There are 15 masters in school counseling programs in Illinois offered by public and private institutions. Illinois is home to many diverse higher education institutions, such as Northeastern Illinois University, which is a Hispanic-serving institution. There are also faith-based schools such as Loyola University and Concordia University. Several public universities offer school counseling programs, including Governors State University and Chicago State University.
School counseling programs may be offered through departments of education or psychology, depending on the university. Some programs provide a specific focus on urban environments. And, some offer structural options, like a cohort model or the option to take classes full or part-time. 12 programs are on campus and three are hybrid programs. One university, Bradley University, offers both an on campus and online option. Keep reading to learn more about the programs available and to find the best fit for you.
Illinois School Counseling Programs Quick Facts
- Number of School Counseling Programs in Illinois: 15
- CACREP-Accredited School Counseling Programs: 12
- Hybrid or Online School Counseling Programs in Illinois: 4
- Tuition Cost Range: $20,100-$65,400
- Average Cost of Tuition: $38,965
Bradley University
- Peoria, IL
- 9 terms
- Campus
Program:
Master’s degree in professional school counseling
City: Peoria, IL
Modality: On campus
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $1,090 per credit hour, $65,400 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The master’s degree in school counseling combines courses and practicum experience across nine-terms, including summers. Students are supervised by Bradley faculty during practicum and fieldwork experiences. Students complete two one-week residences in Peoria.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program has a 100% pass rate on the National Counselor Exam (NCE).
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- At $1,090 per credit hour, Bradley University has the highest tuition rate for school counseling master’s programs in Illinois.
- Applicants must submit GRE or MAT scores if their undergraduate GPA was below 3.0.
Chicago State University
- Chicago, IL
- 60 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Arts in School Counseling
City: Chicago, IL
Modality: On campus
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $335 per credit hour, in-state, $20,100 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The school counseling program is designed to prepare students to serve as counselors in urban settings. Students learn how to meet the needs of urban youth and their families, and how to implement the American School Counseling Association model.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students in this program will be eligible to sit for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) exam after graduation.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
- The coursework focuses on a trauma-informed approach to working with inner-city students.
Additional Considerations:
- Students must take the appropriate prerequisite courses in child development and/or psychology. More information can be found here.
- Students who do not hold a valid Illinois Professional Educator License will be required to take the course “Educational Fundamentals of School Counseling.”
DePaul University
- Chicago, IL
- 60-90 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Arts in Counseling, School Counseling concentrations
City: Chicago, IL
Modality: On campus
Length: 60-90 credit hours
Tuition: $796 per credit hour, $47,760 estimated total program cost for 60 credit hours
Program Overview:
The M.A. in school counseling at DePaul is one of the largest counseling programs in Illinois. The M.A. prepares students to work in K-12 school systems with a focus on data-driven counseling. Students complete 60 to 90 quarter hours of curriculum, specialty coursework, and electives and practicum and internship, depending on their specialty area. Students can also work in the Education and Counseling Center, a learning laboratory that provides individual and group counseling for local youth.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students can work in the Education and Counseling Center, a learning laboratory that provides individual and group counseling for local youth.
- According to the program website: “DePaul’s Counseling program was the first in Illinois and 24th in the United States to affiliate with Education Trust’s National Center for Transforming School Counseling.”
- For those who already hold a license in a similar field, DePaul University also offers a School Counselor Licensure Program.
Additional Considerations:
- This program begins in the fall semester, with applications due by July 15th. However, the program may stop reviewing applications if it has reached capacity. So submitting an application earlier is better.
Eastern Illinois University
- Charleston, IL
- 60 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in School Counseling
City: Charleston, IL
Modality: On campus
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $353.72 per credit hour for in-state residents, $21,223.20 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.S. in school counseling provides coursework to become a certified school counselor in Illinois, with the option to earn a clinical license and become a Licensed Professional Counselor as well. Coursework is collaborative and directly connects with the skills counselors need to work with students.
Why We Like This Program:
- Eastern Illinois University is known for its affordability.
- Students apply theories and practice techniques in a Lab Room.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- The application deadline is January 31, 2026. Students must apply to both the graduate school and the counseling program, so it is vital that all materials are submitted early in order to ensure that the counseling department receives all materials by January 31st.
Loyola University
- Chicago, IL
- 48 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Education in School Counseling
City: Chicago, IL
Modality: On campus
Length: 48 semester hours
Tuition: $1,070 per credit hour, not including fees, $51,360 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.Ed in school counseling can be completed full or part time. Classes are held weekday evenings at the Water Tower Campus. Students complete coursework and 700 hours of internship experience, and take an exam. Students are invited to work with faculty in labs that are dedicated to social-justice focused research.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students are invited to work with faculty in labs that are dedicated to social-justice focused research.
- Students benefit from the resources of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges. This gives them access to career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and more.
Additional Considerations:
- At $1,070 per credit hour, Loyola University is significantly more expensive than other school counseling master’s programs in Illinois. Scholarships are available.
