Doctoral
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring
On-Campus
About the EdS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Loyola
If you value differences, equity, and social justice, and want to be a counselor who can help others thrive in the face of adversity and mental health challenges, consider the EdS degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Loyola University Chicago. Earn your EdS and propel your career with the nationally esteemed School of Education, ranked in the top 3 graduate education schools in Chicago (2025).
By completing the EdS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Loyola, you will be eligible to sit for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) exam in Illinois. You will also be eligible for the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) after two years of post-degree supervised counseling experience and a passing score on the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
What is an Ed.S? EdS stands for “educational specialist degree.” This specialized education program is more advanced than a master's program but involves an accelerated timeline comparable to a doctoral degree like the EdD.
Program Structure
The clinical mental health counseling degree can be pursued full time or part time. Classes are held at Loyola's Water Tower Campus, conveniently located off the Red Line in the heart of Chicago.
Please note that this program is not currently accepting applications.
Why Choose Loyola for Your Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree?
Rigorous and student-centered, our EdS prepares you for licensure in states with a 60 semester-hour and 1000 practicum-hour requirement. You will work with an advisor to create a unique sequence of coursework that fits your interests and career goals.
- LPC eligibility
- Student-centered EdS
- Led by clinical mental health counseling experts
- Chicago: A hub of opportunities
- A focus on diversity and social justice
Upon completing the EdS degree, you will be eligible to apply for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Illinois, and as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) following two years of post-degree supervised experience.
Unlike a cohort model, Loyola’s EdS degree allows you to create your own curriculum. You will work with an advisor to develop a unique course sequence so you can tailor your degree to your interests and career goals.
You will learn from Loyola University Chicago’s expert faculty of psychologists and other mental health professionals who are actively engaged in research and in clinical settings, community organizations, and social justice efforts.
Gain practical experience in the Chicago area at practicum sites, including trauma centers, hospitals, residential treatment facilities, and substance abuse treatment centers. Your site selection will help you acquire population-specific competencies that complement your classroom training.
Become a culturally sensitive practitioner and learn how to create an equitable environment in practice settings. Understand the intersections of culture, ethnicity, gender, lived experiences, and other factors with mental health and wellbeing.
Counseling Psychology Department
The Department of Counseling Psychology recognizes the need for advocacy and innovative counseling strategies to address significant mental health, educational, and career disparities affecting marginalized communities. With this commitment, our programs focus on applied research and professional development, grounded in social justice principles. Explore more about the department and read stories featuring current students and graduates from the School of Education.
Department WebsiteMeet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the School of Education faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Clinical Mental Health Counseling EdS program.
FacultyClinical Mental Health Counseling: Career Connections
After completing your clinical mental health counseling degree, you will be prepared to serve as a counselor in a variety of settings, including private practice, community mental health centers, and more.
Specific job options include:
- Mental health counselor
- Behavioral health therapist
- Community counselor
- Substance abuse counselor
- Family therapist
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling EdS program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Clinical Mental Health Counseling EdS learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2024-2025 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogEdS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Results and Skills
In addition to counseling techniques and theory, your clinical mental health counseling degree will equip you with a range of skills that will serve you well in your career.
- Counseling skills
- Diagnostic skills
- Treatment planning
- Communication
- Cultural awareness and competence
- Inquiry and research application
- Counseling assessment
- Advocacy
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
The estimated tuition and fees for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling EdS totals $64200.00, or 60 credit hours at a cost of $1,070.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
School of Education Financial Aid & Scholarships
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost and Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education. You may also visit the School of Education Scholarships page for detailed information about eligible scholarships.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
More information about financial aid opportunities can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe School of Education offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
View all EventsVisit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling EdS are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Please note that this program is not currently accepting applications.
Fall: January 1
Spring: December 1
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling EdS include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
2 Letters of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Resume/CV
Statement of Purpose
Statement of Purpose Details
Your statement should be 1-3 pages and describe your academic and research interests, professional goals, and life experiences that have influenced your view of social justice.
Official Documents
Applicants must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts (with U.S. educational credentials) sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived, and unofficial transcripts will not be accepted for international applicants.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling EdS program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
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