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The Counseling Program is CACREP-accredited and ensures the highest academic and professional standards, providing individuals with theoretical frameworks and competencies that prepare them to offer effective counseling services. There are three degree specialty areas within the program: clinical mental health counseling, college counseling and student affairs, and school counseling. The specialty areas of clinical mental health counseling and school counseling integrate Illinois state requirements for licensure, and all specialty areas meet national standards for professional practice. School counseling and college counseling and student affairs programs are 72 credit hours, and the clinical mental health counseling program is 90 credit hours. All specialty areas include a 100 hour practicum and 600 hour internship. These clinical experiences are mandatory, and for the school counseling and clinical mental health counseling specialty areas, they are required by the state for licensure. A degree from the Counseling Program prepares students for career opportunities such as school counseling in elementary, middle, and high schools; counseling in community agencies; counseling in higher education; career counseling through the lifespan; counseling in hospitals or institutional-care settings; group counseling; couples and family counseling; or counseling in private practice, depending upon the chosen specialty area. All of the specialty areas emphasize and are designed to foster leadership, advocacy, and social justice. The MA degree in Counseling requires the successful completion of a Thesis. The Counseling program has three specialty areas:

• School Counseling
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling