Frequently Asked Questions about School Counseling
University of Tennessee School Counseling Program
Are graduate assistantships, scholarships, fellowships, or employment available?
Why should I attend UT's School Counseling Program?
What is the employment outlook for School Counselors?
What kind of graduate students come to UT?
1. Are graduate assistantships, scholarships, fellowships, or employment available?
The department has two continuing scholarships available. There is no separate application for these awards; the faculty pick worthy applicants from those who apply. Some related jobs or assistantships may be available and some of these jobs are work related to school counseling. These vary from term to term. (back to top)
2. Why should I attend UT's School Counseling Program?
The program is accredited by CACREP (Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) and has standards that meet the requirements for licensure/certification in all states in the nation. However, some states require teaching experience prior to becoming licensed as a counselor. If you plan to work in one of these states you should have a teaching license and the appropriate experience. The program at UT admits students without teaching experience or license because Tennessee does not have this requirement. All faculty members are experienced and licensed in their specialty areas.
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3. What is the employment outlook for School Counselors?
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook overall employment of counselors is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2008. In addition, replacement needs should increase significantly as a large number of counselors reach retirement age. Tennessee and a number of states with high population growth currently have shortages of qualified counselors, especially in the rural and inner city areas. (back to top)
4. What kind of graduate students come to UT?
Recent enrollees come from a variety of universities and colleges, such as, UT, Maryville College, and Carson- Newman College. The University of Georgia, Penn State, University of Wisconsin, and Ohio State are examples of other undergraduate program graduates who have attended here in the past few years. No specific undergraduate major is required for admission but most of our students come from education, psychology, human services, and other related fields.
To find out more information about school counseling please see the following web sites.
American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
http://www.schoolcounselor.orgACSA - Role of the School Counselor
http://www.schoolcounselor.org/content.asp?pl=327&sl=341&contentid=341U. S. Department of Labor Bureau of Statistics, Counselors
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos067.htmAmerican Counseling Association (ACA)
http://www.counseling.org
Updated 02/27/2008
Contact EPC
525 Jane & David Bailey Education Complex
1122 Volunteer Boulevard
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-3452
Phone: 865-974-8145
Fax: 865-974-0135