Join Our Next Cohort of Aspiring Counselors
The final deadline for the January 2027 cohort is October 26, 2026.
Northwestern University Online Master’s in Counseling
Earn your MA in Counseling online from Northwestern University, one of the nation’s top-ranked universities, and meet the requirements to seek licensure as a clinical mental health counselor.
Why Choose Northwestern’s Online MA in Counseling
- Earn a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Family Institute at Northwestern University
- Study through accelerated, standard, or part-time pathways
- Develop evidence-based counseling skills through academic and clinical training
- Complete supervised practicum and internship experiences
- Learn to support individuals, families, and communities across diverse populations
- Build competencies in ethics, human development, assessment, and counseling practice
- Prepare for careers in mental health, education, rehabilitation, substance use treatment, and community wellness
Ready to start earning your master’s in counseling online? We encourage you to apply whether you have a background in psychology or are new to the field. You must be a U.S. citizen, DACA recipient, or permanent resident living in the U.S., and you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution to apply. GRE scores are not required.
The online master’s in counseling offers four start dates annually in January, April, June, and September for both the Standard and Bridge to Counseling Programs. Depending on the path you choose, the program can be completed in 18–36 months.
Our admissions committee reviews applications on a rolling basis so you receive your admissions decision as soon as possible.
Online MA in Counseling Curriculum
Prepare for real-world counseling practice through a rigorous curriculum from Northwestern University.
Northwestern’s CACREP-accredited online MA in Counseling curriculum prepares students to become self-reflective clinical mental health counselors through rigorous academic study, collaborative learning, and hands-on clinical training.
The program requires students to complete:
24 graduate-level courses in the Standard Program or 27 courses in the Bridge to Counseling Program
Required counseling courses, professional development coursework, and elective coursework
One 200-hour practicum and one 600-hour internship
Two in-person immersion experiences
The online MA in Counseling curriculum and clinical requirements are equivalent to those of a 60-credit-hour counseling program.
The curriculum is designed to help students build clinical, ethical, multicultural, diagnostic, and interpersonal counseling skills through both coursework and supervised field experiences.
Curriculum topics include:
- Counseling theories and psychotherapy
- Psychodynamic counseling
- Psychopathology and DSM-5 diagnosis
- Family, marital, and couples counseling
- Substance abuse and addiction counseling
- Human growth and development
- Multicultural counseling
- Ethics and professional identity
- Group counseling techniques
- Clinical assessment and intervention
- Career development counseling
- Research and evidence-based practice
- Trauma-informed counseling approaches
- Clinical practicum and internship experiences
The program offers accelerated, standard, and part-time pacing tracks, as well as a Bridge to Counseling Program for students who are new to the counseling field.
Through practicum, internship, and immersion experiences, students gain supervised clinical experience and prepare for counseling practice across a range of professional settings.
Course Spotlights
Psychopathology and Diagnosis in Counseling
Develop diagnostic skills using the DSM-5; while exploring clinical, developmental, and family systems perspectives on common psychiatric disorders.
Foundations of Family, Marital, and Couples Counseling
Explore the major theories, models, and practices used in family, marital, and couples counseling.
Children and adolescents who experience mental health problems need capable, caring counselors to provide treatment tailored to their developmental needs. If you want to make a difference for youth in your community, you can pursue the Child and Adolescent Specialization while earning your online counseling graduate degree from Northwestern.
The specialization teaches you how to provide effective treatment for youth while still fully preparing you to work with adults. During your second year in the online counseling master’s program, you will take two specialization courses that provide an in-depth look at child and adolescent development and treatment approaches for common mental health concerns in today’s youth. Both specialization courses are included in the total number of credits required to graduate from the master’s in counseling online program.
Choose the Path That Fits Your Background and Schedule
Whether you’re entering the counseling field for the first time or building on prior experience, Northwestern offers multiple pathways and pacing options to support your goals.
