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School Counseling

We offer facilties and research-based training for Masters level professional counselors. The cohort model provides ongoing support and connections amovng students for a close-knit feel. The Department has an outstanding,caring, and accessible faculty composed of individuals who ar extensively qualified as instructors and have impressive experience in the field to give you a well-rounded, practical educaitonal experience.

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School Counseling

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Degree Level
Master of Science
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
6 Semesters
Credit Hours
60 Total, 60 in Major
Careers
Counselors, Guidance,, Advisors

Why Study School Counseling at EIU?

  • Learn through hands-on, project-based coursework.
  • Engage in counseling settings for practice and experience.
  • Prepare in real-world settings to serve clients.
"I chose EIU because it felt like home the second I got to campus. The faculty was very friendly and I knew this would be a place I would feel supported. EIU's school counseling program also offers dual licensure as a school counselor and a clinical mental health counselor so I knew I would have a lot of options after graduation."
Joshua Noe
Class of 2025, School Counseling major
Joshua Noe, School Counseling at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Collaborative learning experiences.
  • Required internships and applied work.
Hands-On Experience, School Counseling students at EIU

What You'll Learn

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).

View in Catalog
$51,527
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • Mental Health Counselors
  • Educational, Guidance, & Career…

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Extensive (5/5)
Personality Fit Social

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$30,300 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 30% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $9,090 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit, so federal loans alone can cover tuition and fees.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education - at EIU's rates, that can cover a good share of a part-time master's.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid →
30% of lifetime limit

$30,300 total, just 30% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Dr. Danessa Carter
Counseling Program Director & Associate Professor
dacarter3@eiu.edu
2104 Buzzard Hall
Dr. Danessa Carter Message Dr. Carter

Message Dr. Carter

or email dacarter3@eiu.edu directly
Dr. Heidi Larson
School Counseling Graduate Coordinator, Professor
halarson@eiu.edu
2114 Buzzard Hall
Dr. Heidi Larson Message Dr. Larson

Message Dr. Larson

or email halarson@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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