Northeastern Illinois University M.A. in School Counseling
Northeastern Illinois University

Northeastern Illinois University

M.A. in School Counseling

Chicago, USA

MA

2 up to

4 years

English

Full time, Part time

16 Jul 2026

Aug 2026

USD 17,089 / per year

On-Campus

Key Summary

    About : The M.A. in School Counseling offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for a career as school counselors. The program emphasizes the development of skills necessary for providing support to students in various educational settings. The duration of the program typically spans two years, incorporating coursework, supervised practice, and field experiences.
    Career Outcomes : Graduates of the M.A. in School Counseling can pursue roles in various educational environments. Potential career paths include becoming a school counselor, guidance counselor, or academic advisor. These professionals work to support students’ academic, social, and emotional development in schools.

The M.A. in School Counseling is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The program emphasizes a developmental counseling approach integrating the philosophy and standards of the American School Counselor Association's National Model, the Developmental Counseling Model for Illinois Schools, the Illinois State Standards for School Counselors, and CACREP.

Approximately half of the students in the program are career changers without a background in education or teaching. They have degrees and experiences in various fields. In 2004, Illinois law made it possible for individuals without a teaching license to become school counselors.

Program Benefits

The program fulfills the educational requirements for the Illinois Professional Educator License with School Counselor Endorsement. It also meets the educational requirements for two levels of licensure as a professional counselor in Illinois: Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.

Read more on the institution's website