EIU Master of Science in Counseling

Mission Statement

The Master of Science in Counseling at Eastern Illinois University has been recognized as a First Choice program which ensures the highest standards of scholarly excellence are met as evidenced through sustained achievement of criteria developed and adopted by the Graduate School. The program utilizes a cohort model with a low faculty-to-student ratio. The M.S. in Counseling prepares Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling students for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and School Counseling  students for Professional Educator License (PEL) in the State of Illinois.  The program is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP) ensuring that students are trained in research-based clinical practice. The purpose of our training, which includes 1000 hours of supervised practical experience in a variety of settings, is to equip students to become qualified, ethical and culturally competent counselors.

MINIMUM DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Masters’ degrees include the Master of Arts, Master of Science, and Master of Business Administration degree. All masters’ degrees must meet the requirements and restrictions outlined below and the requirements specified by the academic program in the “Academic Program Requirements” section of the catalog. Candidates hold final responsibility for knowing and completing these requirements.

• Counseling Graduate Catalog
  • Complete and submit the departmental admission application;
  • Submit two departmental recommendation forms from individuals familiar with applicant’s academic or work performance. (The department prefers academic reference if possible.);
  • Deadline for submitting materials: February 2nd, 2024
    • Based on application material supplied by departmental deadline, applicants will be invited to attend an Interview Day, February 23rd, 2024

• • • Requirements
      • Total Semester Hours: A minimum of 32 semester hours of study is required for all non-thesis options. A minimum of 30 semester hours of study is required for all thesis options or the recital option for candidates in the Master of Arts in music program. Candidates are advised to review the Academic Program Requirements section of the catalog for minimum hours required by academic programs. This requirement may not be waived or appealed.
      • Residency Semester Hours: A minimum of 21 semester hours of the 32 hour non-thesis option is required in residence. A minimum of 19 semester hours of the 30 hour thesis option is required in residence. Residence is defined as credit for courses taught by Eastern Illinois University faculty at on-campus or off-campus sites. This requirement may not be waived or appealed.
      • 5000 Level Semester Hours: A minimum of 22 semester hours of the 32 hour non-thesis option must be in courses numbered 5000 or higher. A minimum of 20 semester hours of the 30 hour thesis option must be in courses numbered 5000 or higher.
      Restrictions
    • Research, Internship and Special Course Restrictions: A minimum of 21 semesters hours of the 32 hour non-thesis option or the 30 hour thesis option must be completed in courses exclusive of independent study, research, thesis, internship, and special courses.
    • 4750-4999 Hour Restrictions: A maximum of 10 semester hours of courses numbered 4750 to 4999 may be applied to degree programs.
    • Research Hour Restrictions: A maximum of six semester hours of independent study may be applied to a degree. A maximum of six semester hours of research may be applied to a degree. A maximum of six semester hours of thesis may be applied to a degree. A maximum of nine semester hours in a combination of independent study, research, or thesis may be applied to a degree.
    • Non-degree Hour Restrictions: A maximum of 12 semester hours earned as a non-degree student may be applied to a degree. There is no guarantee that any credit earned as a non-degree student may later apply to a degree.

MATRICULATION REQUIREMENTS

• 60-Credit Hour Program 
  • Clinical 
  • School
• Counseling Graduate Catalog

FINANCIAL AID

• Paul Ward Memorial Scholarship (Completed in Every Application to M.S. in Counseling)
• Graduate Assistantships Internal and External
  • GA Application 
• EIU Financial Aid 
• Scholarship Search EIU Academic Works 

Program Goals for the M.S. in Counseling

1. Admit candidates that display the required academic preparation and professional depositions necessary to succeed in the CHE program (This objective is measured by a thorough interview process, retention, and graduation rate).

2. Candidates will display evidence of a depth of content knowledge and skill along eight core competencies using key performance indicators as outlined in the latest CACREP standards (This objective is measured by competencies and skills evaluated in didactic course assignments, student perceptions of course objectives being met, NCE means scores, comprehensive exam, and field experiences).

3. Candidates will display evidence of a depth of content knowledge and skill in the specialty areas of Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling as outlined in the latest CACREP standards (This objective is measured by competencies and skills evaluated in didactic course assignments, student perceptions of course objectives being met, NCE means scores, PEL pass rates (school only), comprehensive exam, and field experiences).

4. Candidates will display evidence of maintaining professional dispositions throughout the program (This objective is measured at five points during the two year program on motivational appropriateness, personal maturity, flexibility, emotional stability, engagement in the learning process, and collegiality with peers and professionals).

5. Candidates will display evidence of effective communication, critical thinking, and problem solving skills (This objective is measured by didactic courses assignments and field experience requirements).

6. Candidates will display evidence of advanced scholarship through research and/or creative activity (This objective is measured by competencies and skills evaluated in didactic course assignments, student perceptions of course objectives being met, NCE mean score, and comprehensive exam).

7. Candidates will display evidence that they have fulfilled the CHE mission to become qualified, ethical and culturally competence counselors (This objective is measured utilizing student exit surveys, internship supervisor surveys, alumni surveys, and employer surveys).

Accountability

• Student Learning Assessment Program
  • 2021-2022
  • 2020-2021
  • 2019-2020
• CACREP Standards
  • 2023 CACREP Vital Statistics Report
  • 2022 CACREP Vital Statistics Report
  • 2021 CACREP Vital Statistics Report
  • 2020 CACREP Vital Statistics Report
  • 2019 CACREP Vital Statistics Report

STATISTICS

• Counseling Program Statistics 2019-2021

 Flyer

• Counseling Flyer