Masters in School Counseling Programs in Illinois: Requirements & Career Paths

Interested in school counseling masters programs in Illinois? You’re looking at one of the most popular educational paths in the United States. Student counseling stands at #20 among all majors nationwide.

Illinois has excellent graduate counseling programs that welcome both licensed teachers and professionals wanting a career switch. These programs lead to a Professional Educator License (PEL) with School Counselor Endorsement in Illinois. Students typically complete 60 credit hours and gain hands-on experience through 400 clock-hours of K-12 internships.

The school counseling field continues to grow nationwide. New graduates can expect an average starting salary of $55,690. We’ve carefully reviewed seven top-rated counseling masters programs in Illinois that could launch your career in this field. Each program creates a clear path toward becoming a certified school counselor and opens doors to Professional Counselor licensure. Our analysis covers program requirements, standout features, and career possibilities that each option brings.

1. Lewis University – M.A. in School Counseling

Lewis University is well-known among Illinois’s master’s programs in school counseling. The university provides flexible options that work for both licensed teachers and non-licensed professionals. The program aligns with State of Illinois guidelines and prepares qualified counselors to work in K-12 settings.

Program overview

Lewis University’s Master of Arts in School Counseling blends sound counseling theory with research-based practices. Students learn to excel in school settings. The program follows American School Counselor Association (ASCA) standards and helps students support academic, career, and social/emotional development.

The program emphasizes five key goals:

• Building knowledge of school counseling theory and its practical application
• Developing counseling, interviewing, and assessment techniques
• Understanding how school counselors implement complete developmental counseling programs
• Recognizing individual uniqueness and flexibility in counseling approaches
• Establishing professional identity and ethical behavior

Students benefit from exceptional flexibility through:

• Evening classes for convenient scheduling
• Small class sizes ensuring personal attention
• Customizable pacing to accommodate adult learners
• Select courses available online or in hybrid format

Admission requirements

Lewis University requires these items to grant full admission to its master’s in counseling programs:

1. Complete an application form with application fee
2. Submit a personal statement (2-3 pages, double-spaced) describing your professional goals and program choice reasons
3. Provide two letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or supervisors
4. Submit official transcripts of all previous academic work
5. Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale

International students must show English proficiency through one of these options:

• TOEFL iBT score of 79 (with writing subscore minimum 20)
• IELTS Academic score of 6.0 (with writing subscore minimum 6.0)
• Duolingo score of 105 (with writing subscore minimum 100)
• ELS Level 112 completion

Students can enter through three enrollment categories: full admission, provisional admission, and student-at-large status. The university may grant provisional admission to applicants who show potential but don’t fully meet requirements.

Licensure options

The school counseling program offers several paths to professional licensure:

For Licensed Teachers: Students can earn a Master of Arts in School Counseling and become eligible for the Professional Educator License (PEL) with School Counselor Endorsement. This endorsement requires a valid Illinois Professional Educator License, 40 semester hours of approved coursework, and passing the 181 Content Area Test.

For Non-Licensed Candidates: Students with a bachelor’s degree but no teaching license can earn both a Master of Arts in School Counseling and eligibility for the Professional Educator License with School Counselor Endorsement.

Optional LPC Pathway: Both licensed and non-licensed candidates can take additional courses to qualify for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) examination. Requirements include:

• Minimum of 60 credit hours
• Completion of a 600-hour internship
• Specialized coursework in mental health

The LPC credential lets school counselors provide mental health services in community settings beyond schools.

Career paths

Lewis University’s school counseling graduates find success in a variety of educational settings. The program boasts high graduate employability rates, making it attractive to career-focused students.

Graduates are ready to:

• Work as K-12 school counselors in public or private institutions
• Help students with academic, career, and social/emotional development
• Implement complete developmental counseling programs
• Serve as responsible members of the educational community

Students who earn the LPC credential gain more career options, allowing them to work in mental health services beyond schools. This dual-credential approach opens up professional opportunities in both educational and community settings.

The program’s interactive curriculum combines with research opportunities and exceptional faculty to create a unique learning experience. Graduates emerge as creative and independent practitioners in the field.

