The Counseling Faculty are committed to preparing multiculturally competent counseling professionals for school, community, and higher education settings who can facilitate positive change in the development and interactions of diverse individuals throughout their lifespans. The Faculty are also committed to the generation and application of knowledge about counseling and related issues and techniques.
The NIU Counseling Program in the College of Education offers professional preparation for students at the master’s and doctoral levels for entry-level and leadership roles in the field of adult education and higher education.
The Master of Science in Education The M.S.Ed. in counseling is a nationally accredited (CACREP) program, requiring a minimum of 48 semester hours, that provides preparation in the theory, techniques, and information needed by the professional counselor.
The Doctor of Education The doctoral program in counseling offers advanced professional preparation for those intending to become university professors of counseling and advanced-level clinical counselors and/or supervisors. This program is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
In addition, students have a choice of three areas of study pursuant to preparation for those roles. The three areas of emphasis are:
This area consists of course work and experiences that prepare students to do counseling in a school setting. Upon completion of this 48 semester hour program and fulfillment of other state requirements, students may apply for a Type 73 Certificate in School Counseling. This certification allows students to work as a K-12 school counselor in the State of Illinois. Course work that meets state requirements to become certified school counselors is described above.
The Career Counseling Program is designed to prepare counselors to assist individuals and groups with planning and/or changing their careers and implementing those plans or changes. Counselors may choose to do this work in higher education, organizational, government, agency, or private practice settings.
The Community and other Agency settings area is designed for students seeking professional counseling positions in agencies that assist clients to resolve psychological disorders and/or developmental issues through crisis intervention, remediation, and/or primary prevention interventions. Thus, the counselor-in-training is exposed to a range of educational experiences---through practicum, internships, and specialized studies---that will insure they have an appreciation for the diversity of clientele served and services and programs provided in these community agencies.
Program Review and Standards