The Next Generation of Mental Health Professionals Starts Here
The need for compassionate mental health professionals has never been greater. The College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences offers holistic professional preparation and academic experience in the areas of Behavioral Science, Counseling, Counselor Education, and Psychology. Explore flexible, affordable programs that support your goals—and see if NLU is the right fit for your future.
Schedules That Work for You
Affordable
Ready to Make an Impact
Programs Designed for You
The world has never needed mental health professionals more. NLU will prepare you for success with a well-rounded, hands-on education, as much flexibility as you need and professional resources to turn your education into a career.
As a Lieutenant Commander (select) in the Medical Service Corps of the US Navy, Dr. Shenberger provides vital mental health services to over 6,000 active-duty service members.
“The faculty at ISPP were committed to our futures as superior clinical psychologists which was obvious in every interaction.”
Transitioning from a 20-year career as a business analyst, Kevin sought a more intellectually and emotionally rewarding path. His decision to switch fields aligned with a desire to incorporate more meaningful topics into his everyday work.
“Embrace the challenging yet rewarding journey, seek help from the supportive professional community, and prioritize self-care.”
Dr. Rahman, an ISPP graduate, is making waves as a postdoctoral fellow at Benedict Psychological Services in Chicago. In 2020, she won ISPP’s Outstanding Clinical Research Project award for her dissertation, Women’s Experience of Internalized Sexism, which explored the #MeToo movement’s impact and resonated with women whose voices often go unheard in mainstream discourse.
Your next step is within reach.
Pioneering higher education since 1886
Elizabeth Harrison opens a school to train kindergarten teachers.
The school becomes the National College of Education.
A gift allows NCE to expand beyond the field of education.
NCE is renamed National Louis University.
NLU moves to The Loop.
NLU acquires Kendall College, a renowned culinary and hospitality school.
Addition of the Illinois and Florida School of Professional Psychology
NLU launches its School of Nursing
Seven colleges, one vision
National Louis University, a private, not-for-profit university, offers more than 80 career-focused undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, certificate and endorsement programs in Illinois, in Florida and online in fields like education, business, psychology and nursing.
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Trusted in the field of transforming lives
Our M.S. Counseling (Illinois), M.S. Counseling (Virtual), and Ed.D. Counselor Education and Supervision programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP). Our Psy.D. Clinical Psychology program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
To find your path, ask yourself...
Career Goals and Aspirations
Where do I see myself in 5-10 years?
Academic and Professional Background
What professional experience do I have?
Personal Challenges
What’s stopping me from furthering my education?
Financial Planning and Resources
What scholarships are available to me?
Take your higher education even higher
As people around the world become more aware of the importance of mental health care, NLU's College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences offers graduate programs that prepare students for careers in the helping professions: psychology, behavioral sciences, counseling, and counselor education.
Choose the program that’s right for you
College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
Counseling
Choose between concentrations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, and Addictions.
The program prepares you to work as a counselor in a variety of settings, including schools, private practices and mental health clinics.
Counseling: Virtual Live Classroom
Our Live-on-Line format combines real-time instruction with online coursework. You’ll learn from faculty with real-world clinical expertise and connect with peers through weekly video discussions.
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Psychology
Our Master of Science in Psychology will introduce you to the advanced study of human behavior and prepare you for diverse career options in business and education, as well as further graduate study.
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Applied Behavior Analysis
This M.S. degree is designed for students with a Bachelor’s degree seeking professional training in applied behavior analysis through an emphasis on the theory and science of behaviorism.
Applied Behavior Analysis
This Ed.S. degree is for individuals with a Master's in education, counseling, psychology, or other related fields who wish to deepen their ABA knowledge and integrate it into their professional practice.
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Counselor Education & Supervision
This Ph.D. program is designed to prepare counselors to provide leadership and advocacy, as well as serve in supervisory, training, and teaching positions in the counseling profession.
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Community Psychology
Our Ph.D. in Community Psychology equips you with psychological, research, and collaborative skills to address an array of social issues, preparing you for careers in education, policy, consulting, and more.
Clinical Psychology
The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program has been designed to educate and train students to function effectively as health service psychologists.
Learn MoreGraduate Certificate Programs
Clinical Mental Health Completion Certificate
NLU’s Mental Health Counseling Certificate provides the additional coursework needed to meet licensure requirements for Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC).
General Psychology
NLU offers a stand-alone Certificate program for students seeking to advance their knowledge in psychology without enrolling in a full Master’s degree program, or as a part of their Master’s degree.
We bring the NLU experience to you!
NLU helps students hit the ground running by connecting them to our community and offering the support and tools they need to achieve their desired goals at NLU and beyond.
Learning Support
Counseling and Wellness
Food Pantry and THRIVE Resources
We believe ALL students can THRIVE through the advocacy of an inclusive university and the support of a caring community, where students feel a sense of belonging and empowerment to not only be academically successful, but thrive personally and professionally.
Veterans and Military
Everything we do lays the groundwork for a career
Higher education should inspire and accelerate the next step of a student’s career. Career Bridge helps make that journey seamless by fostering meaningful connections between students, alumni and employers while providing career advising, résumé reviews, internships, and networking events that spark new opportunities.
Career Coach: Discover majors and in-demand careers and education
Take a Career Assessment to learn about yourself and Career Coach will give you career suggestions based on your interests, browse careers or search available programs that lead to the career you want.
For students, more career-launching opportunities
For many of our students, a college degree needs to be nothing less than a springboard for professional advancement. Our Career Bridge department ensures that every graduate leaves NLU with practical, real-world experience and valuable connections in their industry.
The perfect place to launch your career
With our main campus in downtown Chicago, suburban locations in Wheeling and Lisle, and a campus in Tampa, FL, NLU offers the flexibility to learn where it works best for you. No matter which campus you choose, you'll be positioned for success with access to career opportunities and vibrant communities. Explore our downtown Chicago campus from the comfort of your computer with a virtual tour.
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Virtual Campus Tour
Break the glass ceiling, not the bank
At NLU, we believe that your education is an investment in your future. Our programs are designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge and experiences needed to excel in your field, and we’re committed to helping you achieve your career goals.
**Some programs may have additional course fees. For more information, please visit: on.nl.edu/coursefees
A degree may be more affordable than you think
Financing your education is a significant consideration. That’s why we offer a range of financial aid options to help make your career dreams a reality. Explore the various ways you can pay for college and invest in your future.
For the fourth straight year, National Louis University has kept tuition rates the same and added new scholarship opportunities, making NLU one of the most afforable universities in the Chicago area.
National Louis University offers a tuition discount to employees of organizations who partner with the University to provide quality professional development opportunities.
Community services are defined as services that are identified by an institution of higher education though formal or informal consultation with local nonprofit, government, and community-based organizations, as designed to improve the quality of life for community residents, particularly low-income individuals, or to solve particular problems related to their needs.
A student loan is a low-interest loan extended by the federal government to help you pay for your education. To qualify for a loan, you must be enrolled at least half-time in classes at National Louis University.
There are numerous education benefits that the Department of Veterans Affairs offers eligible students. One of the most popular benefits that students use at NLU is the Post 9/11 GI Bill ®. This benefit often allows students to receive their degree from NLU with little to no debt.
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We're here for you every step of the way
What’s next?
If you’re ready to take the first step of your career, here’s what comes next.
Begin your journey by submitting your application to NLU. We're excited to have you join our community.
Ensure you meet all the admissions requirements. This may include submitting transcripts, test scores and any additional documents. Apply for financial aid by completing a FAFSA, if applicable.
Get ready to embark on your academic journey! Once admitted, you’ll receive your class schedule, meet with your academic advisor and review your degree plan.
Review registration email, access student email and courses, participate in orientation, order books, order ID, and more.
