Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online) at Northwestern University

Programme overview

Earn your CACREP-accredited Master's in Counseling online from The Family Institute at Northwestern University. The Master of Arts in Counseling program is a six-quarter, online graduate program designed for individuals who want to become clinical mental health counselors. Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) this program equips students with the knowledge, practical experience, and supportive training needed to confidently provide counseling services to children, adults, and families across diverse professional settings.

Faculty: The Graduate School | Study mode: online | Location: Evanston, IL, United States

What you will study

The Master of Arts in Counseling program is a six-quarter, online graduate program designed for individuals who want to become clinical mental health counselors. The Master of Arts in Counseling program curriculum focuses on self-reflective practice.

Career pathways

Employment of mental health counselors is projected to grow 17% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average occupation, with about 48,300 openings projected annually (U.S. Explore Careers in Mental Health Counseling .

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Submit transcripts, a résumé, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications for 2026-27 open September 15, 2026; deadlines vary by programme. The Graduate School application fee is $95 and nonrefundable, paid by credit or debit card.

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