FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - Admissions
General Questions
Are you accredited?
Yes, all academic programs at the Institute for Clinical Social Work are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
When is orientation?
Orientation for new students in all programs will take place on August 8 and 9, 2024 on campus in Chicago.
Do you accept international students?
The Institute for Clinical Social Work’s master’s degree in clinical counseling and psychotherapy prepares students for licensure (Licensed Professional Counselor– LPC/Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor – LCPC).The Institute for Clinical Social Work is not authorized to issue F-1 student visas. Therefore, non-resident, international students should consider their immigration status independent of their affiliation with ICSW, and whether their status will allow for post-graduation employment necessary to complete the National Board for Certified Counselors National Counselor Examination (NCE) requirements for licensure. Additionally, non-resident, international students should check licensing requirements that are specific to their own country.
Master’s Program
How much is tuition? Do you have scholarships/financial aid?
Current tuition rates and information about financial aid and scholarship opportunities can be found here: https://www.icsw.edu/masters-tuition
What degree will I earn in the program?
Graduates earn a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Psychotherapy.
How long is the program?
Students enrolled full-time complete the Master’s degree in two years. Students enrolled part-time in the program complete the Master’s degree in three years.
Does the MA program meet criteria for licensure in my state?
The Master’s program at ICSW meets state of Illinois requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Accrued hours are transferrable for licensure in another state and if a student would like to obtain their LPC in another state, they should check that state’s requirements for equivalency. In some cases, other states may require a student to take an additional class or two. However, Illinois requirements are stringent and are in excess of many other states’ requirements.
What can I do after I graduate with my Master’s?
After students earn their Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Psychotherapy at ICSW, they are eligible to sit for the state licensure exam to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
What is the admissions deadline?
The application deadline has been extended to May 15, 2024.
When are classes held?
Master’s classes are held on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, and Saturday mornings.
DISTANCE PhD PROGRAM
How often will I be traveling to Chicago?
Distance PhD students come to Chicago for Saturday and Sunday morning twice during the fall and spring terms of each year, and once during the summer term of each year - so 5 weekends annually. In addition, Distance students are expected to come to Chicago for new student orientation.
How much is tuition? Do you have scholarships/financial aid?
Current tuition rates and information about financial aid and scholarship opportunities can be found here: https://www.icsw.edu/phd-tuition
What is the admissions deadline?
The priority admissions deadline for Fall 2024 is February 29, 2024, and the general admissions deadline is June 1, 2024.
When are classes held?
Classes meet regularly on Tuesday and Thursday evenings throughout the semester through video conferences
ONSITE PhD PROGRAM
What is the admissions deadline?
The priority admissions deadline for Fall 2023 is February 28, 2023, and the general admissions deadline is June 30, 2023.
When are classes held?
Classes are Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings, every other week during the semester.
How much is tuition? Do you have scholarships/financial aid?
Current tuition rates and information about financial aid and scholarship opportunities can be found here: https://www.icsw.edu/financial_aid_phd