Illinois is a large state in the Midwest, with notable cities like Chicago, the third largest city in the country. More than 1.8 million students are enrolled in more than 4,400 schools across Illinois.
Illinois is one of the largest employers of school counselors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 12,700 school counselors are employed in the state. The average salary is $65,480, which is higher than the national average of $61,710.
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.
There are 15 masters in school counseling programs in Illinois, 12 on campus and three hybrid options. One university, Bradley University, offers both an on campus and online option.
Masters Programs In Illinois To Become A School Counselor
There are 12 public and private institutions in Illinois that offer master of school counseling programs. 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. Keep reading to learn more about the programs available and to find the best fit for you.
Bradley University
- Peoria, IL
- 9 terms
- Campus
Program:
Master’s degree in professional school counseling
City: Peoria, IL
Modality: On campus
Length: 9 terms
Tuition: $1,090 per credit hour, not including fees
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.
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, not including fees
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.
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
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.
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: $169.40 per credit hour for in-state residents, not including fees
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. Students apply theories and practice techniques in a Lab Room.
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
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.
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, not including fees
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.
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, not including fees
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.
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, not including fees
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.
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, not including fees
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.
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, not including fees
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.
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, not including fees
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.
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, not including fees
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.
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, not including fees
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.
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, not including fees
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.
Lewis University
- Romeoville, IL
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Arts, Counseling
City: Romeoville, IL
Modality: Hybrid
Length: Not listed
Tuition: $670 per credit hour, not including fees
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.
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: Not listed
Tuition: $1,090 per credit hour, not including fees
Program Overview:
In the online program, students complete coursework and the practicum hours at their home locations.
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.
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