EIU Master of Science
in Counseling

Practical Experience

Practicum and Internships placements begin in the second semester of coursework. These practical experiences are intended to combine course work with field experience conducted in a setting as similar as possible to that in which the student intends to seek employment. The nature of this experience should be very much like that of a regular counseling position, but with intensive supervision both on-site and on-campus.

Licensure

Upon graduation students completing this program are prepared to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC) by taking the National Counseling Examination (NCE) or a certified school counselor by obtaining a Professional Educator License (PEL).

As a CACREP Accredited program, students take the NCE exam while in their final year of study, allowing them to graduate from EIU as licensed professional counselors.

Research Projects

Research is an important aspect of the M.S. in counseling program, with an aim for students to display advanced scholarship through their research. Each student in the Counseling program takes a Research Methods course designed to introduce students to qualitative and quantitative methods of research in the counseling field.

Job Placement

Whether it's getting a professional job, a teaching job, or going on to a Ph.D. program, our students have been very successful after they graduate our program. Building on significant theoretical and methodological commitments, the graduate program provides the background necessary to be successful in numerous communication-oriented careers. With a strong focus on fostering students’ writing, critical thinking, and problem solving skills, we are dedicated to the success of our students in the program and beyond.

Excellent Faculty

The Counseling Department has an outstanding, caring, and accessible faculty composed of individuals who are extensively qualified as instructors and have impressive experience in the field to give students a well-rounded, practical educational experience.