School Counseling

Rotation of Classes for the 60 hour School Program (2026-2028)

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).

Summer 2026   

Class Options

CHE 5510          Professional Orientation                                                3 credits
CHE 5520          Theories of Counseling                                                  3 credits

 

Fall 2026

REQUIRED:  HAVE BACKGROUND CHECK COMPLETED IN PREPARATION FOR PRACTICUM

CHE 5500          Research Methods                                                        4 credits (1 hour lab)
CHE 5510**      Professional Orientation                                                3 credits
CHE 5520**      Theories of Counseling                                                  3 credits
CHE 5530          Basic Counseling Skills                                                  4 credits ( 1 hour lab)                                                                                                                                                           14 credits

Spring 2027

Pre-requisites – 5500, 5510, 5520 & 5530

REQUIRED: Purchase Professional Liability insurance prior to beginning Practicum

OPTIONAL: Sign up for NCE Roster

CHE 5600          Cross Cultural Counseling                                                                         3 credits
CHE 5620          Group Counseling                                                                                      3 credits
CHE 5630          Practicum                                                                                                    4 credits (1 hour Lab)
CHE 5943          Foundations/Management of School Counseling Programs                       3 credits                                                                                                                                                                                 13 credits

 

Summer 2027

Content Area Test a pre-requisite for 2nd Internship {6921} OPTIONAL: Apply for NCE Exam

CHE 5610          Human Development                                                    3 credits          
CHE 5941          Emerging Issues in Sch. Counseling                             3 credits
CHE 6920          Supervised Experience                                                  3 credits
                                                                                                                    9 credits

Fall 2027     

Needed: Internship Presentation & Positive Prof. Disposition;

OPTIONAL:  take NCE OR sign up for NCE roster for SPRING

CHE 5640          Play Therapy                                                                 3 credits
CHE 5942          SC: Collaboration, Consultation and Counseling      3 credits 
CHE 5920          Career Counseling                                                        3 credits
CHE 6921          Supervised Experience                                                  3 credits
                                                                                                                   12 credits

Spring 2028

(Apply for Graduation, Cap & Gown & Hooding; REQUIRED: Comp. Exam;

OPTIONAL:take NCE)

CHE 5900          Appraisal                                                                      3 credits
CHE 6922          Supervised Experience                                                 3 credits
CHE                  Elective                                                                            3 credits
CHE                  Elective                                                                            3 credits
                                                                                                                   12 credits

* Schedules are tentative and subject to change. ** If 5510 and/or 5520 is taken in the summer, students may consider 5640 Play Therapy as a replacement course for fall of first year. (It is recommended that you only take one replacement course so that your remaining schedule is not adversely impacted).

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.