The Counseling program remains deeply committed to providing a high quality, supportive, and professionally aligned educational experience. These curriculum updates are part of that commitment — to students, the profession, and the communities we serve.

We will continue adding to this FAQ list as questions arise and additional information becomes available.

1. What is changing?

The Counseling program is revising course offerings, content, timing, and immersion guidelines to satisfy updated CACREP standards. Given the depth and breadth of these required revisions, the program capitalized on this change process and added several program enhancements, as well.

The overall changes include:

  • Clearer alignment between courses, CACREP competency areas, and delivery methods (online and on campus)
  • Updates to learning objectives and assessments to reflect revised standards and updated mission and vision
  • Refinement of how student learning and professional competencies are evaluated over time

Importantly, these changes are focused on structure, alignment, and assessment — not a wholesale redesign of the program.

These changes are effective beginning Fall Quarter 2026.

Specific changes include:

  • Orientation for all students will be online and asynchronous
  • Introduction of Foundations course that will introduce students to the profession of clinical mental health counseling and the development of counselor professional identity; students will examine the historical, philosophical, and empirical foundations of the field, as well as the roles and functions of mental health counselors across contemporary practice settings
  • Foundations Immersion to replace New Student Immersion (online) and Orientation (on campus)
  • Introduction of Pre-Practicum course (plus two terms of Practicum) to ensure clinical training readiness and specific clinical start date following successful completion of Pre-Practicum and Foundations Immersion
  • Research Methods will now include program evaluation and will be titled “Research Methods and Program Evaluation”
  • Students will graduate with a comprehensive portfolio of key assignments and no longer participate in Capstone as a final assignment; students will have enhanced opportunities for scholarly work instead of a singular opportunity via Capstone
  • The program will no longer be offering the Professional Topics course

2. What is not changing?

Several core elements of the program remain the same:

  • The program’s identity and core areas of counselor training
  • Required clinical experiences
  • Faculty leadership and instructional approach
  • The number of courses or credits required for graduation

The goal is continuity with improvement, not disruption.

3. Why is our Counseling program making curriculum changes now?

The 2024 Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs replaced the 2016 CACREP standards (which our Counseling program is accredited under) and became effective July 1, 2024, marking the transition from one set of accreditation guidelines to another.

The curriculum changes are being made to ensure that:

  • The program remains fully CACREP‑compliant
  • Students continue to be eligible for licensure and professional opportunities
  • Course content, learning outcomes, and assessments clearly align with updated standards

4. What is CACREP?

CACREP stands for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. CACREP is the national accrediting body for counseling programs in the United States.

Accreditation by CACREP ensures that:

  • Counseling programs meet nationally recognized standards for curriculum, training, and assessment
  • Graduates are well prepared for professional practice and licensure
  • Programs engage in continuous review and improvement based on outcomes data

Our Counseling program is CACREP accredited, which is important for licensure eligibility, professional mobility, and employer recognition.

5. Why are CACREP standards changing?

CACREP periodically revises its standards to reflect:

  • Changes in the counseling profession
  • Evolving best practices in training, supervision, and assessment
  • New research and workforce needs

The 2024 CACREP Standards reflect a stronger emphasis on:

  • Clear alignment between curriculum and professional competencies
  • Systematic assessment of student learning and program outcomes
  • Ongoing program evaluation and improvement

All CACREP accredited programs are required to be in compliance with the revised standards by July 1, 2026, regardless of when students were admitted, which means that all programs that want to maintain accreditation are undergoing modifications.

6. What has been the process?

The curriculum modifications and degree enhancements have been part of a deliberate, faculty‑led process that has included:

  • Reviewing the 2024 CACREP Standards and guidance (Fall 2024)
  • Updating curriculum maps and learning outcomes
  • Coordinating across courses to strengthen clarity and consistency
  • TGS approval of curriculum modifications (Winter 2026)
  • Northwestern University approval of curriculum modifications (March 2026)
  • Officially launch revised curriculum (Fall 2026)

7. How will these changes impact me?

CACREP requires programs to be operating in compliance with the 2024 Standards by July 1, 2026. This means:

  • Some curricular elements may apply to all enrolled students, not only newly admitted cohorts
  • The program is working carefully to support students through any transitions
  • Faculty and student success advisors are monitoring impact and providing guidance as needed

Students will receive ongoing communication and advising support as updates are implemented.

a. I am planning to graduate in Spring or Summer 2026.

