School counseling students seeking licensure as a school counselor in Illinois must successfully complete the ISBE-approved HDC master’s degree in school counseling in order to receive the department’s endorsement. Additionally, students must present passing scores on the Test of Academic Proficiency (or equivalent) and the School Counselor Content Test (i.e., Test #181) as per department policy. The School Counseling concentration within the HDC department includes four additional HDC courses (12 credit hours) beyond the core curriculum of 49 credit hours for a total of 61 required credit hours.

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

Format
On-campus
Duration
3 years
Credit Hours
61

Accreditation

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs

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:
May 15, 2025

Start Date:
August 22, 2025

Apply Today!

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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.

 

Value of a UIS Degree

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UIS is No. 5 for students graduating with the least amount of debt, Midwest Region (2021).

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Top 25 best value school, Midwest Region, and the only public university in Illinois on the list (2022, 2023, 2024).

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98% of students receive aid

The average graduate from UIS will see an increase in earnings of $31,700 - $69,000 each year compared to someone with a high school diploma working in Illinois.

< High School
$26,800
High School
$36,600
Bachelor's
$68,300
Master's
$87,200
Doctorate
$105,600

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 you're 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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Voted No. 1 public regional university in Illinois
2020 - 2024

Courses & Catalog Information

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Career Opportunities

Exploring the following career paths can help you see how your degree opens up a wide range of exciting and rewarding opportunities in various fields.

  • Academic Adviser
  • Admission Counselor
  • Case Manager Director
  • Art Therapist
  • Career Center Director
  • Career Counselor
  • Career Transitions Coordinator
  • Corrections Counselor
  • Employee Assistance Counselor
  • Genetics Counselor
  • Healthcare Counselor
  • Hypnotherapist
  • Intake Counselor
  • Life Skills Therapist
  • Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Multicultural Counselor
  • Private Practitioner
  • Psychometrist (Testing Specialist)
  • School Counselor
  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Training Coordinator
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
  • Grant Writer
  • Intake Counselor
  • Life Skills Therapist
  • Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Military Transition Coach
  • Adjunct Professor
  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Program Manger/Director
  • Rehabilitation Counselor
  • Prevention Program Specialist
  • Residential Services Manager
  • Social Service Director
  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Transition Assistance Specialist
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Youth Counselor
  • Community Services Manager
  • Crisis Intervention Counselor
  • Mental Health Therapist/Counselor
  • Community Educator
  • Direct Care Counselor/Worker
  • Disability Claims Specialist
  • Employment Counselor
  • Fundraiser
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