11 Best Masters in Counseling Programs in Illinois: Career Paths & Costs
Ready to pursue a Masters in Counseling in Illinois? Your career choice comes with remarkable opportunities ahead. Mental health counseling jobs will grow by 23% nationwide and 16% in Illinois between 2020 and 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These numbers show growth rates that are substantially higher than most other careers.
You can complete most clinical counseling masters programs in two years with full-time study. Illinois State University’s 60-credit hour program prepares students for professional licensure. The University of Illinois offers a 61-credit Mental Health Counseling degree that includes hands-on experience. Students complete a 100-hour practicum in their first year and a 600-hour internship during their second year.
The benefits go well beyond job availability. Illinois counseling professionals earn competitive salaries. School counselors and education guidance professionals in the state earned an average of $57,880 annually as of May 2021. Students who graduate from counseling programs in Chicago or anywhere else in Illinois can take both the Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor examinations.
This guide analyzes 11 of the best counseling masters programs in Illinois. We compare specializations, admission requirements, and costs to help you choose the right educational path.
1. Illinois Institute of Technology
The Illinois Institute of Technology stands out as a leader among masters in counseling Illinois programs with its CACREP-accredited Clinical Counseling Master’s degree that combines rehabilitation and mental health expertise. Students can complete this 60-credit hour program in two years of full-time study. Working professionals can opt for a flexible part-time schedule that takes about three years.
Program overview
Illinois Tech’s Masters in Clinical Counseling builds on a strengths-based philosophy. Counselors learn to help clients achieve their best mental health and personal wellness. The program blends theory with hands-on experience. Students study counseling theories, ethics, assessment, diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and job placement. The curriculum focuses on psychiatric rehabilitation and provides real-world experience at various Chicago-area mental health and rehabilitation locations.
Employers highly value graduates because qualified counseling professionals are in short supply across public, private, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors. Students become eligible for key professional certifications based on their chosen path after graduation.
Specializations
The program offers two specialized tracks:
- Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling: This track suits students who want to work with individuals with disabilities or in state vocational/private sector rehabilitation. Students get real experience through placements in state vocational rehabilitation systems, VA facilities, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations.
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Students who want to help people with mental health and behavioral challenges choose this track. They gain experience at counseling centers, private practices, mental health facilities, substance abuse treatment centers, and nonprofit organizations.
Admissions requirements
Students can apply for fall and spring terms on a rolling basis. You’ll need:
- A bachelor’s degree with at least 18 credit hours in psychology or related fields
- A minimum 3.0 GPA
- Two recommendation letters from academic or employer sources
- A professional statement
- Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
Illinois Tech doesn’t ask for GRE scores. Program finalists get invitations to virtual interviews. Accepted students secure their spot by paying an enrollment deposit.
Tuition and financial aid
Graduate students at Illinois Tech’s Mies Campus pay $33,318 for 18 credit hours per year, plus $1,750 in fees. The total cost comes to about $58,114 when you include housing, food, books, transportation, and personal expenses.
Students can access several options to make this masters in counseling Chicago program affordable:
- Merit-based graduate pathway scholarships
- Research funding opportunities
- Rehabilitation Services Administration grants for rehabilitation counseling students
- Partial-tuition scholarships for international students
- Graduate assistantships with partial tuition remission and monthly stipends
Graduates can take the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) examination or National Certified Counselor (NCC) exam to become Licensed Professional Counselors in Illinois.
2. Illinois State University
Illinois State University’s Clinical-Counseling Psychology Program gives students a challenging master’s degree in counseling. The program helps students develop key skills in assessment, counseling, and psychotherapeutic treatment that today’s mental health professionals need.
Program overview
The 60-credit hour Clinical-Counseling Psychology Program prepares students to work in mental health centers, family service agencies, employee assistance programs, and substance abuse treatment facilities. The program’s strength comes from faculty trained in both Clinical Psychology and Counseling Psychology, which creates great learning opportunities for graduate students.
Students can finish this master’s in clinical counseling program in two years of full-time study on campus. Graduates can take both the Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor Examinations right after graduation.
Specializations
The program focuses on Clinical-Counseling Psychology and provides in-depth training in psychological assessment and therapeutic approaches. The curriculum has 36 core hours that cover fundamental courses in psychology, counseling techniques, and professional development.
