Accreditation
Accreditation is the primary means of assuring both a high quality program and a systematic evaluation leading to its improvement. Northeastern Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association. The Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education and the Department of Counselor Education are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
CACREP Accreditation
The Department’s Clinical Mental Health, Family, School, and Rehabilitation Counseling programs are fully accredited through the year 2024 by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
In addition, Counselor Education's graduate students are eligible to sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) during their last year of study. The eight core curricular areas of CACREP are the comprehensive foundation of the exam questions used for the NCE. A passing score on the NCE is one of the requirements for obtaining Illinois licensure (LCP and/or LCPC).
CORE Accreditation
On July 1, 2017, the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) merged with CACREP. CACREP has now undertaken the responsibility of reviewing graduate level Rehabilitation Counseling programs. Graduates of this program are qualified to obtain national certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).
Licensure
LPC/LCPC Licensure
Graduates of the Clinical Mental Health, Family, School, and Rehabilitation Counseling programs are also eligible to apply for and receive licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) upon successful completion of the requirements and licensure application(s) as set forth by the state of Illinois.
AMFT/LMFT Licensure
Graduates of the M.A. in Family Counseling program automatically are eligible for the Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy (ALMFT) upon graduation and approval of their ALMFT application. Upon completion of 3,000 hours of working under a credentialed supervisor, Family Counseling graduates can apply for and receive the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy license (LMFT) upon successful completion of the requirements and licensure application(s) as set forth by the state of Illinois.
Illinois School Counselor Endorsement
The School Counseling program meets the educational requirements for the state of Illinois for a Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Counselor Endorsement. Further information on school counseling and teacher education can be found at the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). In addition, students with an M.A. in Counseling (other than school counseling) or related degree who complete the School Counselor Endorsement component meet the educational requirements for the PEL, with a School Counselor Endorsement.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A.
- 60 credit hour program
- Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Eligible for Illinois licensure: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
Family Counseling, M.A.
- 60 credit hour program
- Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Eligible for Illinois licensure: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
- Automatic member of the Associate Marriage and Family Therapy license (AMFT) after graduation and after submission of application
- Eligible for the Marriage and Family Therapy license (LMFT)
School Counseling, M.A.
- 60 credit hour program (for applicants with a Professional Educator License)
- 72 credit hour program (for applicants without a Professional Educator License)
- Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Eligible for Illinois licensure: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
- Eligible for an Illinois Professional Educator License with an Endorsement in School Counseling
Rehabilitation Counseling, M.A.
- 48 credit hour program
- Accredited by the Council Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Eligible for certification as a certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC)
- Eligible for Illinois licensure: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
Certificate in Couple and Family Counseling
Contact Counselor Education at (773) 442-5550 or counsedu@neiu.edu
Non-Degree Endorsement in School Counseling
Contact Counselor Education at (773) 442-5550 or counsedu@neiu.edu
Non-Degree Addiction Counseling Certificate
Contact Counselor Education at (773) 442-5550 or counsedu@neiu.edu
