Our team's research found that there are 5 Online CACREP-accredited Master's in Counseling programs found throughout the state at 4 different universities. These programs may consist of specializations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling.
With the most popular cities for counseling students being Chicago and Peoria, there may be central resources available for students all over the state. Universities such as Adler and Bradley University can provide support to students interested in pursuing their degree online, which could be a vital resource for new online students. Below are a few 100% online counseling programs that are currently accepting applicants.
Here are a few schools in Illinois with CACREP-accredited counseling programs:- Adler University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- Bradley University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. in School Counseling
- Chicago State University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. in School Counseling
- DePaul University: M.A./M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A./M.Ed. in School Counseling M.A./M.Ed. in Student Affairs and College Counseling
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
The COAMFTE-accredited MFT@Northwestern is offered by The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 21 months. No GRE is required, but applicants must hold an undergraduate degree. Full and part-time tracks available. Learn More |
| Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
| Walden University
MS in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Learn how to support the well-being of your students as they cope with complex personal and family challenges. Explore human sexual development as well as the relationships and family dynamics impacting young people’s lives today. Build the cross-cultural competencies and skills required to understand family structures, life-cycle dynamics, intergenerational influences, and healthy family functioning. The optional accelerated track is designed for students who are interested in taking three courses per quarter and potentially finishing their program in a shorter time frame. The accelerated track has the same curriculum, residencies, and field experience requirements as the general track, but requires a strong time commitment and is best suited for students who can dedicate themselves full time to their studies. Learn More |
| Walden University
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
HLC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
In the PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision with a specialization in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, you’ll look at human sexuality and empirically supported treatments and techniques for promoting the well-being of couples. Build competencies for working effectively with children and adolescents. You’ll also learn how to assess procedures for evaluating research in this area—and how to apply these findings to your practice. Learn More |
| Liberty University
MA: Marriage and Family Therapy
SACSCOC |
✔ Online
Online with required intensives |
A Liberty University marriage and family therapy master’s program online can prepare you to help individuals, couples, and families find healing through counseling. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| Grand Canyon University
Master's Degree in Counseling
HLC and NASAC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's degree emphases include: Childhood and Adolescence Disorders, Christian Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Trauma. Designed to meet the academic requirements of the National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor credential, the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor credential and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition. Learn More |
| The Chicago School
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree Required. |
This online CMHC program prepares students for a career offering mental health services in a variety of settings; helping diverse clients through issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, stress, relationship difficulties, and suicidal impulses. Learn More |
| The Chicago School
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
|
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree Required. |
The Chicago School’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis Online Program prepares students for a rewarding career in the rapidly growing field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Guided by practitioner faculty, students gain experience and exposure in a wide variety of ABA applications and specialties. Learn More |
| The Chicago School
Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Credential Track options are also available. |
✔ Online
Master's Degree Required. |
The Chicago School’s Online Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program provides a solid knowledge base in the experimental analysis of behavior, applied behavior analysis, and radical behaviorism, equipping graduates with the skills needed to bring about socially significant behavioral changes through evidence-based program development. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Master of Counseling Programs in Illinois
Graduating with a master’s in counseling from an accredited university is a great first leap into becoming a licensed counselor. Residents of the state of Illinois currently have multiple options to consider when looking for online master’s in counseling programs to jump-start their careers. Each of the programs discussed in this guide are currently accredited by the CACREP and great preparation for approaching licensure after graduation.
With the most popular cities for counseling students being Chicago and Peoria, our team's research found that there are five online CACREP-accredited master's in counseling programs found throughout the state at four different universities. These online programs consist of specializations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Professional School Counseling.
Adler University's Online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Adler provides an online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (website) that includes online course work and a two-week residency as part of its graduation requirements. Students that hail from the state of Illinois can take advantage of Adler University's online master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This program can promote further learning and success for students that engage in it, which may be why so many students choose this university for their degree program. Featuring online coursework throughout the duration of the program, students can exercise their freedom to schedule courses around their personal and professional lifestyle. Students do not have to complete the GRE in order to be considered to this program. This master’s degree may be completed in around two years and may include a supervised work experience requirement prior to graduation.
Bradley University: Multiple Online Master of Counseling Degrees
Bradley University offers students two options for enrollment, with an online Master of Arts in Counseling in both Professional School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling currently available. Online courses for these programs include all-inclusive aspects of teacher-student learning, all conducted through an easy-to-use online platform. Each program may require that students complete 60 credit hours in order to graduate, with residency requirements blended in to the general curriculum.
Northwestern University's Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters
If you choose to enroll in the online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University, you can take advantage of both online courses and in-person supervised field work to get your started toward your licensing requirements. The hybrid nature of this program would be ideal for students who are interested in both the convenience of online courses and the experience from practicum and internship opportunities.
Northwestern University is a well-known and reputable school for residents of Illinois to consider for their counseling degree program. In terms of accredited online programs, students can choose to pursue a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through this university. While in this program, students can blend their online learning with more than 60 supervised field training opportunities and 100 hours of clinical training each practicum. Students may be required to submit GRE scores prior to being accepted into this program. Most students complete this program within two to three years on average.
Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Last but definitely not least, the Chicago School of Professional Psychology is also a setting in which students can gain a reputable online degree. The Chicago School's online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a three-year, part-time program suitable for a varying range of busy adult learners. This program covers some of the standard aspects of human behavior and emotion - in order to provide you with useful knowledge for application with clients in the field.
Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
State Licensure
The reliability of your degree program can help decide whether or not you can become licensed as a counselor upon your graduation. Since licensure and clinical work experience is a huge part of achieving licensure in the state of Illinois, it may benefit you to come in contact with the agency responsible for issuing licenses in this state.
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation is the agency you should familiarize yourself with if you plan to enter into online counseling programs in Illinois. Any changes or updates to the licensure policy can be found through this organization's website.
After completion of the state's requirements for supervised experience and successful completion of Illinois' licensing exam, graduates will qualify for licensure. The first step in solidifying a career in the field of counseling is choosing from one of Illinois' 66 accredited degree programs. A specialty is required in order to get the most focused and relevant education possible prior to working with the public.
Popular college towns in the state of Illinois include Chicago and East Peoria, drawing in huge numbers of new counseling majors each year. If you are looking for Marriage and Family Therapy programs, go to our guide on MFT programs in Illinois.
Northwestern University - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE Accredited)
Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University - MS in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Liberty University - MA: Marriage and Family Therapy (SACSCOC Accredited)
Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (NASAC Accredited)
The Chicago School - M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
The Chicago School - M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (WASC and WSCUC Accredited)
The Chicago School - Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis (WASC and WSCUC Accredited)
Being a Counselor in Illinois
Choosing to become a counselor is one of the most rewarding decisions a person can make. Counselors work with society to assist in adjustment to daily life, understanding and controlling stress, and successfully managing relationships.
These services can provide help to people from varying backgrounds. Lives can be changed dramatically with the help from counseling professionals, and Illinois in an excellent place to start.
With a population nearing 13 million, Illinois is a popular place to live. Home to the hub city of Chicago, it tops the charts in revenue and tourism. The high number of people in the state offers a promising future for qualified counseling professionals, making counseling a smart choice for students. As a profession, counseling provides for a stable yearly income of $42,170 on average.
- Undergraduate Degrees in Counseling in Illinois
Careers are available at every degree level in counseling. As an undergraduate, professionals can gain entry into field concerning mental health or customer service. The broad spectrum of opportunity for these professionals makes this degree program an ideal choice for students. - Graduate Degrees in Counseling in Illinois
Graduate degree programs put students in line for professional licensure, which can pay off in a professional setting. After graduation, those holding master’s or doctoral degrees may apply for licensure through the state of Illinois.
Did You Know?
Here are a few interesting facts about Illinois counseling degrees:
- 66 different counseling degrees in Illinois
- Most popular city for counseling is Chicago, one of the largest cities in the United States
- The most popular degree offering at Illinois universities is the Master’s Degree in Counseling, but unlike many other states, Illinois also has a large number of colleges with Associate’s in Counseling degrees.
Popular Online Counseling Programs
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Walden University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Walden University 🗹 Online 🗗 Doctorate
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
The Chicago School 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
The Chicago School 🗹 Online
The Chicago School 🗹 Online
National University 🗹 Online Courses Start Weekly
Schools With Campus-Based CACREP Accredited Illinois Counseling Degrees
CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs) is the top accrediting board for counseling programs. Below, you will find a list of all of the CACREP accredited counseling programs in Illinois. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.
Governors State University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 11/1/1994 to 3/31/2022
Northeastern Illinois University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/1/2003 to 10/31/2024
Southern Illinois University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 5/1/1995 to 3/31/2020
University of Illinois Springfield
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/17/2010 to 10/31/2020
All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in Illinois
View all programs in Illinois below, or jump to all Illinois CACREP accredited counseling programs.Adler University Chicago
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling
Bradley University Peoria
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
Chicago State University Chicago
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College Chicago
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College Chicago
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
College of DuPage Glen Ellyn
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
College of Lake County Grayslake
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
DePaul University Chicago
- M.A./M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A./M.Ed. in School Counseling
- M.A./M.Ed. in Student Affairs and College Counseling
Eastern Illinois University Charleston
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in School Counseling
Governors State University University Park
- Doctorate - School Counseling
- Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
Illinois Central College East Peoria
- Associates - Mental Health Counseling
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Lincoln Christian University Lincoln
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Loyola University Chicago Chicago
- Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
Moraine Valley Community College Palos Hills
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Northeastern Illinois University Chicago
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
Northern Illinois University Dekalb
- Doctorate - School Counseling
- M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S.Ed. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Oakton Community College Des Plaines
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Quincy University Quincy
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
- M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Roosevelt University Chicago
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
Saint Xavier University Chicago
- Bachelors - Counseling Psychology
Shawnee Community College Ullin
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
- M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S.Ed. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- M.S.Ed. in School Counseling
Trinity International University Deerfield
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Triton College River Grove
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
University of Chicago Chicago
- Bachelors - Counseling Psychology
- Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
University of Illinois Springfield Springfield
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling/Therapy
- M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
Western Illinois University - Quad Cities Moline
- M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S.Ed. in School Counseling
Wheaton College Wheaton
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