Students must also complete:
- 7 hours of 12-month practica
- 4-6 hours of thesis work or 3 hours of integrated project plus an elective
- 8-10 hours of specialized elective courses approved by program coordinators
This well-laid-out yet flexible approach lets students shape their education based on their career interests in counseling.
Admissions requirements
The program accepts students only for fall semester and competition is fierce. Students must submit applications by December 1, and they’ll hear about admission decisions in March. Basic requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- 0 GPA for last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or for 9 hours of graduate work
- 15 undergraduate psychology hours including General Psychology, Statistics, Research Methods, Abnormal Psychology, and Learning Theory
- Math skills proven through coursework or GRE scores
- Required application materials: CV/resume, writing sample, personal statement, and three recommendation letters
Selected applicants must participate in Zoom interviews.
Tuition and financial aid
Graduate students pay $18,414 per year for tuition and fees. Total costs, which cover housing ($5,740-$9,816) and meals ($2,312-$2,558), run between $26,466 and $30,788 each year.
Students can get financial help through graduate assistantships that offer:
- Monthly stipend
- 100% tuition waiver during semester of appointment
- Waiver for up to 12 credit hours for summer term following fall/spring appointment
Graduate assistantships are just as competitive as program admission. International students can apply for Graduate International Admissions Scholarships worth $2,000 per year to help with costs.
Graduates usually find jobs in mental health counseling with strong career prospects, as the field grows faster than most other occupations through 2030.
3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a focused Mental Health Counseling program. Students get hands-on experience and complete coursework to prepare for professional practice.
Program overview
UIUC’s Mental Health Counseling program runs for two years with 61-credit hours of face-to-face learning. The program emphasizes psychological science and cultural diversity throughout life. Students learn applied psychology through practical training. The first year involves a 100-hour practicum at 7 hours per week. This leads to a more intensive 600-hour internship in the second year, requiring about 18 hours weekly. Students can apply for Illinois Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure after graduation.
Specializations
Students can choose between two tracks:
- Mental Health Counseling Track: Students learn to work with different populations in clinical settings.
- Career Counseling Track: Students focus on vocational counseling and career development.
Both tracks build cultural competence through practical experience. Students can work as master’s-level practitioners or continue their education in applied psychology doctoral programs.
Admissions requirements
The masters in counseling Illinois program accepts applications for fall enrollment. Here are the requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- 0 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale preferred
- Three letters of reference
- Complete transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- English language proficiency proof for international applicants
The program looks at grades from the last two years for degree holders or final year for current undergraduates to calculate GPAs.
Tuition and financial aid
This self-supporting program does not qualify for most tuition and fee waivers. Illinois residents pay $14,474 to $18,046 per year. Non-resident tuition ranges from $31,266 to $38,398. Total costs with housing ($15,184), books ($1,200), and other expenses reach $36,930-$42,310 for residents and $57,622-$65,722 for non-residents.
Students have limited financial aid options. Master’s students cannot get on-campus assistantships usually given to doctoral students. Students can:
- Submit FAFSA for federal financial aid
- Work on campus up to 9 hours weekly
- Work off-campus without hour restrictions
The program’s strong focus on practical experience and licensure preparation makes up for these financial limitations.
4. Northwestern University
Northwestern University offers a prestigious online Master of Arts in Counseling program through The Family Institute. The program prepares students to become self-reflective clinical mental health counselors with a CACREP-accredited curriculum.
Program overview
The online masters in counseling program at Northwestern emphasizes contemporary psychodynamic theory and multicultural perspectives. Students explore forces beyond awareness that shape identity and values, often rooted in developmental histories. The program uses a learning-by-doing model where students practice reflection and get hands-on experience in multicultural clinical work. Students can complete the program in 18 to 36 months, with four start dates each year in January, April, June, and September.
Students attend two in-person immersion experiences at Northwestern’s Chicagoland facilities and one virtual immersion. These sessions are a great way to get connected with peers and professors. The immersions include New Student Orientation and Group Dynamics weekend, where students develop their leadership styles and learn about potential biases.
Specializations
The program offers a Child and Adolescent Specialization as part of the Masters in Clinical Counseling. Students learn effective treatment approaches for youth mental health while being fully prepared to work with adults. The specialization adds two courses during the second year, which fit within the required graduation credits.
Admissions requirements
The masters in counseling Chicago program needs these requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (psychology or human services preferred but not required)
- S. citizenship or permanent residency
- Minimum two recommendation letters from professional or academic references
- Current resume or CV detailing clinical experiences
- Personal statement and academic statement responding to specific questions
- Background check ($50)
The program uses rolling admissions with early decision, priority, and final deadlines for each cohort.
