Program Information
- 37 credit-hour advanced degree leading to a MS degree.
- Delivered primarily through online courses with an orientation and other opportunities to meet face-to-face throughout the program
- Designed for those who seek professional development and career opportunities beyond the baccalaureate degree
- Affords the opportunity to work with faculty who have decades of combined experience in human services with children, adults, and families in a variety of capacities and who have presented and published locally, regionally, and nationally.
- View the program of study here.
IFCS Program Coordinator: Dr. Adrienne Edwards-Bianchi - edwardsbianc@etsu.edu
Graduate School Online Student Liaison: online@etsu.edu ; 855-590-3878
Admission Requirements
The Department of Counseling and Human Services values diversity and does not condone or engage in discrimination based on race, color, gender identity and expression, sexual or affectional orientation, religion, age, national origin, veteran status, physical disability, or socioeconomic status. Applicants are expected to honor and abide by this creed.
Because of the importance of interactional competency in the field of human services, interpersonal skills, professional behavior, and aptitude for human services work will be considered in addition to academic potential.
In addition to submitting an application and official transcripts of all academic work previously completed, the following are required (all materials are to be submitted to the Office of Graduate School):
- An undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.
Exception: Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 may be considered for admission a) upon the submission of Graduate Record Exam (GRE)* scores indicating an aptitude for success in graduate school OR
b) completion of at least 9 hours of graduate coursework with at least a GPA of 3.5
*The GRE is not required for applicants with a 3.0 GPA or higher. - Three (3) letters of reference that address the applicant’s abilities and potential for graduate education and human services professional practice;
- An essay (2-3 pages) detailing experiences that have shaped pursuit of the degree, disposition and skills for advocating and helping others in their personal and social development, and what to anticipate from the graduate program;
- A resume, including personal data, educational experience, employment and volunteer experiences, specialized trainings/professional development, grant or scholarship authorship and/or implementation, organization officer or board membership, and professional affiliations and recognition; and
- After a review of application materials, applicants whose documents indicate a potential for success will be invited for an interview (video conferencing, phone, or in person) with human services graduate program faculty.
Please note that applicants who are otherwise qualified for admission may not be admitted
based on program enrollment and limited resources.
How to Apply
A bachelor’s degree is required prior to admission to the M.S. program (no specific degree is required).
- Complete a hard copy application OR complete an online application. If the online application is chosen, the application, graduate studies brief essay, and fee payment can all be done online.
- Complete a letter of recommendation request and links will be sent to the people you choose to complete recommendation letters online:
- Send resume/vita and Human Services Essay directly to Graduate School.
- All transcripts must be official. If your school mails transcripts, send them to
Graduate School:
ETSU Graduate School
Box 70720
Johnson City, TN 37614-1710
If your school sends official transcripts electronically, have them sent to the Graduate School.