Illinois Master in Counseling Programs

Known as the Land of Lincoln, Illinois is the most populated state in the Midwestern United States. Due to the large population of Illinois and being home to one of the country’s largest cities, Chicago, the need for mental health counselors is growing in the state. According to O*Net Online, the need for mental health counselors in the state of Illinois is expected to grow by 18% by 2030. Many programs in Illinois are equipped to fill this need for counselors and meet the requirements for licensure in the state.

Master of Counseling Programs in Illinois

The Illinois Administrative Code lists the requirements for Master in Counseling programs. The Code states that programs must be from a regionally accredited college or university, be clearly labeled as a counseling program, have a minimum of two academic years, and have a minimum of 48 semester or 72 quarter hours. The courses required for licensure in Illinois will be discussed in a later section of this article.

Online Master of Counseling Programs in Illinois

There are many benefits to attending a counseling program online. Some benefits include flexibility in scheduling, access to quality education from the comfort of your home, and consistent access to course materials. Three programs in Illinois meet the requirements for licensure and the flexibility of an online program.

CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs in Illinois

There are many benefits to attending a CACREP-accredited Master of Counseling program. The greatest benefit is that you will meet the licensing requirements for most states. There is also the benefit of uniformity among other counseling programs nationwide. There are a total of 26 CACREP-accredited counseling programs in Illinois, according to the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

No GRE Required Master of Counseling Programs in Illinois

The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is a standardized test used to determine the aptitude of potential college admitants. However, many people get anxious about standardized tests or do not want their college admission based on test scores. 20 programs in Illinois do not require the GRE as part of their admissions process. 

In the Online Programs category, three programs do not require the GRE. Those programs are at Adler University, Northeastern Illinois University, and Northwestern University. 

In the CACREP-Accredited Programs category, 16 programs do not require the GRE. Those programs are located at Chicago State University, Concordia University Chicago, DePaul University, Eastern Illinois University, Judson University, Lewis University, Lincoln Christian University, National Louis University – Illinois, Northern Illinois University, Quincy University, Roosevelt University, The Chicago School, Trinity Christian College, University of Illinois – Springfield, Western Illinois University – Quad Cities, and Wheaton College.

Most Affordable Master in Counseling Program in Illinois

When picking a Master in Counseling program, the cost is just as important as the quality of the education. Out of the programs above, the most affordable online program is at Northeastern Illinois University, which costs about $453.56 per credit hour. The most affordable program in the CACREP-Accredited Programs category is at the University of Illinois Springfield, which costs about $332.25 per credit hour. 

Overall, the most affordable Master in Counseling program in Illinois is at the University of Illinois at Springfield.

Accelerated Master in Counseling Programs in Illinois

Some people seek out a program that they can complete in a short amount of time. However, due to Illinois programs requiring accreditation, most programs come in at around 60 credit hours. This means that most programs will be completed in about two or three years, depending on whether summer classes are taken. The following programs require only 60 credit hours, which is the minimal amount of hours required to be CACREP-accredited:

• Northeastern Illinois University
• Northwestern University 
• Bradley University
• Chicago State University
• Concordia University Chicago
• Eastern Illinois University
• Governors State University 
• Judson University
• Lincoln Christian University
• Northern Illinois University
• Quincy University
• Roosevelt University
• Trinity Christian College
• Western Illinois University – Quad Cities
• Wheaton College

Required Courses for Licensure in Illinois

According to the Illinois Administrative Code, a counseling program must contain the following courses:

• Human Growth and Development
• Counseling Theories
• Counseling Techniques
• Group Dynamics, Processing, and Counseling
• Appraisal of Individuals
• Research and Evaluation
• Professional, Legal, and Ethical Responsibilities Relating to Professional Counseling, Including Illinois Law
• Social and Cultural Foundations
• Lifestyle and Career Development
• Practicum/Internship
• Psychopathology and Maladaptive Behavior
• Substance Abuse
• Family Dynamics

Counseling Licensure Requirements in Illinois

There are two levels of licensure in Illinois. The first level of licensure is the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license. The second level of licensure in the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) license. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and Illinois state law sets the requirements for each level of licensure. 

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC):

This is the first step of licensure in Illinois. Anyone with an LPC is unable to practice independently and must have supervision. To obtain this license, one must graduate from an accredited university (ensuring that the above course requirements are met), pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE), and complete the application, and pay applicable fees. 

