Main navigation
- Programs
- Subjects
- Universities
- Destinations
- Advice
Western Illinois University's Department of Counselor Education aims to cultivate socially aware, diverse students, faculty, and staff who can take leadership roles in our interconnected world. The program focuses on developing both practical and theoretical abilities, celebrates diverse perspectives and individuals, and upholds high educational standards with strong ethical foundations. Instructors foster an environment that balances challenge with support to nurture personal and professional growth. The department actively seeks students who reflect the rich diversity of our society. At the WIU-QC campus, the department provides a Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in Counseling, featuring a distinctive curriculum that equips future professionals with essential counseling competencies. Program completion demands both academic achievement and practical proficiency. Students can choose between two specializations: Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling. The Clinical Mental Health track trains graduates for roles in various clinical environments such as mental health facilities, rehabilitation centers, private practices, university counseling services, and workplace assistance programs. The School Counseling specialization prepares individuals for counseling positions in K-12 educational settings, both public and private. Notably, this school counseling program stands as Western Illinois University's sole pathway to obtaining school counselor certification.