List of Counseling Degrees in Illinois

If you live in Illinois and are currently looking for a reliable source for obtaining your online Master's in Counseling, you may have come to the right place. Our team of experts has reviewed CACREP-accredited online Master's in Counseling programs in every state, including Illinois, in an effort to help you choose the right college for your education.

Online Master's in Counseling programs can come in many shapes and sizes, with some offering a variety of specializations for you to choose from. Depending on your interests, universities through the state of Illinois may have exactly what you are seeking as an upcoming student.

Consider an online counseling program: Earn a CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling online top-10 ranked Northwestern University in as few as 18 months. GRE not required. Bachelor's required. Learn more.
Online Counseling Programs At Walden

Our team's research found that there are 5 Online CACREP-accredited Master's in Counseling programs found throughout the state at 4 different universities. These programs may consist of specializations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling.

With the most popular cities for counseling students being Chicago and Peoria, there may be central resources available for students all over the state. Universities such as Adler and Bradley University can provide support to students interested in pursuing their degree online, which could be a vital resource for new online students. Below are a few 100% online counseling programs that are currently accepting applicants.

Here are a few schools in Illinois with CACREP-accredited counseling programs:
  • Adler University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling
  • Bradley University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. in School Counseling
  • Chicago State University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. in School Counseling
  • DePaul University: M.A./M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A./M.Ed. in School Counseling M.A./M.Ed. in Student Affairs and College Counseling
Click to jump to the full list of Illinois counseling programs, or consider learning more about one of the below online counseling program currently accepting applicants.

Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program


Online CACREP Master of Counseling Programs in Illinois

Graduating with a master’s in counseling from an accredited university is a great first leap into becoming a licensed counselor. Residents of the state of Illinois currently have multiple options to consider when looking for online master’s in counseling programs to jump-start their careers. Each of the programs discussed in this guide are currently accredited by the CACREP and great preparation for approaching licensure after graduation.
With the most popular cities for counseling students being Chicago and Peoria, our team's research found that there are five online CACREP-accredited master's in counseling programs found throughout the state at four different universities. These online programs consist of specializations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Professional School Counseling.

Adler University's Online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Adler provides an online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (website) that includes online course work and a two-week residency as part of its graduation requirements. Students that hail from the state of Illinois can take advantage of Adler University's online master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This program can promote further learning and success for students that engage in it, which may be why so many students choose this university for their degree program. Featuring online coursework throughout the duration of the program, students can exercise their freedom to schedule courses around their personal and professional lifestyle. Students do not have to complete the GRE in order to be considered to this program. This master’s degree may be completed in around two years and may include a supervised work experience requirement prior to graduation.

Bradley University: Multiple Online Master of Counseling Degrees

Bradley University offers students two options for enrollment, with an online Master of Arts in Counseling in both Professional School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling currently available. Online courses for these programs include all-inclusive aspects of teacher-student learning, all conducted through an easy-to-use online platform. Each program may require that students complete 60 credit hours in order to graduate, with residency requirements blended in to the general curriculum.

Northwestern University's Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters

If you choose to enroll in the online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University, you can take advantage of both online courses and in-person supervised field work to get your started toward your licensing requirements. The hybrid nature of this program would be ideal for students who are interested in both the convenience of online courses and the experience from practicum and internship opportunities.

Northwestern University is a well-known and reputable school for residents of Illinois to consider for their counseling degree program. In terms of accredited online programs, students can choose to pursue a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through this university. While in this program, students can blend their online learning with more than 60 supervised field training opportunities and 100 hours of clinical training each practicum. Students may be required to submit GRE scores prior to being accepted into this program. Most students complete this program within two to three years on average.

Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Last but definitely not least, the Chicago School of Professional Psychology is also a setting in which students can gain a reputable online degree. The Chicago School's online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a three-year, part-time program suitable for a varying range of busy adult learners. This program covers some of the standard aspects of human behavior and emotion - in order to provide you with useful knowledge for application with clients in the field.

Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs

☰ For detailed degree information, view the guides to:
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs

State Licensure

The reliability of your degree program can help decide whether or not you can become licensed as a counselor upon your graduation. Since licensure and clinical work experience is a huge part of achieving licensure in the state of Illinois, it may benefit you to come in contact with the agency responsible for issuing licenses in this state.

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation is the agency you should familiarize yourself with if you plan to enter into online counseling programs in Illinois. Any changes or updates to the licensure policy can be found through this organization's website.

After completion of the state's requirements for supervised experience and successful completion of Illinois' licensing exam, graduates will qualify for licensure. The first step in solidifying a career in the field of counseling is choosing from one of Illinois' 66 accredited degree programs. A specialty is required in order to get the most focused and relevant education possible prior to working with the public.