Tuition and financial aid
Northwestern’s graduate tuition rates for 2025-2026 are $8,173 per credit/unit or $22,973 for 3-4 credits/units per quarter. Students pay a one-time technology fee of $215. Quarterly expenses include housing and food ($7,353), books ($757), personal expenses ($945), transportation ($516), and loan fees ($533).
Students can access various financial aid options, mainly federal loans. The university also offers some scholarships and partner organization benefits. Students should apply for financial aid at the same time as their program application.
5. DePaul University
DePaul University’s Counseling program is one of Illinois’s largest, with CACREP-accredited specializations that help graduates tackle complex human problems through evidence-based methods.
Program overview
The CACREP-accredited Counseling program at DePaul weaves leadership, advocacy, and social justice principles throughout its curriculum. Students need 72-90 quarter hours based on their specialty area. They must complete clinical experiences that include a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship. These practical experiences help students meet state licensure requirements for specific specialties.
Working professionals can attend classes during weekday evenings and Saturdays at the Lincoln Park Campus. Students can choose from in-person, hybrid, asynchronous, and synchronous formats. Most students finish the program in three years.
Students must sign up for Tevera, an online platform that tracks practicum and internship hours. After registration, a one-time fee of about $220 appears on the student’s account.
Specializations
The program features two main specialty tracks:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling: This hands-on specialty prepares graduates to work in community agencies, private practices, hospitals, foster care agencies, and correctional facilities.
- School Counseling: This specialty leads to professional school counselor licensure through the Illinois State Board of Education. It gives students skills to work in K-12 school systems. Students learn to create evidence-based school counseling programs that follow national standards. Before completing their third internship, students must pass the School Counseling Content Area test (#235).
Both tracks combine classroom learning with extensive field experience.
Admissions requirements
The Counseling program welcomes new students each fall quarter with two deadlines:
- Priority Deadline: February 15
- Final Deadline: June 15
Students need to submit an online application, recommendation letters, essay, résumé, personal statement, and official transcripts. The program invites selected applicants for an in-person interview. Students who can’t attend physically can interview through Zoom.
Tuition and financial aid
Graduate tuition rates differ by program. The university gives out roughly $300 million in scholarships each year. Graduate students can access several scholarship options:
- Double Demon Scholarship: Gives DePaul alumni 25% off tuition for graduate degrees
- DePaul Graduate Catholic Scholarship: Offers U.S. Catholic college alumni 10% off tuition
- Corporate Education Partnerships: Reduces tuition for employees of partner companies
DePaul’s commitment to the College Cost Transparency Initiative ensures clear financial aid packages that show tuition, aid types, sources, and renewal requirements. The university makes quality education possible through various financial options.
6. Adler University
Adler University offers a unique masters in counseling Illinois education that weaves Adlerian values of belonging and advocacy into its Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program. The program helps graduates support families and build healthier communities.
Program overview
The Master of Arts in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is CACREP-accredited and needs 62 credit hours. You can complete it in two years of full-time study. The program lets you choose between on-campus learning in Chicago or a flexible online format that blends self-paced coursework with live virtual sessions. Online students must attend two four-day residencies at the Chicago campus. These sessions help strengthen clinical skills and create professional connections. The program includes extensive supervised clinical experience through a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship at approved sites.
Specializations
The core CMHC curriculum offers two specialized training paths:
- Military and Veterans Behavioral Health (MVBH) emphasis: This program gives you the expertise to help military personnel, veterans, and their families deal with challenges from trauma to reintegration.
- Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate: Chicago campus students can earn this 12-credit certificate. The Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association accredits this program, which covers evidence-based theories and techniques with dedicated practicum experience.
Admissions requirements
You need these qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (psychology or counseling-related field preferred)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- 12 semester credit hours of psychology coursework with grades of C or better
- Experience that shows counseling capacity
- Three recommendation letters from academic or professional references
Tuition and financial aid
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program costs $1,617 per credit hour ($100,254 total program cost). Several financial support options are available:
- Merit scholarships automatically awarded to high-achieving first-year students
- $1,000 Military Scholarship for active-duty, veteran, or retired military service members and their spouses
- Alfred Adler Scholarship ($5,000) and Seymour Schneider Scholarship ($5,000) for current full-time Chicago students
7. Bradley University
Bradley University’s Master of Arts in Counseling program balances theoretical foundations with practical experience to prepare counseling professionals. The program follows a counseling model that acknowledges deep interactions between people and human systems.