If you meet all current graduation requirements by the end of summer quarter 2026, you will finish your current curriculum plan with no modifications, including the completion of Capstone.

b. I will graduate after Summer 2026, and I will have started Practicum or Internship by Summer quarter.

We are implementing the curriculum changes in Fall 2026, so your curriculum plan will be modified to ensure that you complete the new required courses. You will, however, be measured under the 2016 CACREP standards.

You will take an extra elective in place of Professional Topics or Advanced Topics. You do not need to take the new Foundations course, but may opt to take that as your elective. If you choose to take Foundations as an elective, you will not need to attend the Foundations Immersion, as you have already completed NSI (online) or orientation (on campus).

If you complete Group Dynamics Immersion (GDI) in Summer 2026 or before, you will not need to complete the revised version. If you are scheduled to take GDI in Fall 2026 or after, you will participate in the revised version.

You will complete a Portfolio of Signature Assignments, due in your final term, instead of Capstone.

c. I will graduate and start Practicum after Summer 2026.

We are implementing the curriculum changes in Fall 2026, so your curriculum plan will be modified to ensure that you complete the new required courses. You will, however, be measured under the 2016 CACREP standards.

Your modified curriculum plan will include the new Foundations course, but you will not need to participate in the Foundations Immersion, since you already completed NSI (online) or orientation (on campus).

Your practicum sequence will be Pre-Practicum, Practicum 1, and Practicum 2. During Pre-Practicum, you will learn about practicum and participate in site outreach and the placement process (online) or understand how to start at the Bette D. Harris Clinic (on campus). All students* will have an identified start date for their placements beginning week 1 of Practicum 1, which means that everyone will start seeing clients at the same time.

You will complete a Portfolio of Signature Assignments, due in your final term, instead of Capstone.

* 98% of our students are placed and start on time. Please see the student handbook for more information about placement delays.

8. Will this change my path to graduation?

The intent of these changes is not to delay student progress or add unnecessary barriers. While your curriculum plan will be updated if you are graduating in Fall 2026 or beyond, this should not impact the timing of degree conferral.

The program is:

  • Actively planning implementation to minimize disruption
  • Monitoring course sequencing and credit requirements
  • Providing advising support if questions arise

If any individual adjustments are needed, students will be informed and supported.

9. Can I still do Capstone if I graduate in Fall 2026 or after?

Beginning in Fall 2026, we will no longer be offering or requiring the Capstone conference. If you are still interested in completing a project for professional delivery, please contact the Research Coordinator to explore opportunities for a conference presentation or publication.

10. Will this affect licensure or credentialing?

No — these updates are designed to protect and support licensure eligibility, not jeopardize it.

Maintaining compliance with CACREP standards:

  • Helps ensure eligibility for licensure exams
  • Supports portability across states
  • Aligns the program with employer expectations

11. Who made these decisions?

Curriculum changes are being led by:

  • Counseling program leadership
  • CACREP liaison and committee
  • Core faculty

This work has also been coordinated with The Family Institute’s leadership, The Graduate School (TGS), and Northwestern University to ensure accuracy and compliance.

12. Where can I go with questions?

Students are encouraged to:

  • Attend program meetings and info sessions
  • Reach out to faculty advisors and student success advisors
  • Submit questions through this form

Upcoming information sessions will cover the following topics:

  • Clinical training and academic courses (May)
  • Portfolio requirement and Capstone sunset (June)
  • Immersions (July)
  • Curriculum planning and FAQs (August)

Additional resources and updates will continue to be shared as the transition progresses.

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