CPS will host a virtual informational for interns to explain the necessary steps to begin a school counseling practicum/internship with Chicago Public Schools. This informational orientation is for current second year school counseling students who will be beginning Practicum this upcoming Spring 2025. The meeting for potential interns will be on Wednesday November 6th, 2024 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Zoom link soon to follow!

This is the first step for applying to CPS schools – if you are not able to attend, we ask that you watch the video recording of the meeting afterward.

COE CSI Social flyer

RSVP Link

1. Monday, October 7 @ 7:00 PM U.S. Central Time
   Register Here
2. Monday, October 9 @ 7:00 PM U.S. Central Time
   Register Here

Some highlights of our program

• 100% of our doctoral students who request funding have been successful in securing graduate assistantships for the past several years. These are 10-20 hour per week paid positions during the fall and spring, with a tuition waiver that covers summer courses.
• Three-year program for full-time students, in an on-ground program with some hybrid online experiences throughout.
• Our in-house clinic, the Community Counseling Training Center (CCTC), provides our doctoral students exceptional learning opportunities in providing clinical supervision and conducting clinical research.
• Our faculty are productive scholars and leaders in the field, with diverse clinical and research interests. Many faculty members hold elected positions in national and regional counseling organizations.
• Our programs have held continuous CACREP accreditation since 1987.
• Home to CSI Chapter Rho Alpha Kappa (CSI), NIU Counseling Association, and Black Counselors Association.
• Recognized in 2018 by the North Central Association for Counselor Education & Supervision with the Innovative Program Award.
• Opportunity to earn a graduate certificate in Trauma-Informed Counseling.
• Located in DeKalb, Illinois, NIU is located 60 miles west of Chicago. Our students and faculty come from urban, suburban, and rural communities.

Prospective students must apply to our program through the NIU Graduate School, and if invited, attend our program’s virtual Pre-Admissions Workshop held in December for group and individual interviews. For admission to the Graduate School, you’ll need to apply, submit a written statement of goals, official transcripts, and three letters of recommendation (at least one from individuals holding a doctoral degree and/or able to speak to your academic aptitude). If you are an international student, you must also submit official English translations of your academic records and all test scores, including the TOEFL or IELTS. All applicants complete the Ph.D. applicant essay, and submit a résumé or CV.

Apply online

For the best opportunity to secure GA funding, please apply early.

Early admissions deadline: November 15
General admissions deadline: February 1

If you have any questions, please contact cahc_admissions@niu.edu

Warmly,

The Counseling Faculty

Peitao Zhu, PhD, LCPC, NCC

Assistant Professor & Program Co-Coordinator

Department of Counseling and Higher Education

(815)753-9868 | pzhu@niu.edu

Graham 427C, DeKalb, Illinois 60115

https://cahe.niu.edu 

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Recent Selected Publications:

Relational processes of cultural humility

Professional wisdom in counselor education

Cultural Humility and Enactment Scale

Group cohesion