Study Master’s in Counseling in Illinois

Pursuing an online master’s counseling degree in Illinois offers you the pathway to a fulfilling career in the field of counseling, without the constraints of a physical classroom. Leveraging the flexibility of a digital learning environment, students in Illinois can now gain advanced knowledge and skills to foster mental well-being in individuals, groups, and communities.

Whether you aim to specialize in school counseling or clinical mental health, an online master’s program in Illinois prepares you comprehensively, meeting the exact standards of on-campus programs, and facilitating a smooth pathway to licensure in the state.

Best Accredited Online Master's in Counseling Programs in Illinois

Online Master’s in Counseling in Illinois

Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online master’s in counseling in Illinois:

  • The Chicago School
  • National Louis University
  • Northwestern University
  • University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign
  • Eastern Illinois University
  • Northern Illinois University
  • Butler University
  • Capella University
  • Southern New Hampshire University

National Louis University

Master of Science (MS) in Counseling

Taking part in the Master of Science in Counseling program at National Louis University is your opportunity to prepare for a rewarding career in diverse settings including schools, private clinics, and mental health centers.

NLU Illinois’ MS in Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

You will be required to choose between two primary options: Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling, with additional courses for those selecting the school counseling path without holding Professional Educator Licenses.

Main highlights of the programs include:

  • Professional Licensure: The program prepares you for various exams, enabling you to sit for the National Board for Certified Counselors examination to become a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and/or the State of Illinois’ exam to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
  • Hands-On Experience: The 600-hour internship is an integral part of the program, allowing you to apply your classroom knowledge practically under the guidance of a licensed counselor.
  • Customized Degree: You can tailor your education to align with your career aspirations by choosing from a variety of concentrations and licensure options.
  • Expert Faculty: You will benefit from learning under faculty members who bring a wealth of real-world experience to the table, helping you to stay updated with the latest theories and best practices in the field.
  • Student Organization: As a student, you will automatically become a part of the National Louis University Counseling Association, which fosters a community engaged in advancing compassionate and socially conscious counseling in Illinois.

To successfully complete the program, you will be required to complete between 60 and 67 semester hours, the exact number of which depends on your chosen focus area. During your studies, you will also undergo a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship, offering you a chance to apply what you have learned in real-world settings. 

During the program, you will explore various topics, including:

  • Human Behavior and Development: You will study the different stages of human growth, understanding how environmental factors and societal influences impact behavior and interpersonal relationships.
  • Counseling Theories and Practice: This area introduces you to various theories in psychotherapy and counseling, focusing on ethical practice and techniques such as play therapy and crisis intervention.
  • Clinical Skills: Here, you will develop essential interviewing techniques and learn about the mental health counselor’s role while understanding the broader implications of public policy and social issues on mental health.
  • Treatments: You will be acquainted with essential concepts in psychopharmacology and learn about the role and effectiveness of different treatments, including counseling for substance abuse.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

  • Fundamentals of Counseling
  • Theories of Counseling
  • Clinical Techniques of Counseling
  • Human Development Theory
  • Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis
  • Introduction to Theory and Practice of Family Therapy
  • Theories and Techniques of Group Counseling

The M.S. in Counseling program at NLU Illinois aims to prepare you for the following careers:

  • Academic counselors
  • Career counselors
  • Marriage and family counselors
  • Mental health counselors
  • School counselors
  • Substance abuse counselors

Admission requirements for the program include:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater.
  • Official transcripts from all institutions where a bachelor’s or graduate-level degree was earned.
  • Three professional references.
  • Graduate admission essay.
  • Faculty review or interview may be required.

Northwestern University

Online Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling

By enrolling in the CACREP-accredited online Master of Arts in Counseling program at Northwestern University, you will be on your way to becoming a licensed clinical mental health counselor, ready to help people from many backgrounds. You could work with individuals facing challenges like addiction, relationship problems, or behavioral issues in young people.

To get your degree, you need to complete 24 courses and do a two-stage clinical practice, a rigorous course of study equivalent to a 60-credit hour program. Your learning pace will be flexible, allowing you to choose between accelerated, traditional, or part-time pathways, with graduation achievable in 1.5 to 3 years. The program offers two options:

  • Standard Program: You will complete 24 graduate-level courses, a practicum, and an Internship. You will need an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related field.
  • Bridge to Counseling Program: If you have not earned your undergraduate degree in psychology or a related field, you will opt for the Bridge option. You will have take three introductory courses during your first quarter.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

  • Research Methods in Counseling
  • Psychodynamic Counseling
  • Psychopathology and Diagnosis in Counseling
  • Theories of Counseling & Psychotherapy
  • Assessment in Counseling
  • Foundations of Family, Marital, and Couples Counseling
  • Theory & Technique of Substance Abuse

As you learn, you will go through important topics needed to get your license, including learning about different cultures, supporting others, ethics, reaching out to communities, understanding growth through different life stages, and using proven methods. You will learn many ways to help your clients, focusing on understanding deep thoughts and feelings that affect people’s actions.