Program overview
This CACREP-accredited program needs 60-61 semester hours and students can complete it on campus or online. Students get cognitive and experiential learning opportunities that promote personal and professional growth. Both learning formats provide the same academic curricula, and students can take the National Counselor Examination in their final year. The program was designed to train “social science translators” and develops professionals who can implement and review counseling interventions effectively. Since 2015, the Higher Learning Commission has authorized online delivery of these counseling concentrations.
Specializations
Students select between two main tracks:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Graduates can work in a variety of settings including community mental health agencies, psychiatric hospitals, university counseling centers, and private practice. Students must complete 750 hours in supervised practicums and internships in clinical settings.
- Professional School Counseling: This track gives students the tools to support school-aged children with academic, social, and emotional challenges. Students become eligible for Illinois Professional Educator License as Professional School Counselors.
Admissions requirements
The program requires:
- Undergraduate transcripts with a last-60-hour GPA of 3.0 for unconditional admission (2.75+ for conditional admission)
- Three recommendation letters from educators or professors
- GRE or MAT scores for students with graduate education GPA below 3.0
- Completed application forms
The Counseling Handbook outlines a Screening Process and Retention Policy to monitor student progress.
Tuition and financial aid
Graduate tuition costs $1,135 per credit hour with an $870 university fee. Students enrolled in four or more credit hours pay a $250 technology fee each semester. Course-specific fees include $100 for the COU 625 course lab and $50 for comprehensive exams.
Students can pay full tuition before classes begin or choose installment plans. Online payments accept credit cards (2.95% processing fee) or ACH debit from checking/savings accounts without additional charges.
8. Northeastern Illinois University
Northeastern Illinois University’s Counseling Department weaves social justice and equity into its core curriculum. The program shapes professionals who employ culturally relevant practices in their work. NEIU is a premier provider of masters in counseling Illinois programs for more than 40 years.
Program overview
The Department of Counselor Education delivers a comprehensive 60-credit hour masters in clinical counseling program that blends theoretical and applied foundations. Working professionals can attend weekly classes during late afternoon and evening hours. Students can choose between traditional on-campus formats at the Main Campus and El Centro location, along with hybrid and fully online options. The program’s graduates quickly find employment as crisis counselors, mental health therapists, school counselors, and substance abuse counselors.
Specializations
NEIU features four CACREP-accredited graduate programs:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling (60 credit hours)
- Couple and Family Counseling (60 credit hours)
- Rehabilitation Counseling (60 credit hours)
- School Counseling (60 credit hours)
Students can also earn non-degree certificates in Couple and Family Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, Trauma-Informed Counseling, and School Counselor Endorsement.
Admissions requirements
NEIU welcomes new students twice each year with application deadlines of March 15 for fall enrollment and August 15 for spring. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree with minimum 2.75 GPA, completed application form, official transcripts, current resume, two professional recommendations, signed informed consent, and a 500-700 word essay. The university requires selected applicants to attend an on-campus Pre-admission Workshop (PAW).
Tuition and financial aid
Graduate tuition runs $477.40 per credit hour for in-state students and $954.80 for out-of-state. Counselor Education students pay an additional 10% differential tuition rate, which brings costs to $525.14 per credit hour. Illinois residents can expect total program costs around $31,508. Most students receive financial support through scholarships, grants or other types of aid.
9. University of Illinois Springfield
The University of Illinois Springfield offers an affordable path to a masters in counseling Illinois degree through its Human Development Counseling (HDC) program. The university stands among the Top 20 institutions in the Midwest Region where students graduate with minimal debt. It has earned recognition as a Top 25 best value school consistently over the last several years (2022-2026).
Program overview
The HDC program prepares competent counselors to work in a variety of populations throughout Central and Southern Illinois. The program creates an intimate learning environment with approximately 75 students and average class sizes of 15. Students must complete a minimum of 61 semester hours in a curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
Specializations
The program offers three CACREP-accredited concentrations:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Students must complete specific courses including HDC 542, HDC 544, and two electives
- School Counseling – The program has four additional HDC courses beyond the core curriculum, reaching 61 credit hours
- Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling – Graduates can pursue licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors and/or Associate Marriage and Family Therapists
Admissions requirements
The program accepts fall admissions through a two-phase process:
- Phase 1: Students submit three recommendation forms by January 31
- Phase 2: Candidates participate in a group interview
- Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA from the last 60 undergraduate credit hours or 2.75 cumulative GPA
Tuition and financial aid
Graduate tuition costs $6,489 yearly for in-state students and $13,032 for non-residents. Online students pay $7,551 with lower mandatory fees ($1,691 compared to $2,575 for on-campus). UIS makes quality education available by awarding over $20 million in scholarships during 2024-25.