2. Eastern Illinois University – M.S. in Counseling

Eastern Illinois University has a detailed M.S. in Counseling program recognized as a “First Choice” graduate program. This recognition shows its dedication to scholarly excellence and professional preparation for future school counselors. The program gives you solid preparation for professional counseling careers through hands-on training.

Program overview

The Master of Science in Counseling at Eastern Illinois University has 60 credit hours of study with two concentration options: School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) fully accredits both concentrations. This accreditation ensures you’ll get training that meets high professional standards.

The program’s cohort model with a low faculty-to-student ratio makes it special. Students learn in a close-knit environment where they get personal attention. Students build strong bonds with their peers, which helps them complete the program successfully.

Students get hands-on experience with 1,000 hours of supervised practical training in various settings. This approach gives you the skills to become a qualified, ethical, and culturally competent counselor. The program has specialized play therapy courses approved by the Association for Play Therapy. These courses count toward becoming a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).

Students, alumni, and professionals can earn continuing education credits at EIU’s annual play therapy conference. First-year full-time students might get the Paul Ward Scholarship worth $200-$500. Many students also get graduate assistantships that cover tuition and give monthly stipends.

Admission requirements

You need to complete these steps to apply for the masters in counseling programs at Eastern Illinois University:

1. Submit the departmental admission application by January 31
2. Submit two departmental recommendation forms from people who know your academic or work performance (academic references preferred)
3. Show up for an interview day if invited (you must attend to be considered)

School Counseling applicants need a criminal background check. You must submit all application materials through MyEIU:

• Official transcripts
• Application fee of $30
• Current resume or curriculum vitae
• Short essay about why you want to become a counselor

Graduate assistantship applications are usually due by mid-February. Decisions come within a month. The department looks for candidates who show strong academic potential and professional qualities throughout the program.

Licensure options

The M.S. in Counseling opens different licensure paths based on your concentration:

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Track:

• Makes you eligible for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential
• Prepares you for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois
• Needs completion of the 60-credit hour program

School Counseling Track:

• Makes you eligible for the Professional Educator License (PEL) with School Counselor Endorsement in Illinois
• Lets you graduate with both PEL and LPC licensure
• Gives you an edge when applying to school district positions

Students can take the National Counseling Examination (NCE) in their final year. This means they can graduate as licensed professional counselors. Having both licenses gives graduates flexibility to work in schools and clinical settings.

Career paths

The program’s graduates find success in many professional areas:

• School Settings: K-12 educational environments need counselors
• Clinical Settings: Mental health agencies, healthcare facilities, employee assistance programs (EAPs), and human service organizations want our graduates
• Advanced Education: Some pursue Ph.D. or Ed.D. studies in Counselor Education, Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or related fields
• Specialization Options: Others focus on Marriage and Family Counseling, Play Therapy, or Private Practice

The program’s success shows in its numbers—100% of Spring 2025 graduates found jobs in the field or got into doctoral programs. This success comes from developing strong professional qualities like:

• Motivational appropriateness
• Personal maturity
• Flexibility
• Emotional stability
• Engagement in learning
• Collegiality with peers and professionals

The School Counseling track’s dual licensure gives you great flexibility. School principals value counselors who can help with students’ mental health needs. You’ll have skills that work in both educational and clinical settings, which opens up more career opportunities.

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

Northeastern Illinois University offers a highly regarded 60-credit hour M.A. in School Counseling program. The program is notable for its focus on social justice and advocacy within educational settings. NEIU’s program ranks among the best masters in school counseling options in Illinois by combining theoretical training with hands-on experience.

Program overview

NEIU’s School Counseling program equips students to work in elementary, middle, and high school settings. Students learn the developmental counseling approach that lines up with the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) National Model. The program also follows the Developmental Counseling Model for Illinois schools and Illinois State Standards for School Counselors.

The program’s excellence shows in its national accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through March 2033. Students learn about:

• Core counseling foundations including professional orientation, human development, counseling theories, and ethical practice
• School counselor’s role in leadership, advocacy, teaming, collaboration, and assessment
• Evidence-based practices to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in educational settings
• Service delivery to students, parents, and school staff

Students gain vital field experience by completing 700 hours of documented field-related experience, with 280 hours of face-to-face counseling. They start with a 100-hour practicum that needs 40 direct client contact hours. This leads to two internship courses totaling 600 hours with 240 clinical contact hours.