Entry Pathways
| Path | Best for | Courses | Credit Equivalency |
|---|---|---|---|
Standard Program | Students with relevant academic or professional preparation | 24 courses | Equivalent to a traditional 60-credit-hour counseling program |
Bridge to Counseling Program | Students new to counseling or from nontraditional backgrounds | 27 courses | Equivalent to a traditional 60-credit-hour counseling program plus bridge coursework |
Pace Your Degree
| Track | Best for | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
Accelerated Track | Students seeking the fastest path to graduation | Approximately 18 months |
Traditional Track | Students seeking a balanced full-time course load | Approximately 2.5 years |
Part-Time Track | Working professionals or students needing greater flexibility | Approximately 3 years |
The program operates on a quarter-credit system. Students complete 24 graduate-level courses in the Standard Program or 27 courses in the Bridge to Counseling Program. Bridge students may complete the program through the Accelerated, Traditional, or Part-Time Track, depending on their academic plan. Curriculum and clinical requirements are equivalent to those of a traditional 60-credit-hour counseling program.
Clinical Training and Placement
Northwestern’s online MA in Counseling program requires hands-on, in-person clinical experience as a core part of your training.
While enrolled, you will complete two clinical experiences: a Practicum (200 hours) and an Internship (600 hours) totaling 800 hours of real-world skill development. When it is time to start your clinical training, our placement team will help you identify Northwestern-approved sites where you can work with clients in your community.
You will complete your clinical placements during six consecutive terms to gradually build your skills as you earn your online counseling graduate degree. A licensed clinician supervises each placement and provides ongoing feedback. Your professors and classmates will also provide valuable insight as you reflect on your clinical experiences during weekly classes.
These supervised experiences help prepare students for post-graduate licensure pathways and professional counseling practice.
Immersion Experiences
While enrolled in the master’s in counseling online program, you will visit our Chicagoland campus for two immersion experiences that provide in-depth training while enabling you to bond in person with your peers and professors.
Foundations Immersion
The New Student Immersion (NSI) is designed to orient new students to the counseling program. Students will receive information about the many resources available to support their success. Additionally, students will interact with one another, program staff, and core faculty while having the opportunity to tour the Northwestern University campus.
Group Dynamics Immersion
The Group Dynamics Immersion is the experiential component of the Group Counseling Theory and Practice course. For two days, you will spend time leading and participating in groups while applying the concepts you have learned in the classroom.
Facilitated by faculty and selected supervisors from the MA in Counseling, this immersion helps you:
define your group leadership style;
examine any biases you may have in group settings; and
understand the roles you take on in groups.
After the immersion, you will spend the remainder of the Group Dynamics course integrating your theoretical and experiential knowledge.
*Please note: Our in-person learning and clinical field experiences are central to our highly collaborative program.
Northwestern’s online MA in Counseling prepares graduates to pursue clinical mental health counseling licensure, including pathways to credentials such as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). In most states, licensure requires more than completion of a master’s degree and may include passing a licensing examination, completing supervised clinical experience, and meeting additional state-specific requirements such as background checks.
Because licensure requirements vary by state, students should review their state’s current regulations—including Counseling Compact participation and relocation implications—before enrolling and throughout the program. Students can review state-specific licensure information through Northwestern’s licensure resources and should consult their state licensing board for the most current requirements.
The program is designed for students across the United States, but prospective students should verify that the curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure in the state where they intend to practice.
Meet Our Faculty
Learn from clinician-scholars and active practitioners who bring real-world counseling experience into the virtual classroom. Northwestern faculty combine academic expertise with hands-on clinical practice across mental health counseling, wellness, multicultural counseling, and advocacy.
Sonya Lorellee, PhD, LCPC
Core Faculty, Counseling Program
Clinical Assistant Professor at Northwestern University
Dr. Sonya Lorellee is a licensed clinical professional counselor whose work focuses on multicultural counseling, counselor identity development, clinician wellness, and social justice in therapeutic practice. She brings extensive experience supporting diverse client populations and preparing future counselors for culturally responsive care.
