Department of Psychological Sciences and Counseling

As Nashville's only public university, TSU's bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. programs in psychology and related fields are the  affordable  and  convenient  choice for a  quality  education.

With some programs offering online, hybrid, weekend, & evening classes, we provide the  flexibility  working students and professionals need.

Welcome

Welcome to the Department of Psychological Sciences and Counseling at Tennessee State University, where students matter most.

The mission of the Department of Psychological Sciences and Counseling is to provide a strong foundation in the broad discipline of psychology for undergraduates who have a wide variety of personal and career goals, and to prepare graduate students for careers in scientifically-based professional practice as mental health counselors, school counselors, and psychologists.  At the heart of our mission is a dedication to developing a love of life-long learning, a commitment of service to others, and a respect for all backgrounds.

The Department of Psychological Sciences and Counseling aims to meet students where they are today and take them to where they want to be by providing all students with the best possible mentorship, training, and education in the field of psychology. From undergraduate research experiences examining the auditory systems of primate brains, to school-based preparation for a career as a school counselor—we have much to offer in a variety of subfields of psychology.

Please contact coordinators directly (listed below) with any questions you may have regarding specific Department of Psychological Sciences and Counseling Programs. We are here to serve you.

Sincerely,

Joshua Shive, Ph.D.
Interim Chair & Professor
Department of Psychological Sciences and Counseling
Tennessee State University
Contact Us

Programs of Study

B.S. in Psychology Program - Program Coordinator, Lisa de la Mothe, Ph.D., ldelamot@tnstate.edu:

• Affordability - Nashville's only public university
• Advancement - ~40% of our Psychology majors go on to earn Masters degrees and doctorates, and we provide specialized career advising
• "HBCU Family" experience - students of all backgrounds and identities receive personal advising, mentorship, and are part of our university family
• High Impact Practices (HIPs) - Study Abroad, undergraduate research, and Honors/service learning classes maximize student success

M.S. in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Concentration Program  - Coordinator, James Campbell, Ph.D., jcampbell21@tnstate.edu: 

• Affordability - Nashville's ONLY public university
• Advancement - use this as a stepping stone for a doctoral program or to prepare for a career as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Flexibility - Evening, online, & hybrid courses
• Quality - receive mentorship from licensed professionals and active researchers in the field

M.S. in Professional School Counseling Program  - Coordinator, Dr. Lauren Rocha, lrocha2@tnstate.edu: 

• Flexibility  - Evening, online, & hybrid courses
• Affordability - Nashville's ONLY public university
• Success -  100% of our M.S. Professional School Counseling students pass the PRAXIS exam
• Faculty are nationally recognized professionals

Ph.D. in Psychology - Counseling Psychology Program  - Coordinator, Dr. Robin Oatis-Ballew, roatisballew@tnstate.edu: 

• APA-Accredited  - one of two HBCUs in the nation that offers a Counseling Psychology concentration that is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) 
• Social Justice & Advocacy  - a focus of practica, research areas, curricular, and co-curriculuar activities
• Nashville's Opportunities - training opportunities are rich and varied with nearby Vanderbilt University, Fisk University, Veteran's Administration hospitals, and public and private practices, including many practicum sites that serve underserved populations.
• Internship Match  - we maintain a 100% match rate

For More Information

For more information, please view Degree Programs and contact the appropriate coordinator listed above.

Affordability. Convenience. Flexibility. Advancement. HBCU Family. TSU.

News

“OUTSTANDING GRADUATE TRAINING PROGRAM” AWARD GRANTED

In 2021, the Council of Counseling Psychology Training Programs (CCPTP)  recognized the Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology Program at Tennessee State University as the Outstanding Graduate Training Program for its demonstrated excellence in training students to be competent in serving persons and communities, of all backgrounds, in health services psychology within the program and the communities in which the TSU program serves.

PRESTIGIOUS AWARD GRANTED
TSU's PhD in Psychology Program, Counseling Psychology Concentration, receives from the American Psychological Association (APA): 2010-Year Reaccreditation and 2019 Suinn Minority Achievement Program Award 

View article >>

Department of Psychological Sciences and Counseling Overview

The TSU Department of Psychological Sciences and Counseling is housed on the park-like, 450-acre Main Campus of Tennessee State University on the third (3rd) floor of Clay Hall. The Department, located within the College of Education, shares additional research and computer laboratory space with other departments in a number of other buildings on campus. Library facilities are close to Clay Hall, as are the bookstore and other resources. The Psychology Department at TSU offers undergraduate, masters, and doctoral degrees in psychology.

With expanding opportunities for online, hybrid, weekend, and evening courses housed within Nashville's only public university, TSU's Department of Psychology is the convenient, affordable, and flexible choice for working students and professionals seeking educational advancement in psychology and related fields.

Contact us today to visit our beautiful campus, and visit us virtually now.