs/%5BGS%5D%20Program%20Page%20Assets/SON.medical-info-disclosure-drug-consent.pdf) - Current health information and immunizations [Download Form](https://adc.e.southern.edu/hubfs/%5BGS%5D%20Program%20Page%20Assets/SON.health-info-immunizations.pdf) - CPR/BLS certification from the American Heart Association   ## Is Counseling the Right Career Path for You? Explore our counseling [blog](https://learn.e.southern.edu/en-us/gs/blog/tag/nursing?__hstc=57918837.28672951d504203ef2f3489740c29cfd.1631629261786.1650468117232.1650569274927.179&__hssc=57918837.24.1650569274927&__hsfp=1688644645&hsLang=en) posts to learn about different career paths you can take with a Counseling degree and how to know whether earning an MS in Professional Counseling is right for you. ## Resources for Getting Your Master of Counseling ## MS in Professional Counseling Choose your area of interest. - Clinical Mental Health Counseling - School Counseling ## MS in professional Counseling Course Guides ### Clinical Mental Health ### Counseling [See the course list](https://adc.e.southern.edu/hubfs/2025%20Course%20Guides/Counseling/2025_Clinical%20MH-Counseling.Courses_Part1.pdf?hsLang=en) ![2025_Clinical MH-Counseling.Courses_Part1](https://adc.e.southern.edu/hubfs/2025%20Course%20Guides/Counseling/2025_Clinical%20MH-Counseling.Courses_Part1.png) ## MS in Professional Counseling Course Guides ### School Counseling [See the course list](https://adc.e.southern.edu/hubfs/2025%20Course%20Guides/Counseling/2025_School%20Counseling.Courses_Part2.pdf?hsLang=en) ![2025_School Counseling.Courses_Part2](https://adc.e.southern.edu/hubfs/2025%20Course%20Guides/Counseling/2025_School%20Counseling.Courses_Part2.png) ## Faculty ![ headshot](https://www.southern.edu/apps/api/people/imageserver.php?user=&w=300) [tel:](tel:) [mailto:](mailto:) ![ headshot](https://www.southern.edu/apps/api/people/imageserver.php?user=&w=300) [tel:](tel:) [mailto:](mailto:) ![ headshot](https://www.southern.edu/apps/api/people/imageserver.php?user=&w=300) [tel:](tel:) [mailto:](mailto:)   ## Request More Information Want to learn more about the education programs at Southern? Just fill out the form to receive additional program resources and insights. ![](https://www.southern.edu/apps/api/people/imageserver.php?user=&w=300) [mailto:](mailto:) ## Nursing Student Spotlight Don't just take our word for it—hear directly from our nursing students and alumni about their experiences with Southern and how it helped their nursing careers. #### ![Diana Taylor](https://adc.e.southern.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Diana%20Taylor.png?width=768&height=998&name=Diana%20Taylor.png) #### Diana Taylor BSN to DNP, Acute Care [Read More](https://learn.e.southern.edu/en-us/gs/blog/nursing/student-spotlight-diana-taylor?hsLang=en) #### ![Julie McBride-1](https://adc.e.southern.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Julie%20McBride-1.png?width=995&height=910&name=Julie%20McBride-1.png) #### Julie McBride BSN to DNP, Psychiactric Mental Health [Read More](https://learn.e.southern.edu/en-us/gs/blog/nursing/student-spotlight-julie-mcbride?hsLang=en) #### ![Julie McKinney](https://adc.e.southern.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Julie%20McKinney.png?width=1096&height=1308&name=Julie%20McKinney.png) #### Julie McKinney BSN to DNP, Lifestyle Medicine and Family Practice [Read More](https://learn.e.southern.edu/en-us/gs/blog/nursing/student-spotlight-julie-mckinney?hsLang=en) #### 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. 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