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  • Degrees Available:
    • M.S.Ed.
  • Locations:
    • Quad Cities
  • Required GPA:
    • Cumulative: 2.75
    • Last 2 years: 3.0
  • Admission Requirements:
    • Goals Statement
    • Interview/Audition
    • Transcripts
    • Letters of Recommendation
  • Interesting Facts: Fall 2009
    • Currently enrolled: 102
    • International: 1
    • Minority: 14
    • Male: 23
    • Female: 79
    • Students with Assistantships: 13

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Graduate Programs of Study

Academic College: Education and Human Services

Program: Counseling

Emphases

Program Overview

The mission of the Western Illinois University Counseling program is to prepare counseling professionals in the western Illinois and eastern Iowa regions. The program curriculum emphasizes applied and conceptual skills; affirms diversity of values, ideas, and persons; and promotes educational excellence and ethical commitment. The faculty will provide a challenging and supportive environment which encourages personal growth and development.

Counseling

Why Counseling at WIU?

The School Counseling track prepares students to become elementary and/or secondary school counselors. Public and private schools offer a diverse audience and challenging forum for certified school counselors. The Department of Counselor Education is committed to preparing well-trained school counselors in the National Standards for School Counseling. Western’s accredited program has been preparing candidates for certification as school counselors since the 1940s. If you are seeking school counseling certification for Illinois or Iowa, contact the Department of Counselor Education for those requirements. This is the only department at Western that prepares students for school counselor certification.

The Community Counseling track prepares students for careers as professional counselors. Professional counselors provide counseling services at colleges, hospitals, mental health agencies, rehabilitation facilities, corporations, correctional institutions, and private practices to empower people to make positive decisions about their lives, negotiate life transitions, solve problems, and adapt to change.

Other Information

The School Counseling track is the only program at Western Illinois University that prepares students for school counselor certification. The Community Counseling track prepares persons for work as professional counselors in a variety of community settings, including mental health centers, colleges, rehabilitation hospitals, recovery centers, and employee assistance programs.