The counseling faculty have intentionally designed the NIU counseling master's and counselor education and supervision doctoral programs to incorporate developmentally appropriate and scaffolded learning experiences. Based on a cohort model, experienced faculty members provide advisement, teaching, mentorship, and supervision with the goal of graduating highly competent, ethical, and culturally-responsive professional counselors and counselor educators.
During the admissions process, applicants are encouraged to consider if a three-year program is the right fit for their learning and career goals. Ideally, our admitted students are prepared to engage in the in-depth, critically self-reflective practices essential for personal and professional development as multiculturally and social justice-oriented practitioners of school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, or counselor education and supervision. Admitted students to the master’s program may choose a part-time four-year program plan instead of the three-year, full-time plan.