Here, you empower others.
Counselors have the power to lead social change by improving the
mental health of individuals, couples, families, and groups at every stage of
life. Through real-world experience, Governors State’s nationally ranked Master of Arts in Counseling equips you to diagnose, consult, and
evaluate clients; provide preventive intervention; and bring about
life-changing results through counseling. To read more about our program here is a link to the MA Counseling Handbook-2021.
In the Counseling M.A. program, you will choose from one of
three sequences—Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Marriage, Couple, and Family
Counseling; or School Counseling (PK - Age 21)—to concentrate your studies in your
primary field of interest. Many of our students will gain practical experience
through our on-campus counseling lab that serves the surrounding community. In addition to completing at least 100 hours of a practicum experience in the lab–or in school systems for school counseling students–every student must also complete a 600 hour internship.
Reach your career
goals.
As a graduate student, your program sequence will guide your
profession. Counselors work in a variety of settings, including mental health
clinics and hospitals, corporations, governmental social agencies, public and
private schools, community colleges, community intervention programs, and
correctional institutions.
Why get a Master of
Arts in Counseling?
Counselors make a difference through every
stage of life and at all levels of society. Receive real-world preparation with
our Counseling M.A. Your impact on the community starts here.
Data collected in 2020 reflected the national median salary
for licensed mental health counselors to be $47,660; Chicago’s annual mean wage is at $46,000. (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Delivery Format
Achieve your Master of Arts in Counseling in as little as three years. Governors State’s 60-credit hour Counseling M.A. program is predominately delivered with courses taught on campus, while some classes are offered in hybrid and online formats.
Sequences
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- In this sequence, students examine clinical mental health and community counseling issues, lifestyle and career development, workplace and vocational counseling, group dynamics, as well as counseling program management.
- Marriage Couple and Family Counseling
- This program studies all facets of marriage and family counseling, including children, adolescents, couples, and family counseling. Additional attention is paid to group dynamics, intervention, prevention, and sexual issues.
- School Counseling (PK-Age 21)
- The mission of the school counseling program at Governors State University is to prepare students for PK-Age 21 settings so they can assist students in maximizing their educational, vocational, social, and personal growth.
For a list of specialization courses from each sequence, please visit the program catalog.
Accreditation
The M.A. in Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Please visit their website for more details.
Contact
Jeanetta G. Edwards, NCC, LCPC
Senior Academic Advisor
708-534-4973
jedwards4@govst.edu
Office Location: G384
Dr. Ahmet Can
MA Counseling Program Coordinator & Assistant Professor
708.534.4974
acan@govst.edu
Office Location: G304
Nicolette Karl, MA School Counseling Alumnus
At Governors State, you have the ability to connect and build relationships with professors who care about your development. Not only do they enrich their classes with experiential activities, but they are pillars of strength and fortitude you can lean on for support during your most difficult times. Each class provided me with the confounding realization that the field of counseling is expansive and rich with content. In working through each class, I was encouraged to self-reflect and become a better counselor. As a byproduct, I also became a better person. I am leaving the program with a tool-kit filled with fundamental skills and knowledge and a desire to keep developing and growing as a counseling professional.
Ruth Shannon, MA School Counseling student
The GSU counseling program taught me the why and how of who I am, while simultaneously teaching me skills to eliminate self-doubt and fear to develop the courage to conquer my dreams. As a wife and mother of 10, the professors' holistic approach to the development of future counselors is unmatched. I am graduating with the effective skills and confidence to be a change agent for ALL students. I am forever grateful!
Dr. Ahmet Can, Program Coordinator
Welcome to the Department of Counseling at Governors State University. I believe you will find many excellent programs, enthusiastic students and a committed faculty and staff. Our faculty come from a variety of backgrounds; and as practicing counselors, they bring multiple layers of expertise to the classroom. Our program focuses on student development and promoting the growth of ethical, competent, and social justice-minded professional counselors who want to go beyond good intentions and master the theories, skills and clinical experience to make a positive impact for children, individuals, families in diverse and underserved communities. Explore more about our programs below.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our programs, research or service.