Students pursuing careers in clinical mental health counseling should begin to explore relevant populations and settings when enrolled in HDC 501. Course assignments thereafter should be designed to develop knowledge and skills specific to the emphasis chosen. In order to develop and demonstrate skills unique to their selected concentration, clinical mental health counseling students must take HDC 542, HDC 544 and two elective courses within the department curriculum. Clinical experience placements for clinical mental health counseling students will take place in approved community agencies.

Learning Outcomes

  • A strong sense of professional identity consistent with Professional Counseling philosophy and literature.
  • Counseling skill competencies necessary for working with individuals, groups, couples and families.
  • Student self-growth and development of professional dispositions.
  • Understanding of the diversity of views and cultures within our profession and the environment in which counselors practice.
  • Competence, knowledge and skills in eight common-core areas (professional counseling orientation and ethical practice, social and cultural diversity, human growth and development, career development, counseling and helping relationships, group counseling, assessment and testing and research and program evaluation).

Quick Facts

Tuition
On-campus: $6,802/yr*
Duration
3 years
Credit Hours
61

Calendar

Don't miss an important date or deadline

Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar

Now Enrolling

Apply by Date:
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Start Date:
August 24, 2026

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Tuition & Aid

UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.

Tuition Estimates

On-campus $7,239/yr*

Based on 61 credit hours over 3 years.

*These numbers represent an estimate of the in-state tuition cost for this program and do not include fees. To get an estimate of the full cost of attendance check out the cost of attendance page and/or use the tuition calculator.

Admissions

Applying to UIS is simple

We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.

 

Review admission requirements

No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.

International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.

Complete your application

An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.

Send your official transcripts

Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Submit required statements/writing sample

If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.

Pay your application fee

You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.

Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;

International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.

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Courses & Catalog Information

Career Outlook & Potential Earnings

Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Bright Outlook

Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their prob

Median Annual Wage $100,580
Wage Range $55,170 – $180,960
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Post-doctoral training, Doctoral degree, Master’s degree

Mental Health Counselors

Bright Outlook

Counsel and advise individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health, with an emphasis on prevention. May help individuals deal with a broad range of mental health issues, such as

Median Annual Wage $59,350
Wage Range $38,940 – $97,590
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Professional degree

Counselors, All Other

All counselors not listed separately.

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of

Median Annual Wage $80,340
Wage Range $49,050 – $153,600
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Learning Strategies
  • Instructing
  • Reading Comprehension
Typical Education: Doctoral degree, Post-doctoral training, Master’s degree

Tutors

Instruct individual students or small groups of students in academic subjects to support formal class instruction or to prepare students for standardized or admissions tests.

Median Annual Wage $43,350
Wage Range $29,430 – $75,990
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Instructing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Some college, no degree, High school diploma or equivalent
Tassel worth the hassle grad cap

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2026-08-24
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