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, Couple and 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, Couple and Family, Rehabilitation, and School Counseling programs are eligible to apply for and receive licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) upon successful completion of the requirements and licensure application(s) as set forth by the state of Illinois.

LPC requirements include supervised practicum and internship experiences of at least 700 clock hours and passing scores of the National Counselor Examination (NCE).

LCPC requirements include two years of full-time (3,360 hours) experience under the supervision of a qualified supervisor after the master's degree has been awarded. Supervision must be provided by a licensed professional, including a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), licensed psychologist, or psychiatrist.  Passing scores of the NCE and Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (CMHCE) are also required. 

AMFT/LMFT Licensure

Graduates of the M.A. in Couple and 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)

Couple and 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-PEL)
  • 72 credit hour program (for applicants without a PEL)
  • 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 the Illinois PEL 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

Students who complete the CFC program are eligible to accrue hours of supervised clinical experience and complete the National Marriage and Family Therapy Exam as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the State of Illinois.

Non-Degree School Counselor Endorsement

Upon successful completion of the program and passing scores of the #181 Content Test for School Counselor exam, the individual will be eligible for the Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with School Counselor Endorsement.

Addiction Counseling Certificate 

This certificate program fulfills the educational requirements for the Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC) credential.