10. Wheaton College
Wheaton College provides a faith-integrated M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) through a CACREP-accredited program. The program creates competent professionals who serve diverse populations.
Program overview
The program follows a residential, face-to-face format with a cohort model that begins each fall. Students complete 60 credit hours split between core courses (45 hours), practicum and internship experiences (9 hours), and theological studies (6 hours). Graduates find employment opportunities in hospitals, agencies, churches, and private counseling practices. The program qualifies graduates to become Clinical Professional Counselors in most states.
Specializations
Wheaton’s Trauma Certificate program adds valuable expertise through three specialized classes. These classes include Introduction to Trauma & Crisis Counseling, Advanced Trauma-Focused Assessment & Intervention, and Disaster, Crisis, & Trauma Intervention. Mental health professionals get the tools they need for trauma-informed responses through this optional certification.
Admissions requirements
Candidates must submit four recommendation forms by January 31. Selected applicants then attend interviews either virtually in November or on campus on February 27, 2026. The program needs a bachelor’s degree, official transcripts, resumé, and $30 application fee.
Tuition and financial aid
Graduate tuition runs $875 per credit hour, which amounts to about $21,000 per year for full-time students. Students should plan for additional expenses including $768 for books and $27,684 for living costs.
11. Concordia University Chicago
Concordia University Chicago offers a CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program that combines Christian values with professional excellence. The 60-credit hour program equips graduates with knowledge and skills to help people with complex issues in different communities.
Program overview
The CMHC program prepares entry-level counselors to work in community agencies, residential facilities, social service organizations, hospitals, religious institutions, and private practices. The program’s track record speaks for itself – 89% of students complete their academics, 95% pass the National Counselor Exam, and 98% find jobs. Students attend face-to-face classes once a week during 8-week terms (Fall I and Spring I). Fall II and Spring II feature online synchronous evening courses. Summer courses run online asynchronously to fit students’ busy schedules.
Specializations
Students can choose between two paths:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Prepares practitioners for different clinical settings
- School Counseling: Trains K-12 school counselors and meets Illinois certification requirements
Admissions requirements
Students need 12 semester hours in psychology, sociology, or related fields with grades no lower than C. The CMHC program accepts new students in Fall and Spring terms only. Graduation requires 60 semester hours, including a capstone experience, 100-hour practicum, and 600-hour internship.
Tuition and financial aid
Graduate program tuition rates vary, plus there’s an $18 per credit hour technology fee. Full-time graduate students should plan for yearly expenses around $25,646. This includes technology fees ($324), books/supplies ($1,350), living expenses ($20,880), personal costs ($1,800), travel ($1,200), and loan fees ($92). The university’s Human Resources Department offers graduate assistantships to help with costs.
Get Started Today
Picking the right Masters in Counseling program in Illinois can launch you into a rewarding career with great growth potential. This guide highlights 11 top-rated schools that offer programs with different specializations, formats, and financial options to match your career goals.
These programs share some basic features. You’ll need about 60 credit hours, CACREP accreditation, and plenty of hands-on experience through practicums and internships. This ground experience will prepare you well for counseling scenarios while meeting your licensure needs.
The job market looks bright for counseling graduates. Mental health counseling jobs should grow 23% nationwide through 2030, making your education a solid investment. School counselors earn an average of $57,880 yearly, which shows how much the field values its professionals.
Each school offers different specializations to line up with your career goals. You can build expertise in clinical mental health, school counseling, rehabilitation, family therapy, or trauma-focused work at these Illinois programs.
Money matters will shape your decision. Tuition varies by a lot – from budget-friendly public options like Northeastern Illinois University at $525 per credit to pricier private schools. All the same, most schools help offset costs with scholarships, assistantships, and financial aid packages.
A master’s in counseling opens doors to help others while building a stable career in various settings. Now that you know about these 11 exceptional Illinois programs, you can pick the school that fits your academic interests, career goals, and budget. This choice will shape your future and touch countless lives throughout your career.