Masters
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall
On-Campus
About the Community Counseling Master's Program at Loyola
Researchers are integral to understanding and addressing mental health, educational, and career disparities. At Loyola University, you'll cultivate the skills and expertise to help communities facing these and other inequalities as you take the first step toward your doctoral degree in counseling or a related field.
In our community counseling master's program, you'll work with respected faculty to conduct independent research and prepare for doctoral work, learning research methods, counseling techniques, theory, and social justice principles. You'll develop self-awareness, learn to value evidence, and mature as a scholar in the field along the way. Most of all, you'll work alongside leading researchers to understand—and ultimately combat—the inequities that impact the health and well-being of our communities.
Program Structure
The MA program does not lead to master's-level licensing. It is designed to prepare students for acceptance into doctoral programs in counseling psychology, counselor education, or related fields.
Students interested in a master's level counseling practice and licensure should explore Loyola's MEd program.
The MA in Community Counseling can be pursued full-time or part-time. Students have five years from acceptance to complete the program.
Classes are held at Loyola's Water Tower Campus, which is conveniently located off the Red Line in the heart of Chicago.
Why Choose Loyola for Your Community Counseling Master’s Degree?
Loyola offers a cutting-edge program designed to help you grow as a scholar and set yourself apart in the doctoral application process. Our program emphasizes advocacy and innovative approaches to community psychology, centering social justice as part of your academic training.
- A small program—by design
- Four research labs focused on social justice
- Exposure to experts
- Chicago: A hub of opportunities
Experience deep connections with faculty and peers in a small program that emphasizes collegiality over competition.
Collaborate with professors in faculty research labs to examine and address issues in community psychology and related fields. Faculty research interests include ethnic identity development, immigrant mental health and well-being, patriarchal beliefs, vocational psychology, LGBTQ identity development, Latino resilience, and others.
Learn from top psychologists and researchers dedicated to staying at the forefront of community psychology, counselor education, and social justice. Our faculty are actively involved in research activities and have experience in clinical settings, community organizations, and working with historically underrepresented communities. Learn more about our faculty in this video.
Get firsthand experiential learning opportunities at the Chicago Public Schools and level-one trauma centers, and participate in projects that immediately create change.
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 Community Counseling MA program.
FacultyCommunity Counseling: Career Connections
Our community counseling master’s degree prepares you for PhD work in counseling psychology, counselor education, or related fields. However, students may pursue licensure in our MEd in Community Counseling program or by taking extra coursework and additional hours of practicum and internship.
Specific job options include:
- College instructor
- Community consultant
- Researcher
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 Community Counseling MA 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 Community Counseling MA 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 CatalogCommunity Counseling MA Results and Skills
After earning your MA in Community Counseling at Loyola, you'll be equipped to become a researcher in community counseling and related fields. Some of the theoretical and practical skills you'll gain include:
- Ability to conduct original research
- Research evaluation
- Research application
- Collaboration
- Cultural sensitivity
- Self-awareness
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 recent 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 Community Counseling MA totals $49200.00, or 48 credit hours at a cost of $1,025.00 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
Visit the School of Education Scholarships page for detailed information about eligible scholarships.
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 Community Counseling MA are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Fall: February 1
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Community Counseling MA 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
Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts 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.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Community Counseling MA 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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