Develop the advanced clinical and theoretical expertise required for professional counseling practice with the online Master of Arts in Counseling from Northwestern University. The curriculum prepares students to become reflective mental health counselors equipped to support diverse populations across a range of mental health settings.

• CACREP-accredited curriculum
• 800 total hours of supervised clinical training
• Ideal for candidates with or without a background in psychology 
• Optional Child and Adolescent specialization available 

About this program

The Master of Arts in Counseling prepares students to become compassionate, self-reflective mental health counselors through a learning-by-doing model that challenges you to reflect on your identity and how it informs your practice. In addition to completing classes and coursework online, you will participate in highly collaborative in-person experiences, including: 

• A 200-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship that develop critical real-world skills
• Two in-person immersion experiences at our Chicagoland facilities, and one online immersion experience 
• Two self-reflective experiences that help you understand what you bring to the counseling relationship 

Depending on your academic background, you will complete either the Standard Program or the Bridge to Counseling Program. When it is time to begin your clinical training, our placement team will help you identify Northwestern-approved sites where you can complete your clinical hours. Each placement is supervised by a licensed clinician who provides ongoing feedback to support your skills development. 

Curriculum overview

This rigorous, high-caliber curriculum introduces students to a wide range of counseling approaches, with a focus on psychodynamic theory and application. You’ll gradually develop your counseling expertise while covering licensure-required topics such as ethics, multiculturalism, advocacy, outreach, life span development, and evidence-based practice. 

The curriculum is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Some states stipulate a master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited program as part of their counselor licensure requirements. 

Program pathways

Northwestern University offers two program pathways to earn a master’s degree in clinical mental health, no matter your level of counseling experience. Both programs are offered on a traditional, accelerated and part-time basis.

Standard Pathway (24 credits): Designed for students with prior academic or professional exposure to psychology or counseling, focusing on advanced clinical concepts and applied practice.

Bridge to counseling Pathway (27 credits): Designed for students without prior experience in counseling or psychology, providing foundational training before progressing into advanced coursework.

Both pathways lead to the same Master of Arts in Counseling and prepare graduates for licensure and professional counseling practice.

Child and Adolescent Specialization 

Students of both the Standard and Bridge programs may choose an optional Child and Adolescent specialization, which teaches you how to provide effective treatment for young people and children experiencing mental health challenges in addition to adults. The specialization entails two courses in your second year that count toward the total credits required to earn your MA in counseling degree. 

Online learning experience

Through a combination of live online classes, interactive coursework, and in-person immersions and placement hours, students of the online MA in counseling program will experience a balance of structure and flexibility. The highly collaborative nature of these experiences means that you’ll be able to foster critical discussions and lasting connections with faculty and peers, no matter where you are in the world.  

Clinical placements provide supervised, real-world experience, with structured feedback and ongoing reflection to foster professional growth.

Admissions and career outlook

Admissions are assessed holistically, and GRE scores are not required. All applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree. A degree in psychology or human services is preferred, but not required. 

Graduates are prepared to pursue licensure and careers in clinical mental health counseling across a range of settings, including community mental health services, hospitals, educational institutions, and private practice.