The M.S.Ed. degree is intended to provide students with entry-level skills to work as counselors in schools, in community or private sector agencies, or at higher education institutions. Components of this 48-semester-hour program include 27 hours in the core curriculum, 9 hours in a chosen area of study (community agency, higher education, or school counseling), and 12 semester hours in supervised practicum and internship (600 clock hours).
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has awarded accreditation to both the Ed.D. program in counselor education and supervision and to the M.S.Ed. program in all three areas of professional preparation. CACREP-accreditation is an important credential that attests to how NIU's counseling programs are fulfilling their commitment to educational quality.
The programs in counseling at NIU are approved by the State Department of Public Instruction to certify school counselors in Illinois.
Choosing a Graduate Program from American Counseling Association