Northern State University’s Counseling program is renowned for its excellence in preparing future counselors, equipping them with a diverse skill set, a strong theoretical foundation, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
The NSU counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and led by experienced, supportive faculty. As a student, you have the option to prepare for careers in both clinical mental health and school counseling through a curriculum that combines hands-on clinical and school-based experiences with a strong focus on ethical and cultural understanding.
New for Fall 2026: In line with updated CACREP standards, our program will include two in-person residency sessions to observe and assess your counseling skills and professional dispositions. The first will take place before the practicum experience and another aligned with the internship experience. These interactive sessions provide valuable feedback and support as you develop into a skilled, confident counselor.
Apply today, and gain the knowledge, experience, and professional preparation to make a meaningful impact in the field of counseling.
Offered HyFlex
60 Credit Hours
Estimated Time to Complete: Two Years
Clinical Mental Health Pathway
Northern State University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is a 60-credit, CACREP-accredited pathway designed to prepare future counselors with a strong theoretical foundation, diverse skill set, and a commitment to making a positive impact. Our experienced faculty foster a supportive, inclusive learning environment, ensuring students are well-equipped for professional success in a variety of clinical settings.
School Counseling Pathway
Northern State University's school counseling graduate program is a 60-credit program that prepares students for a career in school guidance within K-12 private, public, or parochial schools in the areas of academic, personal/social, and career development according to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA).
Emphasizing Practical Application Through Internships and Practicums
NSU’s counseling program takes pride in providing a comprehensive curriculum that not only meets rigorous academic standards but also emphasizes practical application through internships and practicum opportunities. We value diversity and believe in the strength that different perspectives bring to the learning experience. Our faculty and students come from various backgrounds, creating a rich and supportive community.
Our counseling facilities are equipped with the latest technology and resources to support your learning and practice. In addition, we provide the flexibility to attend classes in a HyFlex mode from the comfort of your home location. Some classes (25%) provide asynchronous HyFlex attendance, while others (75%) provide synchronous HyFlex attendance.
Accreditation
CACREP Accreditation
Both the Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling Master of Education degrees at Northern State University are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and have maintained this accreditation since July 2017. CACREP accreditation demonstrates that our programs meet rigorous national standards for counselor preparation, including curriculum, faculty qualifications, supervised professional practice, and alignment with state licensure requirements.
Annual Reports
2020-2021 Vital Statistics Report
2021-2022 Vital Statistics Report
2020-2021 Counselor Education Annual Program Report
2021-2022 Counselor Education Annual Program Report
2022-2023 Counselor Education Annual Program Report
Supervision Training Information
Orientation to Clinical Supervision and Professional Development (OCSPD)