Admission requirements

The Counselor Education Department accepts new students twice a year – January and August. Application deadlines are August 15 for spring admission and March 15 for fall admission.

Applicants must submit:

1. Online application form with fee
2. Official transcripts from all previous institutions
3. Current resume
4. Two professional recommendations
5. Signed informed consent
6. Essay (500-700 words) showing your fit with NEIU’s Counseling Department and relevant experiences

Applicants need a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Those meeting basic requirements must attend the Pre-Admission Workshop (PAW). Faculty members assess applicants through group discussions during this workshop. Poor performance at PAW makes candidates ineligible for admission.

School counseling applicants with a Professional Educator License (PEL) should include their documentation with the application. NEIU welcomes both licensed educators and professionals changing careers from different fields.

Licensure options

NEIU’s master’s degree graduates can pursue multiple licenses:

The program meets all educational requirements for Illinois’ Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Counselor endorsement for Pre K-Age 21. This license allows graduates to work as counselors in any Illinois public school.

The program also satisfies educational requirements for two professional counselor licenses in Illinois:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)

Final-year students can take the National Counselor Examination (NCE), graduating with LPC qualification. This dual-credential approach gives graduates flexibility to work in various settings.

Career paths

NEIU’s School Counseling graduates find diverse professional opportunities. Most work as school counselors in Pre K-12 settings, helping students with academic, career, and social/emotional growth.

The U.S. Department of Labor forecasts strong growth for mental health counselors. A 23% increase is expected from 2020 through 2030—much faster than average for all occupations. NEIU graduates can:

• Create and run developmental school counseling programs
• Offer responsive services including individual, crisis, and group counseling
• Present school counseling curriculum through structured lessons
• Guide post-secondary planning from Pre K through age 22

Graduates with LPC/LCPC credentials can work in community agencies, mental health centers, and private practice. The program’s blend of educational and clinical training gives graduates versatile skills for this growing field.

4. School Counselor Institute (SCI) – Northern Illinois University

The School Counselor Institute (SCI) is distinguishable from traditional masters in school counseling Illinois programs. It provides a different path for professionals who already have master’s degrees in counseling or related fields. Over the last several years since 2005, SCI has helped professionals get their Professional Educator License with School Counselor Endorsement from the Illinois State Board of Education.

Program overview

The School Counselor Institute offers a quick track if you have a master’s degree in counseling or a related field. This program isn’t open to those without a counseling-related master’s degree. These candidates should look into a traditional master’s in Counseling with a School Counseling specialization instead.

The program’s foundations are social justice and advocacy principles. Students become skilled at supporting K–12 students’ emotional and mental health needs while building their school counselor identity. The program teaches you to:

• Deliver culturally responsive, evidence-informed programs
• Enable students’ academic, social, emotional, and mental development
• Work together effectively with educators, families, and communities

The program has coursework that focuses on special populations of Illinois students. You’ll learn about laws and programs that address exceptional children’s needs. You can complete this requirement at the institute or through any approved college offering an equivalent course.

Admission requirements

SCI’s application process will give a full picture of each candidate. Here are the key requirements:

1. Complete an application form by the stated deadline (previously November 8, 2017, check for current dates)
2. Submit a written essay explaining your interest and goals
3. Provide your professional resume
4. Include two letters of reference from professional sources
5. Submit official transcripts of all previous academic work
6. Include registration receipt for the Test of Academic Proficiency or ACT+Writing

The mandatory Pre-Admission Workshop is a vital part of the selection process. Program coordinators use this workshop to see if you’re a good fit for both the program and the school counseling profession.

Licensure options

Students who complete the program can qualify for the Illinois Professional Educator License with School Counselor Endorsement. This credential lets you work as a certified school counselor in K-12 educational settings throughout Illinois.

You must pass the School Counseling Content Test (Test 181 or 235) at least one semester before starting your internship. The core team recommends early preparation since failing this test could delay your internship experience.