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC): 

This is the second step of licensure in Illinois. Anyone with an LCPC can practice independently without supervision. To obtain this licensure, one must have had 3,320 hours of supervised experience in no less than two years. Of these 3,320 hours of experience, a total of 1,920 must be face-to-face counseling hours. The applicant for LCPC licensure in Illinois also must pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) and pay all applicable application fees.

Illinois Counseling FAQs (Obtained via the Illinois Mental Health Counseling Association)

Can I attend a counseling program that is not CACREP-Accredited and obtain licensure?

Yes. As long as you complete all required courses for licensure (listed above) and pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) you are eligible for licensure in Illinois. 

If my CACREP-Accredited program does not offer all of the courses required for licensure am I eligible to obtain my license? 

Yes. All CACREP-Accredited programs are eligible for licensure in Illinois. 

Does my supervisor have to be a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor?

No. You may receive supervision from a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a licensed psychologist, or a licensed psychiatrist. 

Does my supervisor have to be on-site when I am working? 

No. 

How many hours of continuing education are required?

All LPCs and LCPCs must have 30 hours of continuing education every two years.

How Much Does a Mental Health Counselor Make in Illinois?

According to O*Net Online, mental health counselors in Illinois earn an average of $47,700 per year. This is lower than the national average which is listed at $49,710.

How to Become a School Counselor in Illinois

According to the Illinois Board of Education, to become a School Counselor one must hold a Professional Educator License or an Education License with Stipulations with a School Support Personnel Endorsement in the area of school counseling.

To work as a School Counselor in Illinois, you need to complete the following steps:

1. Education: Obtain a master’s degree in school counseling from a university accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education.
2. Licensure: Get a Professional Educator License (PEL) or an Education License with Stipulations with a School Support Personnel Endorsement in school counseling from the Illinois State Board of Education.
3. Internship Experience: Finish a supervised internship in school counseling, including at least 600 internship hours, with a minimum of 240 hours spent in direct service work. If you’re already an educator in Illinois, the requirement is reduced to 400 hours, with at least 240 hours of direct service.
4. Certification: Some school districts or employers may require additional certification or endorsements beyond state licensure. It’s important to check with your district for specific requirements.
5. Continuing Education: Maintain your licensure by taking part in continuing education courses and professional development activities. Licensed school counselors in Illinois are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years.
6. Application: Apply for school counselor positions in Illinois schools. Keep an eye on job postings from school districts and educational organizations. Be prepared for interviews and background checks as part of the hiring process.

How Much Does a School Counselor Make in Illinois?

According to O*Net Online, the average salary for a school counselor in Illinois is $52,340. This is less than the national average which is listed at $60,140.

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Illinois

According to the Illinois Certification Board, there are four levels of Substance Abuse Counselors in Illinois. Those four levels are the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), the Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (CRADC), the Certified Supervisor Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor, (CSADC), and the Certified Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (CAADC) licensure. There are various requirements for each level of licensure. 

• To obtain the CADC licensure, one must have a GED, but it is preferred one has an associate’s degree. If you do not have a degree, it is required to have 4000 hours of service working with substance abuse clients. If you have a degree, it is required to have 3000 hours of service working with substance abuse clients. 
• To obtain the CRADC licensure, one must have at least a GED, but it is recommended that one have an associate’s degree or higher. If you do not have a degree, it is required that one has 6000 hours of experience working with substance abuse clients. If you have a degree, it is required that you obtain 5000 hours of experience. 
• To obtain the CSADC licensure, one must have at least a GED, but it is recommended that one have an associate’s degree or higher. It is required that you obtain 10,000 hours of experience working with substance abuse clients and you must have 2000 hours of experience as a clinical supervisor. 
• Finally, to obtain CAADC licensure, one must have a Master’s degree in a related field and 2000 hours working with substance abuse clients.

How Much Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Make in Illinois?

According to O*Net Online, the average salary for a substance abuse counselor in Illinois is $47,700. This is less than the national average which is listed at $49,710.

What Other Careers are there for a Masters in Counseling Degree?

The skills and knowledge gained from a Master of Counseling program can open up various career opportunities beyond traditional counseling roles. Graduates with a Masters in Counseling degree can pursue careers in areas such as human resources, where their understanding of interpersonal dynamics and conflict resolution can be valuable.

They can also explore opportunities in governmental social services, applying their expertise to help individuals and communities in need. Additionally, the education sector offers avenues for counselors to work in academic advising or student support services. Furthermore, non-profit leadership roles are also well-suited for those with a background in counseling, as they can contribute to the management and development of programs aimed at assisting diverse populations.