Of 300 students in the Counseling program, the majority choose to specialize in School Counseling. Professional school counselors provide a wide-range of services in schools, based on individual student's needs and interests.
In this concentration, students are prepared to work in public and private K-12 school systems, gaining the skills to provide individual and group counseling, while also learning how to be a leader and advocate for students, schools, and the profession.
The school counseling program partners with Chicago public schools to close the achievement gap, promote teaming and collaboration, and to use assessment data. In fact, DePaul was the first university to join the city’s initiative to transform schools.
A Type 73 (School Counseling) certificate-only program is also available.
Why is DePaul’s program special?
DePaul's graduates are considered to be among the best qualified and prepared school counselors. In addition to teaching theoretical frameworks and competencies, the program fosters leadership in human services and counseling. Career opportunities include school counseling, working with children and families, counseling in community agencies, counseling and advising in higher education, career counseling, counseling in hospitals or institutional-care settings, or counseling in private practice.
Degree Requirements
(60 quarter hours of course work and 12 hours of practicum & internship) Master of Arts degree (M.A.) A thesis and oral exam are required for the M.A. degree.
Master of Education degree (M.Ed)
PRintable PDF of program requirements.
Type 73 Certificate Only
Illinois School Service Personnel Type 73 Certification
The Illinois State Board of Education adopted new rules allowing individuals to become certified as school counselors in the state of Illinois without having a teacher certification.
Provisions of Rule
1) those individuals holding a master's degree in a counseling related field, such as mental health or community counseling or social work, may become certified as school counselors without having to obtain a teaching certificate or another master's degree. The DePaul School Counseling concentration meets the requirements for the new rules. Those students interested in certification who hold a master's degree in another counseling related field may apply for certification only. Those applicants' transcripts will be assessed individually for certification requirements.
2) those individuals holding a bachelors degree in any field may obtain a master's degree in school counseling without having to hold a teaching certificate.