The internship plays a crucial role in licensure. The Illinois State Board of Education’s PEL:SC licensure endorsement standards require you to:

• Enroll in a minimum of four credit hours of counseling internship
• Complete 400 clock hours of school counseling practices in a K-12 setting
• Work under an appropriate site supervisor who has:
  • Minimum of two years of school counseling employment
  • Professional Educator License with School Counselor Endorsement

Career paths

Your school counselor endorsement through SCI opens doors in K-12 educational environments. The program prepares you to:

• Create complete school counseling programs
• Address emotional and mental health needs of diverse student populations
• Work together with educators, families, and community resources
• Promote students through a social justice framework

School counselors help shape students’ academic, social, and emotional growth while preparing them for their future. The program’s focus on culturally responsive practices helps you serve today’s diverse school populations effectively.

The 400-hour internship gives you ground expertise. This makes you more attractive in Illinois’s competitive educational job market. Qualified professionals can move into school counseling careers without completing another full master’s program. It’s the quickest way to expand your professional credentials.

5. DePaul University – M.Ed. in Counseling

DePaul University runs one of Illinois’s largest counseling programs. The CACREP-accredited program upholds strong academic standards while embracing Vincentian values. These values reflect a person-centered approach that blends social responsibility, diversity, and respect.

Program overview

The Counseling program offers three specialty areas. The School Counseling specialty needs 72 credit hours to complete. This program helps you become a licensed professional school counselor through the Illinois State Board of Education. Students learn evidence-based counseling practices they can use in public and private K-12 schools.

DePaul’s program stands out as Illinois’s first and the nation’s 24th to join Education Trust’s National Center for Transforming School Counseling. The program structure has:

• Core coursework in Social and Cultural Foundations and Counseling (first two years)
• A year of professional practice in the field (12 quarter hours)
• Capstone project for MEd students or master’s thesis for MA students

Students must complete a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship to gain clinical experience. The program provides extensive supervision through weekly meetings with site supervisors, one-on-one sessions with DePaul faculty, and required Wednesday evening group supervision classes.

Admission requirements

New students join the Counseling program each fall quarter. You can apply by:

• Priority Deadline: February 15
• Final Deadline: June 15

The process starts with an online application and a $40 domestic application fee ($75 international). Your application package must have:

1. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
2. Current résumé
3. Three letters of recommendation from professors or work supervisors
4. Personal statement (approximately 1,500 words) answering specific questions about your counseling goals

The program requires an in-person interview in March. Students who can’t attend can schedule a Zoom interview instead.

Licensure options

The School Counseling specialty leads to professional school counselor licensure through the Illinois State Board of Education. You can choose between two paths:

1. Students without a license can get an initial teaching license (PEL) with a School Counselor endorsement.
2. Licensed teachers can add the School Counselor endorsement to their Professional Educator License.

The program meets all Illinois state licensure requirements and national professional practice standards. Before starting their final internship, students need to pass the School Counseling Content Area test (test #235).

The program’s coursework also meets educational requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), offering dual-credential opportunities.

Career paths

The School Counseling specialty area prepares you to work with students, staff, and families in K-12 schools. You’ll learn to create evidence-based school counseling programs that follow national standards and best practices.

Graduates often work as:

• K-12 School Counselor
• Mental Health Counselor
• Intake Coordinator
• Child and Adolescent Specialist

Students pursuing the LPC credential can work in community agencies, private practices, and mental health settings. Recent graduates showed promising results—77% found jobs within six months while 10% continued their education.

DePaul’s alumni network connects graduates with over 195,500 alumni, including 122,500 in the Chicago area. This professional community and the College of Education resources help advance careers through networking events and professional workshops.

6. Concordia University Chicago – M.A. in School Counseling

Concordia University Chicago’s M.A. in School Counseling creates counselors who show high standards of professional competence and ethical practice through Christian beliefs. The program gives students the tools they need for elementary, middle, and high school roles with an integrated approach to educational growth.

Program overview

The School Counseling program at Concordia builds on the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) national model. Students learn developmental classroom leadership and responsive services. The curriculum focuses on six main goals:

• Creating and using complete school counseling programs
• Learning individual and group counseling skills for school settings
• Knowing how to consult with teachers, parents, and administrators
• Taking leadership roles that support students’ academic, career, and personal growth
• Managing testing and assessment while supporting underserved populations
• Building clear professional identities as school counselors

Graduates can apply for the Professional Educator’s License with School Service Personnel Endorsement K-12 in Illinois.

