About the School - Northwestern University Online
Recognized both nationally and internationally for its high standard of excellence, Northwestern University is a leading private research and teaching university located in Chicago, Illinois - and offers a variety of programs and classes through Northwestern University Online. The Family Institute (TFI) operates the MA in Counseling Program in collaboration with Northwestern’s Graduate School. TFI is a not-for-profit affiliate organization of Northwestern that provides direct care to individuals, couples, and families; fosters intensive learning for future counselors; and facilitates innovative research in the field of mental health counseling.
Benefits
- Live, face-to-face interaction: Students participate in live, weekly classes instructed by Northwestern’s faculty, who also work as counselors and present real cases in the classroom. With participating classmates across the nation, students build relationships with a diverse group of peers and learn from unique perspectives during live group sessions.
- A “learning-by-doing” model: Two years of immersive clinical field experience complement academic learning and begin soon after students join the program. Northwestern’s faculty and placement team work closely with students to select clinical field sites based on each student’s location. There, students receive one-on-one, individual supervision from seasoned practitioners.
- A focus on the self-reflective counselor: The program’s traditional counseling foundation helps students understand their own personal and professional aptitude. Students are guided by preceptors toward developing a multifaceted counselor identity characterized by self-reflection, multicultural competency, and an in-depth understanding of psychodynamic theory.
Financing Your Education
Several options are available for qualified U.S. citizens and permanent residents seeking financial aid for their Counseling@Northwestern education, including federal loans, grants, and program scholarships. The Family Institute at Northwestern University works closely with students to explore opportunities for financing their education. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit the required supporting documents to be considered for financial aid.