Michele Kerulis, EdD, LCPC
Clinical Professor, Counseling Program
Sport Psychology Specialist at Northwestern University
Dr. Michele Kerulis specializes in sport and performance psychology, with expertise in anxiety management, resilience, peak performance, and mental skills training. Her teaching integrates evidence-based counseling strategies with wellness-focused approaches for individuals, athletes, and professionals.
Felix Morton IV, PhD, LCPC
Core Faculty, Counseling Program
Clinical Assistant Professor at Northwestern University
Dr. Felix Morton IV focuses on Black men’s mental health, identity development, culturally responsive counseling, and community wellness. His scholarship examines the intersections of race, masculinity, media, and therapeutic practice within contemporary counseling environments.
Career Paths for MA in Counseling Graduates
The field of counseling is growing.1 According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 17% through 2034.2
While many graduates pursue careers as clinical mental health counselors, the knowledge and skills gained through Northwestern University’s online MA in Counseling can support a range of counseling and human services career paths. The examples below highlight some potential opportunities available to graduates, depending on their professional goals, experience, and licensure requirements.
Potential career paths for graduates include:
| Career path | Median Annual Wage | Common settings |
|---|---|---|
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors | $59,1903 | Mental health centers, outpatient centers, private practice |
School and career counselors and advisors | $65,1404 | K-12 schools, colleges, career centers |
Marriage and family therapists | $63,7805 | Private practice, family service agencies, outpatient care centers |
Rehabilitation counselors | $46,1106 | Rehabilitation centers, government agencies, community organizations |
Social and community service managers | $78,2407 | Healthcare organizations, nonprofit agencies, community service programs |
Learn more about the counseling job outlook and explore some potential clinical mental health counselor career opportunities.
Discover Student Perspectives
“This program taught me the foundation and ethics needed in a good counselor. I feel fully prepared to enter the field after completing the program: I know I have received one of the best educations from one of the top programs in the world.”—Stefan Y., ’21
A Collaborative Learning Experience
You will connect with your peers, professors, and other counseling professionals during online classes, in-person immersions, and clinical training experiences near your community.
Reflect on your strengths and experiences as you study key concepts alongside other students with diverse perspectives.
Provide direct counseling services to clients in need using knowledge gained during online classes and in-person immersions.
Celebrate your achievement by attending our on-campus graduation ceremony.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
The counseling program uses an innovative, online learning platform to deliver an academically rigorous curriculum. Earn your Master of Arts in Counseling from The Family Institute at Northwestern University while making a difference in your own community.
FAQs About the Online MA in Counseling
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Yes. Northwestern’s online MA in Counseling is the same accredited degree as the on-campus program. The primary difference is the learning format, which combines live online classes, asynchronous coursework, in-person immersions, and clinical training in your local community.
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Yes, a master’s in counseling is a valuable investment for those passionate about mental health. It offers strong job growth, career stability, and the essential licensure required for roles in education, substance abuse, and private practice. While the return on investment depends on individual career goals, it provides the higher earning potential and professional standing necessary for long-term success.
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Northwestern University’s Master of Arts in Counseling, offered through The Family Institute, carries a prestigious reputation that grants students access to elite networking and top-tier clinical training. Through clinical training, career resources, and alumni networking opportunities, students can build professional connections that support their career development. While the tuition cost is significant, the program’s prestige is designed to provide a distinct advantage in the professional market.
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Northwestern’s online MA in Counseling prepares graduates for clinical mental health counseling pathways such as LPC/LMHC licensure. Requirements vary by state. Students should verify their state’s education, supervised experience, examination and Counseling Compact requirements before enrolling or relocating.
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Northwestern’s online MA in Counseling is largely synchronous, featuring weekly, live virtual classes and interactive roundtable discussions. While the program includes asynchronous components, the live sessions are scheduled primarily in the evenings to accommodate working professionals. Students can complete the program in 18 to 36 months while working, though it requires careful balancing of professional and academic responsibilities.
