This program includes 60 semester hours of courses and field practice. Additional semester hours may be required of candidates who need to remove deficiencies or who have particular interests. According to State of Tennessee certification requirements, school counseling candidates without prior teaching experience will need to participate in an additional orientation experience, including observation of, participation in, and analysis of classroom teaching in a school setting as an early part of their academic program. Candidates who wish to meet the requirements for School Counselor certification in Tennessee must complete their degree and pass the designated PRAXIS II exam. Students are strongly advised to take this exam during their last semester in the program. Applications for state certification in School Counseling must be sent from Southern's Certification Officer to the State Board of Education. Students are responsible for meeting with the Certification Office to begin the application process. No applications are made until students have passed the PRAXIS-II exam and have met with the Certification Officer.