The program also emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing you to translate theoretical knowledge into real-world practice, while fostering self-awareness as a counselor. A big part of your training is getting real-world experience through practical training and an internship, totaling 800 hours to develop your skills.

The clinical placement team at Northwestern is committed to assisting you in finding a suitable place for your field placement that meets the university’s standards. If there is a specific location where you wish to undergo your clinical training, don’t hesitate to reach out and the team will go through the process of approving it for your placement. Each placement is supervised by a licensed counselor who provides ongoing feedback.

Even though your classes are online, you will learn the same things as on-campus students on the Northwestern University campus. You will be required to travel to Illinois twice throughout the program for immersion experiences. The first immersion is the New Student Immersion. The second immersion you will attend is the Group Dynamics Immersion, a three-day conference that takes place during practicum season.

If your interest leans towards specializing in child and adolescent counseling, the program offers a dedicated pathway. This specialization equips you to cater to the unique needs of younger clients while maintaining readiness to counsel adults. Through this pathway, you get to immerse yourself in two comprehensive child counseling related courses during your second year, offering a deeper understanding of the developmental stages and the prevalent mental health issues among today’s youth.

Towards the end of your study, instead of a comprehensive exam, you will do an online capstone project where you will show everything you have learned. This is a step that prepares you to move from being a student to a professional who is ready to get licensed and start helping people in your new career.

Once you graduate, opportunities may arise in varied settings such as:

  • Community mental health centers
  • Inpatient and outpatient clinics and hospitals
  • Research institutions
  • University student services
  • Career services
  • Private practice

Admission requirements for the program include:

  • $98 application fee.
  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Official transcripts.
  • Three professional references.
  • Group interview.
  • GRE scores are not required.

University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign

Master of Science (MS) in Mental Health Counseling

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a two-year Masters of Science program in Mental Health Counseling. This is a comprehensive program where you will complete 61 credit hours of study, learning face-to-face about the scientific foundations of psychology and the importance of considering cultural diversity when helping people of different ages.

Once you graduate, you will be on track to get your Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license in Illinois, potentially pursue further education for a doctorate, or start working as a professional with a master’s level education in the counseling field.

During the first year, expect to gain practical experience by dedicating about 7 hours each week to a practicum, which will total 100 hours. In your second year, you will invest roughly 18 hours per week in an internship, adding up to 600 hours of hands-on experience. This substantial training will allow you to see firsthand how psychological theories work in real-life situations, and to specialize in one of three tracks: Mental Health Counseling, Career Counseling, or Counseling and Developmental Sciences.

The program operates on a scientist-practitioner model, which means that you will learn how research and practice work together. Initially, you will focus on laying a strong foundation through guided courses in research, practice, and the basics of mental health counseling. As you progress, you will have the freedom to choose courses that align with your personal goals and meet the program’s requirements.

The curriculum includes a variety of important courses that will build your understanding and skills in counseling. Some of the core courses you will be taking include:

  • Historical and Social Barriers: In this course, you will learn how factors like race and class affect people’s access to education from a historical perspective.
  • Research Methods in Learning Sciences: Here, you will learn how to conduct research in the field of learning sciences, understanding both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
  • Theories of Psychotherapy: This course offers an in-depth look at various counseling theories and the historical trends influencing them.
  • Vocational Psychology Theories and Assessment: You will learn about the theories and assessments used in vocational psychology to help people in their career paths.
  • Multicultural Counseling: Here, you will develop skills to counsel individuals from diverse backgrounds and understand different cultural perspectives.
  • Group Counseling: This course introduces you to the principles of group counseling, supported by practical examples through films, videotapes, and case studies.
  • Counseling Psychology Ethics: In this course, you will learn about the ethical considerations in counseling psychology, integrated with an understanding of broader societal issues.

This program is a self-funded program with limited options available for financial aid through the university. Admission requirements for the program include:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  • GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Official transcripts.
  • Three Letter of Reference.

Eastern Illinois University

Master of Science (MS) in Counseling

At Eastern Illinois University, you can pursue a Master of Science in Counseling. This program is designed to give you the knowledge and experience needed to work as a licensed professional counselor or a school counselor in the state of Illinois. The program is nationally accredited by the CACREP.

You will be part of a small group of students, working closely with your instructors. Over the course of the program, you will get 1000 hours of supervised practice in real-world settings to help you become a skilled, ethical, and understanding counselor.

