Western Illinois University's School Counseling Program has been named among the "Best Master's in School Counseling" programs for 2027 by MastersinCounseling, the university announced.
WIU is ranked No. 5 in Illinois on the organization's list of the Top School Counseling Master's Programs in Illinois for 2027 and second among public universities.
"WIU's school counseling program meets the high demand for qualified professionals in Illinois and Iowa through rigorous academic study, practical clinical training, and active K-12 involvement. Guided by experienced faculty who are former K-12 school counselors, the program prepares graduates to address critical workforce shortages and support the unique needs of K-12 students," said Matthew Beck, WIU professor and program coordinator of School Counseling.
According to MastersinCounseling, the ranking considers CACREP and Illinois State Board of Education accreditation, institutional graduation rates, tuition and net price, and graduate earnings outcomes. The organization said its rankings are based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, College Scorecard graduate earnings data, independent program research and its internal program database.
MastersinCounseling identified 10 Illinois schools offering 11 master's-level school counseling program options, including concentrations and hybrid formats.
WIU's campus-based School Counseling master's program is CACREP-accredited and approved by the Illinois State Board of Education, according to MastersinCounseling. The program combines coursework with clinical experiences focused on academic, postsecondary/career and personal/social development.
The university offers the School Counseling program in person only on the WIU-Quad Cities campus, which is located at 3300 River Drive in Moline on the banks of the Mississippi River, according to the university's website.
Program details and deadlines
The school counseling program is a cohort that begins in the fall semester and has an application deadline of Monday, Feb. 1, for the Fall 2027 term. For additional information, email Counselor Education Program Coordinator Matthew Beck at mj-beck@wiu.edu. More information on the program is available at wiu.edu/coehs/cnedcsp/cned_sc.php, and the rankings can be found at go.wiu.edu/4rT2dil.
Open house Nov. 20
WIU's Counseling program will host an event at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20, on the WIU-Quad Cities campus for those interested in learning about a career in counseling through the CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling tracks. The event includes food, networking with faculty and current students, and information on application expectations and career pathways. To register, complete the RSVP at go.wiu.edu/4y5vAzn.
Source: the original release