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Program Overview
Prepare to work with diverse populations across various settings in the Human Development Counseling program. Our program equips you to transform theoretical knowledge and research into effective counseling practices, whether you pursue Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, or both through our dual specialization.
Experience a vibrant learning environment in the Human Development Counseling program. Here, you'll build a robust theoretical foundation in human development, counseling paradigms, and change strategies. Our courses are not just about imparting knowledge, but also about fostering innovation in counseling and nurturing close working relationships among you, our faculty, and community partners. This personalized approach ensures that your classroom time is productive and energizing and that your field experiences are truly enriching, enhancing your training journey.
Mission and Program Objectives
Careers in Human Development Counseling
Specializations
Our Human Development Counseling program offers three curriculum tracks:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Graduates often pursue Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure. They find careers in for-profit or nonprofit agencies, private practices, higher administration, or as school-based mental health counselors in private or charter schools. Some graduates continue their education with doctoral studies in counseling or related fields.
- School Counseling students often obtain licensure and work as school counselors in public or private K-12 settings. Through a preventative lens, school counselors support students through critical growth years in partnership with student families and the school community. By creating developmentally appropriate programming, school counselors guide student emotional well being and lay the foundation for academic success and career exploration. Some graduates go on to doctoral study in counseling or related fields.
- Dual Track Option: This track prepares students for Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling licensure. Graduates have the flexibility to work in both fields and may also pursue doctoral studies in counseling or related areas.
Program completion time: 3 years (fall & spring semesters with some summer course options)
Program Facts
Program Directors: Jessica Tyler (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)/ Nicole Cobb (School Counseling)
Program Coordinator: Tonya Brown
Admission Term: Fall
Credit Hours: 60 for CMHC and School Counseling tracks, 66 for dual
CACREP accredited through March 31, 2030.
Application Dates
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Application Deadline 1
January 3
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Application Deadline 2
February 3
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Rolling Admissions
After February 3*
*Applications received after the Feb 3 second deadline are reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted as space and funds allow.
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Program Curriculum
Build a solid foundation in human development and evidence-based practices in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, or Dual tracks. All courses are held in person on Vanderbilt’s campus.
A 3-semester (5-semester for Dual track) internship experience allows you to apply your knowledge and skills in real-world settings.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track is a 60-credit-hour program designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for professional counseling practice. A key program component is a three-semester internship, where you'll gain hands-on experience under expert supervision in a mental health center, private practice, college counseling center, integrated behavioral health program, or social service agency.
School Counseling
The School Counseling track is a 60-credit-hour program that prepares you for a rewarding counseling career in education. The curriculum includes 51 credit hours of core courses, and 9 credit hours of electives tailored to your interests. A full-year internship in a variety of school settings provides practical experience to complement your studies.
Dual Track: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling
The Dual Track program combines Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling specialties in a comprehensive 66-credit-hour curriculum. It includes five internship semesters with placements in both school and clinical counseling settings, offering diverse, applied experience under multiple mentors and site supervisors.
Coursework
Passing Rates, Degree Completion Rates, Job Placement Rates, and Program Outcome Reports
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
We integrate diversity, social justice, and multicultural competence into our courses, clinical supervision, and co-curricular activities. Our training emphasizes core counseling values, unconditional positive regard, cultural humility, developmental sensitivity, avoiding harm and value imposition, decolonizing counseling, and advocating for social justice at individual, group, institutional, and societal levels to support growth and development.
Selected Faculty Research
