About Lipscomb
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Frequently Asked Questions
(If you don't see your question on our website, click here to contact us)
I see that your program prepares people for LPC-MHSP licensure. What types of jobs do people with this license do?
Licensed Professional Counselors provide counseling services to individuals, families and groups in a variety of settings, but primarily in mental health clinics and private practices. Those with Mental Health Services Provider designation are also able to diagnose and treat emotional, behaviorial, and psychological disorders. For a more detailed answer to this question, download this flyer that provides additional information.
Why does the Professional Counseling degree require so many hours? I've noticed that other schools offer shorter LPC programs.
Tennessee guidelines require that you complete 60 graduate hours of coursework before seeking LPC licensure. This 60 hours must include a specific set of courses that compose the "required" part of our curriculum. Programs requiring fewer than 60 required hours that claim to be "LPC preparation" programs are usually only offering the specific courses that the state requires. After you graduate from these programs, you will still need to continue taking classes in order to meet the 60-hour minimum of graduate coursework. For additional information about Tennessee's LPC requirements and how Lipscomb meets them, click here.
I don't want to work in a church or faith-based setting. Would your program be appropriate for me?
Yes, this program is still appropriate for you. Our program teaches methods of counseling that can be used in a variety of settings, both secular and faith-related.
However, what makes us unique is that you will have teachers who are Christians and who encourage discussions of faith-related applications in the classroom. In addition to the standard counseling texts and theories, you will be exposed to information about counseling clients who come from a variety of religious backgrounds, particularly those with a Christian belief system. There are courses in our curriculum (such as Psychology of Religion & Spirituality and Psychology & Christianity Integration Seminar) that are designed specifically to address religious issues from a psychological perspective. There also will be opportunities for students to take elective courses in Lipscomb's Hazelip School of Theology that can help them understand the beliefs of their clients.
This faith emphasis can help you as a counselor because you will encounter clients whose religious beliefs are important to them in a variety of settings, not just within churches. Being able to understand and respond appropriately to your clients' belief system is essential for any counselor.
I've heard that Lipscomb students must take Bible classes and attend chapel services. Is this true?
Graduate students are not required to attend Bible classes or chapel—these are only required of full-time regular undergraduate students. However, interested students are welcome to take elective courses from the Hazelip School of Theology and to attend the chapel services that are held on campus each Tuesday and Thursday at 10:55am.
I don't have an undergraduate background in psychology. Can I still be accepted to your program?
Yes, we have many students who have undergraduate backgrounds in disciplines other than psychology. We welcome the unique experience and knowledge they bring to the classroom (and to the profession of counseling). We only require that degree-seeking students (but not certificate program students) without a bachelor's degree in psychology take the “Survey of Psychology” leveling course during their first 9 hours of study.
I plan to practice as a counselor in another state—will your program adequately prepare me?
Probably, but since licensure requirements vary from state to state, you should verify that your state offers a counseling licensure similar to Tennessee’s LPC (as most states do) and that the academic requirements are similar to ours. You can find information about Tennessee’s guidelines by clicking here. You can probably locate your state’s requirements by searching the state government website.
Can I take classes elsewhere that will transfer to Lipscomb?
We allow up to 9 hours of related coursework to transfer to our program. These courses initially transfer as electives; decisions about whether to exempt you from one of our required courses will be made on a case-by-case basis. That decision is primarily based on our evaluation of whether the course is a good substitute for ours. Since most of our students will be taking the LPC licensure exams, we want to make sure that the transfer course covers the same content that our course would've provided. If possible, provide a copy of your syllabus to us so that we can verify this.
Can I complete the degree online?
We offer a few online or hybrid classes (i.e., online classes that meet a few times per semester) for courses that we believe can be effectively taught in this format. However, it is not possible to complete the majority of the degree online, nor do we accept applicants who only wish to take the online offerings. Here's why: counseling is not just about “book knowledge” but also involves developing expertise with specific social and interpersonal skills. We believe that only reading/writing about these skills or having internet interactions with classmates is not sufficient to learn these skills well. That is why our program creates a learning environment that encourages classroom discussion and provides the opportunity to practice counseling/diagnostic skills in the presence of highly-skilled teachers who can give you feedback and encouragement.
Does your counseling degree prepare me to be a school guidance counselor?
No, the Professional Counseling degree is for those who want to provide counseling services in the community rather than in school settings. Those seeking K-12 Licensure as a school counselor will need a master's degree from a School Counseling program that is approved by Tennessee's State Board of Education. Lipscomb's College of Education currently has a program of this type under consideration. For more information, click here.
Which courses will you be offering next semester and when will they be offered?
To search our schedule, click here to go to Lipscomb Central. Select the term you wish to search, search for the subject "PSG: Graduate Psychology" and hit "submit."
The 36-hour master’s degree can be completed in 4 semesters if you attend full-time (9 hours per semester). Because you can take classes in fall, spring, and summer, this could be completed in about 1½ years.
The 61-hour master’s degree can be completed in 7 semesters if you attend full-time (9 hours per semester). Because you can take classes in fall, spring, and summer, this could be completed in about 2½ years. A few of our students are able to complete the program in 2 years by taking 12 hours per semester, although we don't advise this if you plan to work while attending school.
If I am admitted to the Certificate or 36-hour Master’s in Psychology program but decide I would rather do the 61-hour Professional Counseling program, can I switch? Or, can I switch from the 61-hour program to one of the shorter programs?
If you are admitted to the Professional Counseling program but decide to switch to the M.S. in Psychology program, you can easily do that. The courses taken for the longer program will apply toward the shorter degree. If you are admitted to the Certificate or Master's of Psychology, you will need to petition the graduate program director for permission to switch into the longer M.S. in Professional Counseling program. If you wish to complete both degrees, up to 30 hours from the M.S. in Psychology will count toward the M.S. in Professional Counseling (thesis hours cannot be counted toward both degrees).