Timeframe

• Two years of coursework for full-time students (total of 60 semester credit hours)
• Three years of coursework for part-time students (total of 60 semester credit hours)
• Classes meet on Fridays, Saturdays, and one evening per week
• Students take courses in a small cohort model

Content

• The program incorporates a psychodynamic framework across coursework and clinical placements
• Coursework is consistent with state requirements for Illinois licensure eligibility
• Our commitment to experiential learning provides two years of clinical training at top social service agencies
• Students attend a weekly practicum/internship seminar where they discuss their field placement experiences and begin integrating clinical experience and theory
• For additional mentorship and consultation, students meet regularly with a faculty clinical consultant

Common Learning Outcomes

Psychodynamic Theory
Students demonstrate a thorough knowledge of psychodynamic principles.

Clinical Practice
Students demonstrate the ability to use the psychodynamic framework in diverse clinical practice settings.

Applied Clinical Scholarship
Students demonstrate written and verbal communication skills necessary to prepare clinical reports necessary for presentation, documentation and consultation in the clinical practice community.

Program Learning Outcomes

Conceptual
Demonstrate an understanding of major theories of counseling and core aspects of human development with a specific emphasis on contemporary psychodynamic theory and demonstrate an understanding of counseling research principles, tools and techniques.

Clinical
Students demonstrate an ability to integrate and implement their learning of relevant clinical techniques used in the practice of clinical counseling and psychotherapy with a particular focus on psychodynamic clinical techniques.

Practicum
Gain practical experience in the field of clinical counseling and psychotherapy. Promote student’s professional identity through consistent consultation, self-reflection and self- awareness in the students’ clinical training.

The two years I spent in the Master’s program at ICSW prepared me exceptionally well for my career in professional counseling and psychotherapy. Throughout my schooling, the faculty and staff provided a nurturing, enriching environment conducive to this field of study. They were at once accessible, empathic, and always open to discussion and consultation. Smaller classes enhanced individual learning and personalized each student’s experience through a heightened sense of investment and camaraderie. The coursework was multifaceted, balancing didactic and practical aspects, while simultaneously preparing students adequately for professional life

Jeanie Rock Class of 2016