Master’s in Counseling Degrees in Illinois: Explore Online and On-Campus Program Options

There are several Illinois schools that offer master’s degrees in counseling, with concentrations in clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, marriage and family therapy, college counseling, rehabilitation counseling, community counseling, and more.

These degrees are offered in various cities throughout Illinois, including more than a dozen master’s programs in counseling in Chicago alone.

To practice counseling in Illinois, you will need to complete a counseling-related master’s or doctoral degree program from an accredited university, among other requirements. Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) in the state work in a range of settings to support people of varying ages and backgrounds through challenging situations. 

In Illinois, you can also find licensed clinical professional counselors (LCPCs). In addition to postgraduate education, these professionals must pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHCE) and complete two years of supervised clinical work, allowing them to practice independently and potentially pursue supervisory and leadership roles.

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Education and Other Requirements for Counseling Licensure in Illinois

If you want to become a counselor in Illinois, you may choose to become either a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC). 

Both licenses require a master’s degree or higher in counseling from an accredited college or university. The counseling degree program must include at least 48 semester hours, or two academic years, with at least one course in each of these crucial areas:

  • Human growth and development
  • Counseling theory
  • Counseling techniques
  • Group dynamics, processing and counseling
  • Appraisal of individuals
  • Research and evaluation
  • Professional, legal and ethical responsibilities relating to professional counseling, including Illinois law
  • Social and cultural foundations
  • Lifestyle and career development
  • Practicum/internship
  • Psychopathology and maladaptive behavior
  • Substance abuse
  • Family dynamics

Your internship must include a one-year residency of 24 semester hours. As an aspiring LCPC, you’ll also need to complete two years of supervised clinical experience post-degree (equivalent to 3,360 total hours).

To become an LPC, you must pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE). To become an LCPC, you must pass both the NCE and the National Clinical Mental Health Counselors Examination (NCMHCE). 

You must follow all licensure application steps as outlined by the Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA).

Finally, you will need to pay any required licensure fees through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).  LPCs and LCPCs may join the Illinois Counseling Association, a long-standing membership-based organization. 

Salary and Career Outlook for Counselors in Illinois

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OWES): Education, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors – Illinois, education, guidance, and career counselors (which includes school counselors) in Illinois earn a mean salary of $69,870 per year, as of May 2024.

Also, according to BLS data for Illinois, marriage and family therapists earned a mean salary of $66,640 in 2024; rehabilitation counselors earned $52,440 in 2024; and substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earned $69,010 in 2024. All other types of counselors earned a mean annual salary of $55,140.

In the United States, jobs for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are expected to grow by 17% from 2024 to 2034, according to the BLS. Jobs for marriage and family therapists are expected to grow by 13% over the same period. By contrast, employment of rehabilitation counselors is projected to increase by 1%, below the average for all occupations of 3%. Employment of school and career counselors is expected to increase 4% in the same period. 

FAQs

So, what can you do with a counseling degree in Illinois? And what do the pay and job market look like? We’ve compiled a list of common questions and answers for Illinois residents considering a career in the field.

What degree do I need to become a marriage and family therapist in Illinois?

Illinois requires that a licensed marriage and family therapist have completed a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, psychology, or a related field. Illinois accepts programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or the Commission on Accreditation for Counseling Related Education Programs (CACREP). Programs with equivalent courses of study from regionally accredited institutions will also be considered. Coursework should consist of at least 48 semester hours of graduate coursework. 

You will also need to complete an internship and post-degree supervised clinical experience and pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) for licensure and certification.

How much do mental health counselors make in Illinois?

In Illinois, mental health counselors earn a mean annual wage of $69,010, or $33.18 per hour, according to the BLS. In the greater Chicago metro area (Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN), mental health counselors earn a mean annual salary of $70,920.

What jobs can I get with a master’s degree in counseling in Illinois?

A master’s degree in counseling may help prepare you for a job as a school or career counselor, a marriage and family therapist, a mental health counselor, a substance abuse counselor, or a rehabilitation counselor. Many states require additional prerequisites for licensure beyond just a master’s degree. Be sure to check requirements with your state board to confirm all the details. 

How much money can a counselor make in private practice in Illinois?

In private practice, the amount of money a counselor can make will likely depend on how many clients they take on and what area they specialize in. BLS reported in 2024 that the median annual salary for counselors in Illinois varies by specialty and setting. Mental health counselors earned a median annual wage of $59,570 in 2024, while rehabilitation counselors earned $48,580 during the same period. Marriage and family therapists earned $60,140, while education and career counselors earned $61,210 in Illinois over the same time period.   

Is mental health counseling a good career in Illinois?

Only you can determine whether a career in mental health counseling is a good fit. If you enjoy providing emotional and psychological support to others, then you may find this career path to be a rewarding one. Of course, there are other factors to consider as you make a decision, including earning potential and job outlook. According to the BLS, mental health counselor jobs are expected to grow by 17% between 2024 and 2034, which is much faster than the average 3% growth rate for all occupations.

What is the job outlook for school counselors in Illinois?

In the United States, school counselor jobs are expected to grow 4% between 2024 and 2034, according to BLS data. Learn more about school counseling in our guide.  

How much does a school counselor make with a master’s degree in Illinois?

Salary ranges specific to degree level within individual states are not reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, since most school counselors are required to hold a master’s degree to be eligible for state certification, the average salary data for school counselors in Illinois serves as a reasonable proxy for master ‘s-level earners in this role.

In Illinois, school counselors make a mean salary of $69,870 per year, or $33.59 per hour. In the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area, the mean annual salary for school counselors is $73,930, or $33.54 per hour. 

Across the United States, salaries for school counselors vary widely, from around $44,770 to more than $96,000. 

Last updated: March 2026