NIU PhD Program in Counselor Education & Supervision Info Session

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The CACREP accredited PhD program in Counselor Education & Supervision at Northern Illinois University is accepting applications for its Fall 2026 cohort. We will be hosting two virtual info sessions for prospective applicants:
Some highlights of our program include:
  • Funding: 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
  • Expert faculty mentorship: Our faculty are highly productive researchers, averaging 3.5 peer-reviewed publications per faculty member in the last year. Faculty provides hands-on research mentorship for doctoral students through co-authored manuscripts and conference co-presentation. Moreover, many faculty members hold elected leadership positions in national and regional counseling organizations.
  • Award-winning excellence: in 2025, we were honored by the North Central Association for Counselor Education & Supervision with the Innovative Counselor Education Program Award (Doctoral Program). Our doctoral students have also earned numerous prestigious accolades in the past year, including the ACA Glen E. Hubele National Graduate Student Award, multiple research grants (ACES, AARC Sponsored Scholarship Program, NCACES, Association for Play Therapy), NCACES Emerging Leaders, among others.
  • Program Structure: Full time doctoral students can complete the program in just three years. Our on-ground format offers vibrant in-person engagement complemented by hybrid online experiences for added flexibility.
  • Hands-on clinical experience: Our in-house clinic, the Community Counseling Training Center (CCTC), provides our doctoral students exceptional learning opportunities in providing clinical supervision and opportunities to conduct clinical research.
  • Long-standing accreditation: Our doctoral program has held continuous CACREP accreditation since 1987.
  • Vibrant community and resources: We have active student organizations such as the CSI Chapter Rho Alpha Kappa (CSI), NIU Counseling Association, and Black Counselors Association. Doctoral students also have the opportunity to earn a graduate certificate in Trauma-Informed Counseling
  • Ideal Location: Located in DeKalb, Illinois—just 60 miles west of downtown Chicago—our students can enjoy access to Chicago’s world-class cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities while living in a cost-effective, welcoming college town. Our diverse student and faculty body, drawn from urban, suburban, and rural backgrounds, fosters a rich, inclusive learning environment.
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
Counseling Programs Admissions Coordination Team
Counseling Admissions Office
cahc_admissions@niu.edu
815-753-5749
​Clinical Mental Health Counseling  ~  School Counseling
School Counselor Institute  ~ Trauma-Informed Counseling Certificate
PhD Counselor Education & Supervision  ~ Undergrad Minor in Counseling
Counseling and Higher Education Department
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115