Popular college towns in the state of Illinois include Chicago and East Peoria, drawing in huge numbers of new counseling majors each year. If you are looking for Marriage and Family Therapy programs, go to our guide on MFT programs in Illinois.

Being a Counselor in Illinois

Choosing to become a counselor is one of the most rewarding decisions a person can make. Counselors work with society to assist in adjustment to daily life, understanding and controlling stress, and successfully managing relationships.

These services can provide help to people from varying backgrounds. Lives can be changed dramatically with the help from counseling professionals, and Illinois in an excellent place to start.

With a population nearing 13 million, Illinois is a popular place to live. Home to the hub city of Chicago, it tops the charts in revenue and tourism. The high number of people in the state offers a promising future for qualified counseling professionals, making counseling a smart choice for students. As a profession, counseling provides for a stable yearly income of $42,170 on average.

  • Undergraduate Degrees in Counseling in Illinois
    Careers are available at every degree level in counseling. As an undergraduate, professionals can gain entry into field concerning mental health or customer service. The broad spectrum of opportunity for these professionals makes this degree program an ideal choice for students.
  • Graduate Degrees in Counseling in Illinois
    Graduate degree programs put students in line for professional licensure, which can pay off in a professional setting. After graduation, those holding master’s or doctoral degrees may apply for licensure through the state of Illinois.

Did You Know?

Here are a few interesting facts about Illinois counseling degrees:

  • 66 different counseling degrees in Illinois
  • Most popular city for counseling is Chicago, one of the largest cities in the United States
  • The most popular degree offering at Illinois universities is the Master’s Degree in Counseling, but unlike many other states, Illinois also has a large number of colleges with Associate’s in Counseling degrees.

Popular Online Counseling Programs

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Schools With Campus-Based CACREP Accredited Illinois Counseling Degrees

CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs) is the top accrediting board for counseling programs. Below, you will find a list of all of the CACREP accredited counseling programs in Illinois. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.

Governors State University

University Park
M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
  • CACREP Accreditation Runs: 11/1/1994 to 3/31/2022

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago
M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
  • CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/1/2003 to 10/31/2024

Southern Illinois University

Edwardsville
M.S.Ed. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
  • CACREP Accreditation Runs: 5/1/1995 to 3/31/2020

University of Illinois Springfield

Springfield
M.A. in Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling/Therapy
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
  • CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/17/2010 to 10/31/2020

All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in Illinois

View all programs in Illinois below, or jump to all Illinois CACREP accredited counseling programs.
Adler University Chicago
  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling
Bradley University Peoria
  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.A. in School Counseling
Chicago State University Chicago
  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.A. in School Counseling
City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College Chicago
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College Chicago
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
College of DuPage Glen Ellyn
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
College of Lake County Grayslake
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
DePaul University Chicago
  • M.A./M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.A./M.Ed. in School Counseling
  • M.A./M.Ed. in Student Affairs and College Counseling
Eastern Illinois University Charleston
  • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.S. in School Counseling
Governors State University University Park
  • Doctorate - School Counseling
  • Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
  • M.A. in School Counseling
Illinois Central College East Peoria
  • Associates - Mental Health Counseling
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago
  • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
  • Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Lincoln Christian University Lincoln
  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Loyola University Chicago Chicago
  • Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
Moraine Valley Community College Palos Hills
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Northeastern Illinois University Chicago
  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
  • M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling
  • M.A. in School Counseling
Northern Illinois University Dekalb
  • Doctorate - School Counseling
  • M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
  • M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.S.Ed. in School Counseling
  • Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Oakton Community College Des Plaines
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Quincy University Quincy
  • M.Ed. in School Counseling
  • M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Roosevelt University Chicago
  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.A. in School Counseling
Saint Xavier University Chicago
  • Bachelors - Counseling Psychology
Shawnee Community College Ullin
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
  • M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
  • M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.S.Ed. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
  • M.S.Ed. in School Counseling
Trinity International University Deerfield
  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Triton College River Grove
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
University of Chicago Chicago
  • Bachelors - Counseling Psychology
  • Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
University of Illinois Springfield Springfield
  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.A. in Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling/Therapy
  • M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
  • M.A. in School Counseling
Western Illinois University - Quad Cities Moline
  • M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.S.Ed. in School Counseling
Wheaton College Wheaton
  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Counseling Career Guide

Still Looking for a Counseling Degree?

Here are some of the most popular online counseling programs. On each page you will find a detailed write-up of the program, specific courses, and schools that offer that program that are currently accepting applicants.


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