Admission requirements

Students need documented evidence of 12 semester hours of prior coursework in sociology, psychology, or related fields with at least a grade of “C”. The application needs these items:

• Graduate admission application with objective statement
• Official transcripts from bachelor’s degree (and any master’s degrees)
• Two letters of recommendation from people who know your academic and professional work

A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.85 leads to full admission. Students with GPAs between 2.25-2.84 might qualify for probationary admission.

Licensure options

The program offers two paths to licensure. Track One helps students who already have a Professional Educator License (PEL). They complete standard program coursework and a master’s capstone experience.

Track Two supports career-changers without teaching credentials. They take extra courses in exceptional learner psychology, affective education, and educational processes. Both tracks let students qualify for the Illinois Professional Educator’s License with School Counselor Endorsement.

Career paths

Most graduates become school counselors in P-12 educational settings. They create complete developmental programs and provide responsive services. Students spend 400-600 hours in practicum and internship experiences to build real-world skills.

The program’s coursework matches requirements for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential. This opens doors beyond school environments. Having both credentials gives graduates more career choices in educational and community settings.

7. Loyola University Chicago – M.Ed. in School Counseling

Loyola University Chicago’s M.Ed. in School Counseling program helps future counselors tackle inequities in educational systems through social justice principles. The program prepares professionals to support underserved communities with ethical, reflective, and culturally responsive counseling practices.

Program overview

Loyola’s masters in counseling programs in Illinois need 48 semester hours of coursework, 700 clock hours of practicum/internship experience, and a detailed examination. Students attend classes on weekday evenings at the Water Tower Campus in downtown Chicago, right off the Red Line. Students can choose between full-time and part-time options. Full-time students usually finish in two years. The curriculum helps lift up disenfranchised populations through evidence-based interventions and advocacy.

Admission requirements

The application requires:

• Official transcripts from all institutions attended
• Two letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose (1-3 pages) describing your professional goals and view of social justice
• Minimum 3.0 GPA

Students whose native language isn’t English must provide an official English proficiency exam and transcript evaluation.

Licensure options

Graduates can apply for the School Counseling Professional Educator License (PEL) in Illinois. Students without teaching licenses must complete extra coursework in:

• CIEP 401 The Exceptional Child
• CIEP 414 Instructional Methods-Diverse Population
• ELPS 460 School Administration

Students must take a school counseling exam during their practicum/internship phase.

Career paths

Most graduates become school counselors or career counselors. Loyola’s membership in the Jesuit network of 27 colleges nationwide gives students access to detailed career services. These include resume assistance, interviewing preparation, and employment listings at Loyola and other U.S. Jesuit institutions. The program teaches counselors to work together with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community members effectively.

Pick Your Program

You need to think about your career goals, current credentials, and ideal learning environment when picking the right master’s in school counseling program. The seven programs we looked at offer different paths to become a certified school counselor in Illinois. Each program has its own strengths and special focus areas.

These quality programs share key features that will get you ready for professional practice. The most important part is that all seven schools follow American School Counselor Association (ASCA) standards. They also qualify you for the Professional Educator License with School Counselor Endorsement.

There’s another reason these programs stand out – their dual-credential options. Many let you work toward Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) status while studying school counseling. This is a big deal as it means that you can work in both schools and community mental health settings after graduating.

Hands-on experience is the heart of counselor training. Each program includes 400 to 1,000 clock hours of field work. This ensures you develop practical skills with expert supervision before you graduate.

School counseling continues to grow with excellent job prospects. These Illinois program graduates find jobs in K-12 settings of all sizes. They help students from different backgrounds with academics, career planning, and emotional well-being. Your training will help you create complete school counseling programs and champion equal opportunities for all students.

The program you pick should match your situation, career goals, and learning priorities. These seven schools offer solid paths to become an effective, ethical school counselor who makes a real difference in students’ lives. This applies whether you’re a teacher looking to advance or someone switching to education for the first time.