M.S. in Biology
The M.S. in Biology at Western Illinois University is a graduate program leading to a M...
M.S.Ed. in Counseling
Quad Cities (Moline)
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S.Ed. in Counseling at WIU-Quad Cities offers two distinct specializations: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. Both options are comprehensive, typically requiring a minimum of 60 semester hours of coursework. The program's instructional methods are varied, including lectures, case studies, discussion forums, role-plays, and the use of audio/visual media, preparing students for diverse counseling settings. The program's vision is to be a leader in educational quality, opportunity, and affordability in the region. It is designed to prepare students to meet the academic and clinical requirements for professional licensure as mental health counselors or for school counselor licensure in Illinois, highlighting its practical, career-focused approach.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.S.Ed. in Counseling (both Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling options) is robust and aligned with CACREP standards. Core courses, totaling 48 semester hours, include foundational subjects such as "Introduction to Counseling Skills," "Research and Program Evaluation," "Crisis and Trauma Counseling," "Marriage, Family, and Relationship Counseling," "Lifestyles and Career Development," and "Assessment Techniques in Counseling." Beyond the core, students specialize with additional credits tailored to their chosen option. For example, the Clinical Mental Health Counseling option focuses on case conceptualization, diagnosis, treatment planning, and program design in clinical settings, while the School Counseling option focuses on creating and implementing comprehensive school counseling programs within an MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) framework and data-driven practices. Both options also include extensive practicum and internship experiences, crucial for hands-on clinical skill development.
Research Focus: The M.S.Ed. in Counseling at Western Illinois University places importance on developing students as "reflexive practitioners" who can engage in ethical, evidence-based practice. The curriculum includes a required course in "Research and Program Evaluation" (CN 515), which equips students with the skills to "gather, apply, and deploy methods of research and assessment to improve, shape, and benefit student learning and higher education." While a formal thesis is not always a mandatory requirement, the program's emphasis on data-driven practices, program evaluation, and understanding research findings ensures that graduates are capable of critically analyzing information and using evidence to inform their counseling interventions and program development. Faculty research interests, such as clinical supervision training, professional identity development, and school counselor-administration collaboration, also contribute to a research-informed learning environment.
Industry Engagement: Western Illinois University's M.S.Ed. in Counseling program is deeply committed to industry engagement through its strong "theory into practice" model. The program integrates substantial clinical experiences, including practicum and extensive internship hours, which are vital for meeting licensure requirements and developing real-world counseling skills. Students are prepared to provide services in a variety of settings, such as mental health centers, rehabilitation hospitals, private practices, university counseling centers, and public/private schools. The program also emphasizes developing a strong professional counselor identity, encouraging membership and leadership in professional organizations and adherence to ethical principles. Faculty often have direct clinical experience, further bridging academic learning with professional practice. The WIU LGBTQ+ Clinic in the Quad Cities is an example of the program's direct community engagement and clinical training opportunities.
Global Perspective: The M.S.Ed. in Counseling at Western Illinois University implicitly incorporates a global perspective primarily through its strong emphasis on multicultural competence and social justice. The program aims to prepare counselors who can "consider clients holistically" and "evaluate and address the unique needs of marginalized populations." This includes acquiring skills to work with "intersectional identities through clinical placements" and acknowledging their role in "community-based social justice." While not explicitly detailing courses on international counseling practices, the focus on understanding diverse cultural backgrounds, socio-economic factors, and systemic issues prepares graduates to work effectively with a wide range of individuals, including those from various international backgrounds, and to address the impact of global factors on mental health and well-being.
Location
Quad Cities (Moline)
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 14000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $50
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 73 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 49 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Western Illinois University – Quad Cities offers a range of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in pursuing their academic goals affordably. These scholarships recognize academic merit, leadership potential, and community involvement, helping ease the financial burden for students coming from abroad.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students at WIU-QC can qualify for merit scholarships based on their high school or previous college academic performance. These scholarships reward outstanding grades, test scores, and other achievements, encouraging students to maintain excellence throughout their studies.
Western Illinois University International Student Scholarships: WIU provides dedicated scholarships for international students enrolled at the Quad Cities campus. These scholarships often cover a portion of tuition fees and are competitive, requiring students to submit applications demonstrating academic promise and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at WIU-QC offer specialized scholarships for students pursuing specific majors. These awards target disciplines such as business, education, engineering, and health sciences, supporting students who demonstrate and leadership within their field.
Graduates of Western Illinois University's M.S.Ed. in Counseling program are equipped with the advanced skills and knowledge to address a wide range of mental health, emotional, academic, and social challenges faced by individuals across the lifespan. Their training in evidence-based practices, ethical considerations, and multicultural sensitivity makes them invaluable assets in various counseling settings.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) / Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC): Graduates of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track are eligible for licensure to provide individual, group, and family therapy in private practices, community mental health centers, hospitals, and substance abuse treatment facilities. They assess, diagnose, and treat various mental and emotional disorders.
School Counselor (K-12): Graduates of the School Counseling track are prepared to work in elementary, middle, or high schools. They address students' academic, career, and social-emotional development through direct counseling, classroom guidance, consultation with parents and teachers, and school-wide programs.
Substance Abuse and Addiction Counselor: Specializing in addiction, these counselors work with individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders. They provide individual and group counseling, develop treatment plans, and support recovery in inpatient, outpatient, or community-based settings.
College Counselor / University Counseling Center Staff: Graduates can work in college or university counseling centers, providing mental health services to students, addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, adjustment to college life, and academic stress.
Rehabilitation Counselor: These professionals assist individuals with physical, mental, emotional, or developmental disabilities to achieve personal, social, and vocational independence. They may work in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or private practices.
Crisis Counselor: Working in crisis hotlines, emergency rooms, or crisis intervention centers, these counselors provide immediate support and intervention to individuals experiencing acute psychological distress, trauma, or suicidal ideation.
Family and Marriage Therapist (often requires additional licensure): While a separate specialization, the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track provides a strong foundation for those interested in working with couples and families, addressing relational dynamics and systemic issues.
Career Counselor: Graduates can assist individuals in making career decisions, exploring occupational options, developing job search skills, and navigating career transitions in universities, community agencies, or private practice.
Grief and Bereavement Counselor: Specializing in loss, these counselors provide support to individuals coping with grief due to death, divorce, or other significant life changes, working in hospices, community centers, or private practice.
Victim Advocate/Counselor: Graduates can work with victims of crime, abuse, or trauma, providing emotional support, information about legal processes, and connecting them with resources in victim services agencies, non-profits, or within the criminal justice system.
