EIU Master of Science in Counseling

School Counseling

The Department of Counseling and Higher Education offers the Masters of Science in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling. This program meets the requirements for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and leads to certification as a School Counselor in the State of Illinois (Professional Educator License).

School Counseling 60-Credit Hour Program

What is the School Counseling Concentration?

The Department of Counseling and Higher Education offers the Master of Science degree in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling. This program meets the rigorous accreditation standards for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), making graduates of the School Counseling concentration marketable to school districts across the country.

The School Counseling track offers a unique licensure opportunity for students as well. First, students will become certified as a School Counselor in the state of Illinois upon graduation (earning their Professional Educator License). Additionally, students in the School Counseling track will have the extra opportunity to earn their clinical license, becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Illinois. No additional coursework or internship experience is required, as the 60-credit hour School Counseling Program covers requirements necessary for both licenses. This dual licensure opportunity only applies to students enrolled in the School Counseling concentration track.

What are the benefits to earning a Masters in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling?

School counseling is a growing field across the country, and there are many benefits to earning a Master’s in School Counseling, including:

• School counseling is a dynamic profession, in which new, exciting things happen every day. Those wanting a career where they are not doing the same thing every day can look toward the School Counseling profession for that excitement.
• Those wanting a career that makes a positive impact on others should consider School Counseling. School counselors work closely with children and adolescents, making tangible, positive impacts in the lives of youth every day.
• Coursework in the School Counseling program is collaborative, experiential, and detailed. Coursework directly connects students to concepts that can help them in their future work with students.
• Those in the School Counseling program learn a variety of counseling theories by practicing in a controlled, private Lab Room. Students get the proper clinical skills needed to be a successful mental health professional as they enter the school building and work with students.

What are the benefits to earning both licenses?

The dual licensure opportunity for students in the School Counseling program offers a variety of benefits, including:

• Graduates with both the Professional Educator License and LPC licensure have a competitive edge when it comes to applying to jobs within school districts. Principals see the value in hiring a school counselor who is also a licensed therapist, as those professionals can best address the mental health needs of students.
• Both licenses offer career flexibility within the counseling profession. Graduates of the School Counseling program can choose to work in school or clinical settings once dually licensed. For example, many graduates opt to earn extra income in the summers as a clinical counselor.
• Obtaining both licenses takes advantage of all that EIU’s School Counseling program has to offer. Students can earn both licenses by enrolling in their regular 60-credit hour program, making dual licensure a convenient bonus to the learning taking place within the program.

What do students have to say about the School Counseling program?

“I love the School Counseling program at EIU because of the tight-knit community that the staff built with my cohort. I can always tell that the professors are invested in my well-being and growth as a counselor. The faculty at EIU not only have made my current experience in the program great, but I also see myself maintaining a relationship with my professors after I graduate. I know they will still be there for me even after I leave!”                 -Audrey Kim, Class of 2021

“I was originally unsure as to what type of counselor I wanted to be and which concentration I wanted to apply to at EIU- clinical or school. What helped me choose the School Counseling program was the dual licensure opportunity. I figured it was the best option for me to gain that freedom to choose my career after graduation. I don’t feel limited now, knowing I have both licenses. I enjoy working with students in the school building, and in the end, I am very grateful for choosing the School Counseling track!”                        -Max Smith, Class of 2021