Overview
The online Master of Arts in Counseling Program from The Family Institute at Northwestern University seeks students who are dedicated to helping others and capable of succeeding in a rigorous graduate program. As a student, you should be open to receiving feedback and analyzing your experiences, opinions, and personal traits so you can become a self-reflective counselor.
“Admitted candidates will have demonstrated good to excellent writing skills, an openness to self-reflection and awareness, and the ability to listen to and work with others. We are also looking for a level of maturity required to meet the demands of our rigorous clinical and academic expectations.”
—Stephannee Standefer, Program Director
Cohort Starts and Deadlines
Counseling@Northwestern offers rolling admissions, with four program start dates per year in January, April, June, and September. Each cohort has an early decision, priority, and final deadline.
Early Decision Deadline:
This deadline allows you receive an admissions decision sooner, have the $95 application fee waived, and be one of the first to choose your peer group interview time if you are eligible for an interview. Ask your admissions counselor for details.
Priority Deadline:
This deadline enables you to receive an admissions decision sooner and waive the $95 application fee. Ask your admissions counselor for details.
Final Deadline:
This deadline is the last day to submit your application to be considered for your desired cohort.
We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible so you can start planning your academic and career journey. View the upcoming application deadlines below or visit the application requirements page for a complete list of the items you must include when submitting your application.
January 2021 Cohort
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Decision Deadline | August 21, 2020 |
| Priority Deadline | September 18, 2020 |
| Final Deadline | October 26, 2020 |
| Classes Begin | January 5, 2021 |
April 2021 Cohort
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Decision Deadline | November 6, 2020 |
| Priority Deadline | December 7, 2021 |
| Final Deadline | January 25, 2021 |
| Classes Begin | March 30, 2021 |
June 2021 Cohort
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Decision Deadline | February 26, 2021 |
| Priority Deadline | March 26, 2021 |
| Final Deadline | April 19, 2021 |
| Classes Begin | June 22, 2021 |
September 2021 Cohort
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Decision Deadline | May 21, 2021 |
| Priority Deadline | June 18, 2021 |
| Final Deadline | July 19, 2021 |
| Classes Begin | September 21, 2021 |
If you have questions about the admissions process, contact the admissions team at Phone Number: 1-844-684-6221 or admissions@counseling.northwestern.edu.