Location:

Dekalb, United States

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Graduate Certificate

Specialty:

School Counseling

Program Overview

Program Description:

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 professional counseling and counselor education and supervision. 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). The M.S.Ed. in counseling is a nationally accredited (CACREP) program, requiring a minimum of 60 semester hours, that provides preparation in the theory, techniques, and information needed by the professional counselor. In addition, students have a choice of two areas of study pursuant to preparation for those roles. The two areas of specialization are School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The Graduate Certificate in Career Development offers students a chance to expand their knowledge-base in Career Counseling by taking additional courses in this field of expertise.

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation (COPA), has awarded accreditation for the Master's degree in Counseling (school counseling and clinical mental health) and the Doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision program at Northern Illinois University. Northern Illinois University (NIU) is also accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The counseling program at NIU is approved by the State Department of Public Instruction to certify school counselors in Illinois.