- The application deadline is February 1st. This program begins in the fall semester.
National Louis University
- Chicago, IL
- 60-67 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Counseling
City: Chicago, IL
Modality: On campus
Length: 60-67 credit hours
Tuition: $790 per credit hour, $47,400 estimated total program cost assuming 60 credit hours
Program Overview:
The M.S. in counseling prepares counselors for a variety of educational settings. Students complete coursework and a 100 hour practicum, and 600 hour internship. Students are prepared to sit for the National Board for Certified Counselors exam and the IL Licensed Professional Counselor exam.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
- There are two tracks available for aspiring school counselors; one for those who already have a professional educator license and one for those who do not.
Additional Considerations:
- Graduate applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Northeastern Illinois University
- Chicago, IL
- 60 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Arts in School Counseling
City: Chicago, IL
Modality: On campus
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $463.53 per credit hour, $27,812 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.A. in school counseling prepares students for K-12 educational counseling. It focuses on a developmental counseling approach, applying the philosophy and standards of the American School Counselor Association. The program also emphasizes advocacy, social justice, and data-driven practices.
Why We Like This Program:
- Northeastern Illinois University is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.
- 97% of students receive some form of student aid.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- Applicants must have an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) or share the results of fingerprinting and a federal background check.
- This program admits students in January and August.
Northern Illinois University
- DeKalb, IL
- 60 hours
- Campus
Program:
Masters in Science of Education, School Counseling
City: DeKalb, IL
Modality: On campus
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $509.75 per credit hour, $30,585 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.S.Ed at Northern Illinois University provides training in the strategies that have an impact in schools. The program offers a graduate certificate in trauma-informed counseling. Students have the opportunity to work at the Community Counseling Training Center and gain first-hand experience providing culturally responsive counseling services for the NIU community.
Why We Like This Program:
- Classes are offered in the late afternoon and evening in order to better accommodate working students.
- Students can complete this program on a full-time or part-time basis.
- This program is CACREP-accredited
Additional Considerations:
- Students begin their plan of study in the fall semester. The application deadline is January 8th.
Quincy University
- Quincy, IL
- 60 hours
- Campus
Program:
Masters of Science in Education, Counseling and College Student Personnel
City: Quincy, IL
Modality: On campus
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $500 per credit hour, $30,000 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.S.Ed requires 60 graduate hours of coursework and the completion of a practicum and internship, as well as completion of a comprehensive exam. The program focuses on preparing counselors for K-12 education and higher education. There is a focus on supporting servant-leaders, who have a commitment to social justice and appreciation for diversity.
Why We Like This Program:
- Applicants with diverse backgrounds and across all fields are encouraged to apply.
- Students can complete this program on a full-time or part-time basis.
Additional Considerations:
- While there are no specific prerequisites for this program, students who have taken some psychology courses during their undergraduate program are favored.
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with students typically beginning their coursework in the fall term.
Roosevelt University
- Chicago, IL
- 3 years
- Campus
Program:
Master’s in School Counseling
City: Chicago, IL
Modality: On campus
Length: 3 years
Tuition: $958 per credit hour, $49,816 estimated total program cost assuming 52 credit hours
Program Overview:
The Master’s in school counseling prepares candidates to support the learning and social-emotional needs of students in K-12 schools. Students are prepared to work democratically within diverse school environments.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program boasts a 100% completion rate, job placement rate, NCE pass rate, and CPCE pass rate for the 2023-2024 academic year.
- Students can take 9 additional credits to become an LPC.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- There is no space for electives in this plan of study.
- This program only allows for a fall semester start.
University of Illinois, Springfield
- Springfield, IL
- 61 hours
- Campus
Program:
School Counseling Concentration
City: Springfield, IL
Modality: On campus
Length: 61 credit hours
Tuition: $339 per credit hour for in-state students, $20,679 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The University of Illinois, Springfield campus offers a school counseling concentration for practitioners who already hold a K-12 teaching license and want ot earn the school counseling accreditation. Students complete coursework, a 100 hour practicum, and a 60- hour internship. If an applicant does not have an Illinois teaching license, they must take four additional courses.
Why We Like This Program:
- This curriculum is highly clinical, with most of the coursework seemingly based on the clinical mental health counseling curriculum.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- If an applicant does not have an Illinois teaching license, they must take four additional courses.
- Students begin this program in the fall semester. All application materials are due by January 31st.
Western Illinois University
- Macomb, IL
- 60 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Education in Counseling
City: Macomb, IL
Modality: On campus
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $393.90 per credit hour for in-state residents, $23,634 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.S.Ed in counseling has a school counseling option. Students complete coursework in school counseling with an emphasis on understanding the concepts and demonstrating them during fieldwork.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
- There is an active chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, the international honors society for counseling students on campus.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is only available at the Quad Cities campus.
- There is no clear path to become an LPC from this school counseling program.
