Northwestern University Online Master's in Counseling Program - home

Northwestern University MA in Counseling | Online

Designed for future practitioners who seek to become self-reflective, compassionate mental health counselors and use evidence-based practices and theories from a Top 10 ranked University.1

No GMAT/GRE required.

  • CACREP Accredited — Fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
  • Optional Specialization — The Child and Adolescent Specialization makes an added difference in youth mental illness.
  • 18 Months to Complete — Full-time students can earn their MA in counseling in as few as 18 months.
A Flexible Option for Aspiring Clinicians
2immersion experiences at our Chicago campus
4start dates offered per year
50years of focused behavioral health services and education
800total hours of practicum and internship training
Earn Your MA in Counseling from Industry Experts

The CACREP-accredited online MA in Counseling program is offered by The Family Institute at Northwestern University, one of the nation’s leading relationship-based behavioral health organizations. Our rigorous curriculum has been reviewed against professionally approved standards and fully prepares our graduates to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE), which is required for licensure in most states. Once licensed, you can pursue employment helping children, adolescents, and adults in various mental health settings.

Counseling Program Highlights

  • Hands-on support, including dedicated field placement.
  • Intuitive online campus connecting students and faculty.
  • Flexible admissions options that fit any lifestyle.

Northwestern’s MA in Counseling offers two program options. Students with a bachelor’s degree in psychology may enter the standard program, which comprises 24 graduate-level courses, a practicum, and an internship. Applicants with no previous psychology or mental health experience, but with a bachelor’s degree in any field, may enter the Bridge to Counseling program, which introduces students to graduate-level concepts in clinical training. Both options enable students to become knowledgeable, compassionate practitioners serving diverse populations.

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Advocate for mental health in your community with Northwestern’s MA in Counseling.

Northwestern University partners with 2U to support the delivery of this online program. Northwestern University has full control over the program, including all core academic functions. Click here to learn more about 2U’s roles and responsibilities.