Explore two flexible, career-focused graduate programs at Eastern Illinois University designed to prepare you for impactful roles in education and student support.

The M.S. in Counseling is a 60-credit-hour, CACREP-accredited program that prepares you for licensure in clinical mental health counseling (LPC) or school counseling (PEL). The M.S. in College Student Affairs with a Higher Education & Community College option is a 36-credit-hour, fully online program built for working professionals, with coursework aligned to national standards from ACPA and NASPA.

Whether you want to support students through counseling or lead and serve in higher education settings, EIU offers a clear path forward.

eiu counseling student observing mock session in class

M.S. in Counseling

EIU’s Master of Science in Counseling is a 60-credit-hour graduate program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), ensuring high-quality training that meets national standards for professional counselors.

Students can choose between two career-focused tracks:

  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    Prepares you to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and work in settings such as mental health centers, hospitals, and private practice.
  • School Counseling
    Prepares you to earn a Professional Educator License (PEL) and support students in K–12 school settings.

This program combines hands-on experience with evidence-based coursework to prepare graduates for careers in counseling, student support, and mental health services.

MS in Counseling 
letters-eiu with young woman sitting on u

M.S. in College Student Affairs  Online

EIU’s Master of Science in Higher Education & Community College option is a 36-credit-hour, fully online graduate program designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers in higher education. Coursework aligns with national standards from ACPA and NASPA, preparing graduates for leadership roles across colleges and universities.

Students build practical skills in areas such as student development, academic advising, leadership, and higher education administration while continuing to work full-time.

This program prepares graduates for careers in student affairs, advising, enrollment management, and community college leadership.

Higher Education and Community College