Western Illinois University - Quad Cities

The school counseling option (52 credit hours) prepares students who are certified teachers to become elementary or secondary school counselors. With additional course work, non-teacher certified students may pursue the school counseling option and become certified as elementary or secondary school counselors. The school counseling option offers a solid foundation in lifespan development; career development; social and cultural diversity; individual, group, couple, and family relationships; psychopathology; assessment techniques; crisis management; school counseling program planning, organizing, implementation, and evaluation; ethical/legal concerns; as well as practicum and internship experiences. Public schools offer a diverse audience and challenging forum for certified counselors. Certification as an Illinois school counselor requires that the candidate complete an approved program in counseling and possess a master’s degree. Western’s approved program has been preparing candidates for certification since the 1940’s. If you are seeking school counseling certification for another state, contact the certification office in that state for certification guidelines.