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The program takes 18 to 36 months to complete, depending on whether you enter the Standard or Bridge track and whether you study full time, traditionally, or part time. The curriculum includes 24 graduate-level courses for Standard Program students and 27 courses for Bridge to Counseling students, plus practicum and internship requirements.
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The curriculum is built on a “self-reflective practitioner” model and includes a range of foundational and advanced clinical courses. Core coursework typically includes:
- Human Growth and Development
- Psychopathology and Diagnosis
- Assessment in Counseling
- Research Methods
- Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
- Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling
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Multicultural counseling and social justice are integrated throughout Northwestern’s online MA in Counseling curriculum. Students explore how culture, identity, power, privilege, and systemic barriers influence the counseling relationship through coursework such as Multicultural Counseling, while developing the knowledge and skills needed to provide culturally responsive care. Throughout the program, students apply these principles in diverse clinical training experiences, preparing them to advocate for clients and work effectively with individuals, families, and communities from a wide range of backgrounds.
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The program is academically rigorous and requires students to demonstrate three core competencies:
- Effective Writing: Students must present complex research and perspectives clearly using APA Style (7th ed.).
- Listening and Self-Reflection: Success requires active listening and a commitment to constant self-reflection to challenge personal biases.
- Social Skills: Students are expected to maintain professional, respectful interactions with faculty, peers, and clients at all times.
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The program features a dedicated team of clinical training directors who provide personalized support for online students. This team assists students in securing the required practicum and internship placements within their local communities across the United States, ensuring they receive high-quality clinical experience regardless of their location.
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Yes. Students complete two immersion experiences in Chicagoland The two in-person immersions are the Foundations Immersion and Group Dynamics Immersion.
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A bachelor’s degree in psychology is not required for admission. Northwestern offers a specialized “Bridge to Counseling“ track specifically designed for students from diverse academic backgrounds who are new to the field, allowing them to complete necessary foundational work as part of their degree.
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The admission process is competitive and utilizes a holistic review. Beyond academic markers like GPA, the committee evaluates an applicant’s personal maturity, empathy, and professional potential through multiple essays, recommendations, and a mandatory group interview.
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Applicants must submit a comprehensive package, including:
- Official Transcripts from all postsecondary institutions.
- Two Letters of Recommendation attesting to your professional or academic potential.
- Résumé/CV detailing any clinical or relevant experience.
- Personal & Academic Statements addressing your interest in the field and your readiness for the program.
- Application Fee: A $95 fee (waivers may be available through an Enrollment Specialist).
- Residency: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, DACA recipients, or permanent residents living in the U.S..
You can read more about the application requirements here.
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Selected applicants are invited to a live, online peer group interview with one faculty member and up to eight other candidates. The four-stage process includes:
- Personal Questions: Responding to hypothetical or “fill-in-the-blank” prompts.
- Case Studies: Discussing a brief clinical scenario involving complex client problems.
- Final Reflections: Sharing a meaningful takeaway from the interview experience.
- Faculty Q&A: Asking specific questions about the program and curriculum.
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Tuition for the 2026–27 academic year has not yet been published as of May 2026.
Current published tuition for 2025–26 is $22,973 per quarter for full-time master’s students and $8,173 per unit for part-time study. Please refer to Northwestern’s official Graduate Tuition & Fees page for the latest updates and program-specific costs. Northwestern Graduate Tuition & Fees -
For the June 2026 cohort, the deadlines are as follows:
- Early Decision Deadline: February 27, 2026
- Priority Application Deadline: March 23, 2026
- Final Application Deadline: April 22, 2026
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.
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved June, 2026. ↩︎
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved June, 2026. ↩︎
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved June, 2026. ↩︎
- School and Career Counselors and Advisors. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved June, 2026. ↩︎
- Marriage and Family Therapists. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved June, 2026. ↩︎
- Rehabilitation Counselors. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved June, 2026. ↩︎
- Social and Community Service Managers. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved June, 2026. ↩︎