The M.S.Ed. in counseling is a nationally accredited (CACREP) program, requiring a minimum of 60 semester hours, that provides preparation in the theory, techniques, and information needed by the professional counselor. The academic requirements as set forth by the Illinois State Board of Education and the National Board for Certified Counselors are fully met by graduates of this program. Through individualized planning, a program may be designed to focus on one of the following areas of professional counselor preparation: school counseling and clinical mental health counseling.
The student learning outcomes for this degree are located at http://www.niu.edu/assessment/clearinghouse/outcomes/index.shtml.
Admission
An applicant must demonstrate satisfactory academic and professional progress as indicated by data included in the application for admission to the Graduate School.
Applicants to the program in counseling must attend a preadmission workshop and be selected by the faculty on the basis of aptitude, ability, and personal qualifications requisite for the field. Prior to the pre-admission workshop, applicants must complete the supplementary data forms and take the required tests. Applicants are to obtain the forms from the department office, Gabel Hall 200, 815-753-1448. Applications and the other required material must be received by the Graduate School by February 15 for summer and fall admissions and by October 1 for spring admission. All applicants must complete and pass a Criminal Background Check as part of their application process. Applicants are usually notified of an admission decision within three weeks of the pre-admission workshop.
Prospective students who fail to satisfy either the Graduate School’s GPA requirement or the department’s GRE score expectation may request special consideration of their applications. Such a request must be in writing, must include compensatory evidence related to the deficiencies, and should accompany the application for admission to the Graduate School.
Any applicant who is denied admission to the program may submit to the admissions committee a written request for reconsideration that includes information not previously submitted. Final decisions of program admissions committees may be appealed to the department’s Committee on Admissions, Retention, and Professional Standards. Appeals to this committee must be in writing and must explain the basis for the appeal.
Student-at-Large and Transfer Credit
A combined maximum of 9 student-at-large and transfer semester hours may be applied toward the master’s degree in counseling. Candidates are encouraged to apply to the counseling program and to attend the Pre-Admission Workshop as soon as possible. After admitted, students will be assigned an adviser who assists in course selection.
Retention
Students are responsible for meeting the professional standards of the College of Education and undergo periodic evaluation by the counseling faculty.
Advisement
A student is assigned an adviser when admitted to the program. The adviser is a faculty member in the area of interest which the student intends to pursue. Courses of study are developed for each student. It is always the responsibility of the student to be aware of university policies and regulations affecting his or her program.
Requirements
Students are required to take a minimum of 45 semester hours in common requirements and 15 semester hours in an area of professional preparation as follows.
Check departmental information for any additional requirements.
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