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).
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
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.
Ways to Save on Tuition
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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2020 - 2024
Courses & Catalog Information
At the University of Illinois Springfield, you'll find a wide range of courses tailored to your interests and career goals. Explore your program details and get all the essential information you need to plan your future.
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.
Mental Health Counselors
Bright OutlookCounsel 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
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 those associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; or aging.
Median Annual Wage
$59,350
Wage Range
$38,940 – $97,590
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Professional degree
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Bright OutlookCounsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.
Median Annual Wage
$59,350
Wage Range
$38,940 – $97,590
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Bright OutlookAssess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their prob
Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.
Median Annual Wage
$100,580
Wage Range
$55,170 – $180,960
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Post-doctoral training, Doctoral degree, Master’s degree
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.
Median Annual Wage
$64,330
Wage Range
$45,020 – $104,770
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Associate’s degree
Rehabilitation Counselors
Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, agi
Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, aging, or the stress of daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.
Median Annual Wage
$46,850
Wage Range
$35,060 – $77,170
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent
Marriage and Family Therapists
Bright OutlookDiagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories a
Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.
Median Annual Wage
$66,940
Wage Range
$44,650 – $123,730
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Professional degree, Doctoral degree
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