Northwestern University MA in Counseling | Online

Graduate With Your MA in Counseling From a Top 10 Ranked University

Earn your MA in Counseling and graduate prepared to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE).

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Answer a few quick questions to get more information about the program.

Advocate for Mental Health

Four Start Dates

January, April, June, September

18–36 Months

Program duration

800

Total hours of practicum and internship training

50+

Years as a leader in mental health

Join Our CACREP-Accredited Program

Become a self-reflective clinical mental health counselor with our CACREP-accredited curriculum. We offer several options to fit your background and lifestyle, including accelerated, traditional, and part-time tracks, and a Bridge to Counseling Program for students new to the field.

Career Opportunities in a Field Projected to Grow 19% By 2033

The online MA in Counseling Program will prepare you to become an effective clinical mental health counselor who works with clients from various backgrounds. Some counselors work with clients affected by addictions, relationship issues, or behavioral issues in children and adolescents.

Potential Job Titles for MA in Counseling Graduates

Staff Therapist

Substance Use Counselor

Psychotherapist

Advance Your Leadership in Mental Health Counseling

As a Counseling@Northwestern student, you will graduate prepared for real-world practice as a self-reflective counselor through a learning-by-doing model.

Understand modern research techniques

Assess mental and emotional disorders

Learn and apply clinical counseling methods

Help clients develop effective coping strategies

Treat and support clients of all backgrounds

Top 10

Best national university by U.S. News & World Report

Two

Immersion experiences at our Chicago campus

No GRE/GMAT

GRE/GMAT scores not required

What Our Alumni Have to Say

Counseling@Northwestern is a highly collaborative program. You will connect with your peers, professors, and other counseling professionals during online classes, in-person immersions, and clinical training experiences near your community.

A.D.

Amar D.

Class of 2021, Illinois

“The Counseling@Northwestern community truly cares. Everyone is invested in your professional and personal success, and they take the time to ensure your wellbeing. I have not experienced this type of support in any other academic program, and any challenges I faced were met with generous support.”
P.K.

Parfait K.

Class of 2016, Illinois

“I really appreciate how I got to dive in immediately after starting the program. The early clinical experiences [as a full-time student] set the foundation of how and what I am trying to pursue after I complete the program. Being able to apply what I learned in class already makes a positive impact on my skills and being able to help my clients.”
S.W.

Sara W.

Class of 2016, Ohio

“When I enrolled in Counseling@Northwestern, I knew I’d go through an emotional journey that would be critical to my development as a counselor. I’ve learned more about myself in that experience than I have in my 35 years.”

Get Admissions and Tuition Information

Answer a few quick questions to get more information about the program.

Get Admissions and Tuition Information

Answer a few quick questions to get more information about the program.