Master in Counseling Psychology (Master's)

The application deadline for the Aug 2027 intake is Dec 1, 2026; tuition is See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees..

Students complete clinical practicum placements in mental health settings under supervision. They engage in assessment, counseling, and psychotherapeutic treatment training throughout the program. The curriculum integrates scientific principles with strengths-based approaches from both clinical and counseling psychology. Students develop skills for working in community mental health, substance use treatment, and child welfare environments.

The program requires 60 credit hours, distributed across coursework, practicum experiences, and supervised clinical training. Students complete required courses that fulfill Illinois licensure standards for Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.

Graduates pursue careers as licensed clinical professional counselors in community mental health agencies, substance use treatment centers, and child welfare organizations.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate study or in 9 hours of graduate coursework. Required undergraduate coursework includes 15 hours in psychology, with specific courses in general psychology, statistics, research methods, abnormal psychology, and learning theory. The GRE is not required for Fall 2027 admission.

The programme totals about 60 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, two-year program. For international students, tuition is well below the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 89% of applicants.

Illinois State University (ISU), founded in 1857 and located in Normal, is a comprehensive public university with a long tradition of teacher education and broad academic offerings across 252 programs. Serving roughly 20,878 students, including an international cohort of about 1,000, ISU combines strong undergraduate teaching with expanded graduate and professional programs in education, business, health sciences, arts and applied disciplines.

ISU emphasizes career-ready learning, small class sizes and strong faculty mentorship. Programs integrate experiential learning through internships, community partnerships and applied research, helping students build professional portfolios and practical experience. The university’s commitment to student success is reflected in advising services, career centers and active employer engagement that support transitions into regional and national job markets.

Campus life in Normal offers a welcoming college-town atmosphere with cultural events, clubs and practical support for international students, from orientation to career counseling. ISU’s location in central Illinois combines affordable living with access to metropolitan centers for internships and networking. For international applicants seeking a supportive, student-centered campus with a balance of academic breadth and applied opportunities, Illinois State provides a stable, professionally oriented environment to develop skills and begin a global career.