Graduate Counseling Programs

Transform Lives Through Christ-Centered Counseling

Southern Adventist University’s Master of Science in Professional Counseling program prepares compassionate, skilled counselors to serve as leaders in their communities. Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and aligned with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), students choose between two emphases in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling, and post-master’s certificates also are available. Rooted in a biblical worldview and readying students for meaningful careers in diverse settings, the counseling curriculum integrates faith with evidence-based practices, emphasizing servant leadership, multicultural competence, and reflective decision-making. For students aspiring to guide individuals through life’s challenges or support K-12 students, the Southern’s program delivers knowledge, skills, and credentials to thrive in today’s counseling profession while honoring Christian values.

Programs

MS — Master of Science in Professional Counseling

Southern Adventist University’s Master of Science in Professional Counseling is a CACREP-accredited program designed to prepare students for rewarding careers in counseling. Grounded in a Christ-centered approach, the program equips graduates to support clients from diverse backgrounds facing trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other challenges with skill, confidence, and compassion. Students may choose from emphases in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, or a dual specialty, providing flexibility to pursue state licensure and careers that align with their passions. Flexible course scheduling affords balance with career and personal life.

Program Highlights

60-66 credits, fully online or in a hybrid format
Completed in approximately two and a half years of full-time study
Designed for working professionals with full-time and part-time enrollment options
CACREP Accredited for professional counseling licensure
Emphases available in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, or a Dual Specialty
Prepares graduates to serve diverse populations in schools, clinics, and mental health settings
The Dual-Specialty option allows qualification for two state licenses (Professional Counselor and School Counselor)

Additional Information

Open to students nationwide; Tennessee residency not required.

Online, Hybrid-Flexible

Post Master's Certificates (Counseling)

Certificates are designed to meet licensure requirements and are available in both Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling for students with a previously earned master’s degree in Counseling.

Courses are taken in an interactive, online format and are not campus-based.

Online

Course Guides

Semester Starts	USA Deadlines	International Deadlines
Fall: August 25 Winter: January 12	Fall: July 15 Winter: November 1	Fall: May 1 Winter: September 1

Admissions Requirements	Admissions Process
Bachelor's degree: A four-year degree in any field from an accredited institution. GPA requirement: A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0.	Graduate application: Submit a graduate application with a non-refundable fee of $40 Transcripts: Submit official college and university transcripts. Recommendations: Submit three professional recommendation forms. One can be academic. Submit a statement of purpose. Resumé: Submit your current resumé through your Application Status Page. Background Check: Successfully complete a background check. Criminal-Record Release and Declaration: Sign and submit the statement. Your signature on this form gives the School of Education, Psychology, and Counseling permission to retain your record and affirms that you are not a registered sex-offender. Personality test: Complete the required exam. Interview with faculty.

A Graduate's Perspective

Changing Lives

Follow Bradford, an elementary school counselor, as he changes lives after graduating from our Southern’s Counseling program.

National Accreditation

Master in Professional Counseling

CACREP logo The Master of Science in Professional Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, commonly known as CACREP.

CACREP is the highest independent accrediting agency for graduate counseling programs throughout the United States and the world. Their accreditation ensures that programs meet appropriate standards within the counseling profession. The program’s emphasis in School Counseling is also approved by the State of Tennessee School Counseling (PreK-12) licensure program.

Additionally, Southern Adventist University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and the Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges, and Universities, a worldwide association. Southern consistently earns top-tier ranking from U.S. News & World Report.

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 program’s objectives are to prepare graduates who demonstrate the following:

Personal and professional dispositions essential for counseling practice
Knowledge, skills, and practices needed to follow the professional standards of the American Counseling Association and the American School Counselor Association (ACA/ASCA) in a multicultural, pluralistic society
An active identification with the counseling profession and awareness of current developments in the field

The annual Counseling Outcomes Assessment Report shares details of how the program continues to fulfill its mission and objectives.

Why Southern?

Southern Adventist University’s counseling program prepares graduates for licensure across the United States. Combining academic excellence with the flexibility of online classes, full-time students can graduate in as few as six semesters. With small class sizes, personalized attention, and a diverse faculty bringing multicultural perspectives and real-world experience, students gain both professional competence and spiritual grounding to serve with integrity and compassion in any setting.

WHY SOUTHERN?

FAITH-BASED

Southern is a faith-based institution where students feel free to integrate their passion for service and professional fulfillment with what they believe is God’s purpose for their lives.

MENTORING FACULTY

faculty intentionally fosters a family-like atmosphere that prevents students from feeling lost on campus, and helps them receive support as needed throughout their studies. By design, the faculty-student ratio is kept low.

HIGH STANDARD ACCREDITATION

Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)