Counseling Northern Illinois University

Overview

The Counseling M.S.Ed. at Northern Illinois University provides students with the essential skills and strategies required to support diverse individuals and groups in achieving their mental health and educational goals. This programme blends rigorous academic theory with extensive practical experience to prepare graduates for impactful careers in the public and private sectors.

Students benefit from a curriculum that is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. The department offers flexible scheduling, with most classes held in the late afternoon or evening to accommodate working professionals. This structure ensures that learners can balance their academic pursuits with personal and professional commitments.

Why Counseling at Northern Illinois University?

The institution is home to the Community Counseling Training Center, which provides students with vital opportunities to deliver culturally responsive services to the local community. This facility allows for firsthand experience under expert supervision, ensuring graduates are prepared for real-world challenges. The university also maintains strong partnerships with the Illinois State Board of Education.

The teaching staff consists of seven full-time faculty members and dedicated instructors who bring a wealth of diverse research interests and multicultural expertise to the classroom. With high licensure examination pass rates and a strong reputation for student outcomes, the department is a leading centre for counselor education. Students also benefit from a cohort-based model that fosters lifelong professional networks.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 775 per credit
• National fee: USD 388 per credit
• Local fee: USD 388 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum includes a supervised practicum of 100 hours and a 600-hour internship. Modules may include:

• Professional Identity and Ethics in Counseling
• Diagnosis of Mental Health Issues in Counseling
• Counseling Skills Across the Lifespan
• Career Counseling
• Postsecondary and College Counseling for School Counselors
• Counseling Children
• School Counseling: Programs, Issues and Practices
• CMHC: Programs, Issues, and Practices
• Counseling Skills and Strategies
• Counseling Theories
• Evidence Informed Practice in Counseling
• Standardized Testing
• Group Counseling Theories and Procedures
• Practicum in Counseling
• Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling
• Substance Use and Addictions in Counseling
• Internship in Counseling
• Crisis Intervention
• Theoretical Foundations of Family Therapy

Careers with Counseling

Graduates from this programme are highly successful in securing employment within the education, healthcare, and non-profit sectors. Many alumni transition into roles such as school counselors, mental health therapists, and high school guidance specialists. The programme's strong focus on licensure eligibility ensures that students are prepared for state-level professional certification.

Recent data indicates that 100% of graduates from the clinical mental health and school counseling tracks found job placements shortly after finishing their studies. Employers include state government agencies, private practices, and K-12 educational institutions. The comprehensive training provided enables professionals to work effectively with families, couples, and diverse community groups.