Master of Counseling at Northern Illinois University
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    Master of Counseling at Northern Illinois University

    Northern Illinois University
    Northern Illinois University
    United States of America
    United States of America, DeKalb
    Master of Counseling at Northern Illinois University

    International students can study the Counseling at Northern Illinois University at its main campus in DeKalb , United States of America. This Master degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 2 years and is offered at the university's main campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on August 28, 2027.

    About Master of Counseling

    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 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.

    Check departmental information for additional requirements.

    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 by the Graduate School the deadline posted on the program admission website. 

    Applicants to the program in counseling must attend a pre-admission workshop and be selected by the faculty on the basis of aptitude, ability, professional disposition and personal qualifications requisite for the field. Prior to the pre-admission workshop, applicants must complete the supplementary data forms and take any required tests. Admission to the master's program in counseling is competitive and takes place once a year in the spring. Students are admitted for the summer session or fall semester. All materials must be received by the Graduate School and the Department of Counseling and Higher Education by January 8. Applicants are usually notified of an admission decision within three weeks of the pre-admission workshop.

    Prospective students who fail to satisfy the Graduate School's GPA requirement may request special consideration of their applications.

    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.

    Admitted students will be required to successfully pass a Criminal Background Check before progressing into their practicum field-based curriculum experiences.

    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 advisor 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 advisor when admitted to the program. The advisor 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 their program.

    Requirements

    Students are required to take a minimum of 60 semester hours. Students are required to take 39 semester hours in the core curriculum, 12 semester hours of the specialization core, and 9 semester hours in supervised practicum and internship. Students select from one of the following: a specialization in clinical mental health counseling or a specialization in school counseling.  In consultation with an advisor, the student selects a thesis or non-thesis option.

    Check departmental information for any additional requirements.

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Counseling at Northern Illinois University

    Entry Requirements

    Eligibility Requirements

    In general, you need to have accomplished the following in order to be considered for admission:

    • Completed a four-year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution or one with equivalent recognition.
    • Achieved a 2.75 grade point average on a 4.00 scale, or the equivalent.

    NIU only recognizes degrees awarded by regionally accredited institutions or foreign institutions with equivalent recognition. For example, we recognize degrees from institutions in India that are recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), designated by the UGC as deemed to be a university, or designated as an Institute of National Importance as possessing the equivalent to regional accreditation.

    Application Materials

    In general, you may follow the information provided on the application materials page when preparing to apply. Additional information and requirements are below.

    Transcripts

    When you apply, you must upload transcripts and proof of degree (diploma, diploma supplement, etc.) attested by an appropriate school official, as well as certified English language translations.

    If you're from India or Pakistan, you must upload individual marksheets rather than transcripts, as well as degree certificates (if available), all attested by the principal, controller of exams, registrar or USIEF.

    If you're admitted, you'll need to submit hard copies of all transcripts, marksheets and proof of degree.

    Test Scores

    In addition to test scores required by your intended program, you must submit a TOEFL or IELTS score unless you meet one of the following criteria:

    • You're seeking admission to the Intensive English Program at ELS DeKalb.
    • You completed or will complete a baccalaureate or higher degree from an institution in one of these countries (listed).

    Please note the following regarding test scores:

    • NIU requires an 80 (TOEFL), 6.5 (IELTS) or 53 (PTE Academic) or 115 (Duolingo).
    • When preparing your score report for upload, be sure that your name and all scores are legible.
    • If you're admitted, you must have your test score sent to NIU from the testing center. When having your TOEFL score sent, use institution code 1559. NIU does not require department codes; neither does the testing center. For your Duolingo test score, you will be able to send it through the Duolingo website directly. There is no separate testing center.

    Passports

    Though not required, you may upload a copy of your passport during the application process. A passport is required to be issued an I-20, but not for admission purposes.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 53
    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 80

    Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Counseling at Northern Illinois University

    Application Fee 60

    How to Apply for Master of Counseling at Northern Illinois University

    Select Your Program

    • Select the graduate program in which you wish to enroll.

    • Gather Your Application Materials

      Your application materials will consist of the following:

      • Transcripts (unofficial copies are accepted for admission purposes).
      • Letters of recommendation.
      • Statement of purpose.
      • Test scores (if required).
      • Resume or curriculum vitae (optional).
      • Additional materials required by your program.Take note of the program's application requirements and its application deadline, the date by which you must submit all application materials.

      Format Your Materials

      Read our file upload requirements to make sure your materials are formatted correctly.

      Check in With Your Referees

      Your referees are people who will write letters of recommendation for you. You should ask them if they are willing to write a letter before you begin the application process.

      Start Your Online Application

      When you start your application, you'll be asked to do the following:

      • Provide required information.
      • Enter email addresses for your referees and trigger an email to be sent to them.
      • Upload a statement of purpose.
      • Upload copies of unofficial transcripts.
      • Provide additional materials required by your program, such as a writing sample or test score.

        Finalize and Submit Your Application

        Double check your work. Verify that you have chosen the correct program of study. Once an application is submitted, it is considered final. We will not accept revised documents (except for your resume/curriculum vitae).

        If you save your application before you submit it, you can log back in to continue working on it. After you submit your application, you can log back in to view a checklist of materials and upload any you still need to submit.

        • Checklists are only updated after you submit your application.
        • Duplicate materials and items that are not required will not appear on your checklist.
    Master of Counseling at Northern Illinois University
    Northern Illinois University
    Northern Illinois University
    United States of America

    United States of America, DeKalb

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