This program equips you with the necessary tools to qualify for a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) role in Illinois if you specialize in Clinical Mental Health, or a Professional Educator License (PEL) if you focus on School Counseling.

Mental Health Counseling courses that you will encounter include:

  • Theories of Counseling: You will Learn various theories of counseling and how they developed over time. You will explore different perspectives on personality development and how to apply these theories to diverse groups.
  • Basic Counseling Skills: This course aids you in understanding the fundamental skills and theories required in counseling. Activities may involve role-plays, readings, and class discussions.
  • Cross-Cultural Counseling: In this course, you will gain an insight into the intricacies of counseling in a diverse society, understanding the role and impact of various social factors, including a person’s background and orientation.
  • Human Development for Counselors: This course will help you understand the different phases of human growth and how to provide appropriate assistance at each stage.
  • Group Counseling: Here, you will learn how group dynamics can be leveraged in the counseling process, touching upon theories and methods that govern group counseling.
  • Family Counseling: You will Familiarize yourself with family dynamics and the basics of counseling families and couples.
  • Addictions Counseling: This course introduces you to addiction counseling, touching upon various facets including ethical considerations and different therapies.
  • Diagnosing and Treatment Planning: In this course, you will understand the principles guiding the diagnosis and treatment planning of mental disorders, learning how to use renowned manuals in clinical practice.

If School Counseling is your focus, your coursework will include:

  • Emerging Issues in School Counseling: You will learn about the current challenges and legal frameworks that are shaping school counseling today.
  • Career Counseling: This course will guide you in understanding career development and how to assist individuals with career-related issues.
  • Play Therapy: In this course, you will learn about the therapeutic use of play, exploring theories and techniques beneficial for children and adolescents.
  • Foundations and Management of School Counseling Programs: This course is geared towards helping you understand and develop effective school counseling programs.
  • School Supervised Experience: Here, you will gain practical experience through a 900-hour supervised internship, honing your skills and preparing for your professional journey.
  • Theory Into Practice: You will learn about the factors influencing curriculum design and the current trends in this field.
  • Appraisal: This course helps you understand the usage of various assessment tools in counseling.

Starting in your second semester, you will embark on practicum and internship opportunities. These are designed to let you merge the knowledge you have gained in your classes with real-world experience, in environments closely resembling those where you plan to work in the future. You can expect these sessions to mirror the day-to-day responsibilities of a standard counseling role, albeit under rigorous guidance both at the placement venue and back at your campus.

In both concentrations, you will be required to complete a final comprehensive examination or write a thesis before you can graduate.

Your overall goals while pursuing this master’s program will be to:

  • Showcase a deep understanding and proficiency in the core competencies as highlighted by the CACREP.
  • Demonstrate specialized knowledge in your chosen area of focus, either clinical mental health or school counseling.
  • Maintain a professional demeanor throughout your program duration.
  • Exhibit strong communication and critical thinking skills, coupled with problem-solving abilities.
  • Engage in advanced research or other creative pursuits.
  • Evolve into a counselor who is qualified, ethical, and culturally sensitive, aligning with the mission of the educational institution.

Can I Practice Counseling in Illinois Without a License?

In Illinois, you cannot practice as a licensed counselor without obtaining the necessary licensure. The title “licensed professional counselor” or “LPC” is a protected title in Illinois, and using this title without the appropriate licensure is against the law.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Counselor in Illinois?

Becoming a licensed counselor in Illinois involves a series of steps that can take several years to complete. Generally, it takes approximately 8-10 years of education and supervised experience to become a licensed counselor in Illinois, starting from the commencement of undergraduate education.

Here is a general overview of the timeline and the steps involved in becoming a licensed counselor in Illinois:

  • Undergraduate Degree (4 years): Earn a bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field, which typically takes about 4 years of full-time study.
  • Master’s Degree (2-3 years): Pursue a master’s degree in counseling . Master’s programs usually take 2 to 3 years to complete, depending on the specific requirements of the program.
  • Supervised Experience (2-3 years): After completing your master’s degree, you will need to accumulate a specific number of supervised clinical hours. The exact number can vary, but it generally involves 2-3 years of full-time supervised work experience.
  • Licensing Examination: After fulfilling the educational and experience requirements, you will need to pass a state licensing examination. The exact exam you will take can depend on the specific type of counseling license you are pursuing.
  • License Application: Upon successful completion of all the necessary educational and experiential prerequisites, and passing the licensing exam, you can then apply for licensure.
  • Continued Education: Once you become a licensed counselor, you will need to complete ongoing continuing education to maintain your license.

What Degree Do You Need to be a School Counselor in Illinois?

To serve as a school counselor in Illinois, individuals must earn a master’s degree in school counseling (or a related field). The master’s degree must be from an accredited university and meet the requirements set forth by the Illinois State Board of Education.

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