Hybrid School Counseling Masters Programs in Illinois
Hybrid masters programs provide classes online and on campus, depending on the course. There are three hybrid options in Illinois: Concordia University, Governors State University, and Lewis University.
Concordia University
- River Forest, IL
- 48 hours
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Arts in School Counseling
City: River Forest, IL
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 48 credit hours
Tuition: $505 per credit hour, $24,240 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.A. in school counseling prepares students who demonstrate high standards of professionalism and ethics. The program also provides students with the skills required by school counselors in K-12 settings.
Why We Like This Program:
- Concordia University is a private Christian school and their school counseling emphasizes Christian principles.
- All students complete a Counseling Intervention Project to fulfill the capstone requirement.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is not CACREP-accredited.
- The application deadline is May 2nd and classes begin May 5th.
Governors State University
- University Park, IL
- 60 hours
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Arts in Counseling, School Counseling concentration
City: University Park, IL
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $4,596 per semester, $27,576 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The counseling program prepares professional counselors through coursework and experiences. Students are encouraged to work with faculty on research and presentations and to participate in local, state, and national professional development activities. In the hybrid model, students take courses on campus and online.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
- There is an active chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, the international honors society for counseling students on campus.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is designed to be completed in 3 years.
- Students may begin their coursework in either the fall or spring term. The application deadlines are February 15th and August 15th, respectively.
Lewis University
- Romeoville, IL
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Arts, Counseling
City: Romeoville, IL
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 47-60 credit hours
Tuition: $670 per credit hour, $31,490 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.A. in counseling is designed to prepare teachers as effective K-12 counselors. Students complete the counseling coursework in on campus or online courses, and upon completion, can become a school counselor. Or, they can complete the Licensed professional Counselor exam as well. Lewis’s program includes small class sizes, and a pacing and design that meets adult learners’ needs.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students have seven years to complete this program, which is a generous amount of time.
- Lewis’s program includes small class sizes, and a pacing and design that meets adult learners’ needs.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is not CACREP-accredited.
Online School Counseling Masters Programs In Illinois
There is one fully online school counseling program in Illinois. Bradley University provides a fully online option.
Bradley University
- Peoria, IL
- Online
Program:
Masters in Counseling-School Counseling
City: Peoria, IL
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $1,090 per credit hour, $65,400 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
In the online program, students complete coursework and the practicum hours at their home locations.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- At $1,090 per credit hour, Bradley University has the highest tuition rate for school counseling master’s programs in Illinois.
CACREP-accredited School Counseling Masters Programs In Illinois
Currently, there are 12 CACREP-accredited school counseling masters programs in Illinois:
- Bradley University
- Chicago State University
- Governors State University
- DePaul University
- Eastern Illinois University
- Northeastern Illinois University
- Northern Illinois University
- National Louis University
- Roosevelt University
- Quincy University
- Western Illinois University
- University of Illinois at Springfield.
No GRE Required School Counseling Masters Programs In Illinois
None of the school counseling programs in Illinois require applicants to submit their GRE scores. However, be sure to note that some programs require applicants to have a valid teaching license in Illinois or to obtain one and most have GPA requirements for admission.
Illinois’ Most Affordable School Counseling Masters Programs
There is no shortage of affordable graduate options here. The following programs have tuition that is $500 or less per credit hour (not including fees):
- Chicago State University
- Eastern Illinois University
- Northeastern Illinois University
- Quincy University
- University of Illinois at Springfield
- Western Illinois University.
The full cost of a program will depend on the number of credit hours, fees, and other expenses, like transportation and the potential cost of relocating.
Accelerated School Counseling Masters Programs In Illinois
The school counseling graduate programs that require the fewest credit hours are:
- Loyola University’s on campus program, and
- Concordia University’s hybrid program.
Both require 48 credit hours to complete.
School Counselor Certification In Illinois
The Illinois School Counseling Association oversees school counseling licensure. To earn a licensed school counselor (Formerly Type 73) certification in Illinois, practitioners must:
- Complete a certified school counselor graduate program,
- Complete a supervised practicum of at least 100 clock hours with at least 40 hours of direct-service work,
- Complete an internship of at least 600 hours (one semester in length) with 240 hours of direct service work,
- Pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam and National Counselor Exam.
If the applicant has been a teacher for two years, the internship requirement is reduced to 400 hours with 240 direct-service hours. Also, school counselors who have earned a school counseling license in another state can apply for reciprocity by submitting their license and master’s degree information.
FAQs
How much does a school counselor make in Illinois?
According to Indeed.com, the average school counselor salary in Illinois is $138,309. However salaries range from city to city; the average reported salary in Chicago is $61,068 and the average reported salary in Springfield is $64,090. Salary also varies depending on years of experience.
How long does it take to become a school counselor in Illinois?
Most masters programs in school counseling are completed within two or three years, though some programs may offer flexibility to finish sooner or to extend the duration of the program.
SCM Masters Programs in Other States
Wisconsin
Iowa
Missouri
Kentucky
Indiana
Michigan