Rehabilitation Counseling
M.S. Degree

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What is Rehabilitation Counseling?

Rehabilitation counselors provide counseling, assessment, and case management services to children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities in a variety of settings (e.g., state and federal agencies, schools, community mental health centers, substance abuse agencies, private practice).  The purpose of rehabilitation counseling is to assist individuals with physical, developmental, mental and/or emotional disabilities to become or remain self-sufficient and productive members of society.  Rehabilitation counseling views the individual from a holistic perspective and incorporates rehabilitation goals related to wellness, uniqueness, self-responsibility, and social and vocational involvement for individuals with disabilities.  Rehabilitation counseling empowers persons with disabilities and their families to make informed choices, maximize opportunities for economic independence, and achieve a high quality of life and positive mental health. 

How Does Rehabilitation Counseling Differ From Other Counseling Specializations?

Rehabilitation counseling is a specialized counseling field that incorporates skills and knowledge from various fields including psychology, medicine, psychiatry, sociology, social work, education, and law.  Rehabilitation counselors possess specialized knowledge of disabilities, as well as general counseling competencies.  Rehabilitation counselors have specialized knowledge of the medical aspects of disabilities and the psychological, social, cultural, and environmental factors that interact with disabilities.  Individuals with a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling are employed in diverse counseling, rehabilitation, mental health and health care settings under various job titles.  

Program Overview

The Rehabilitation Counseling master’s degree is a 60 credit hour program that is typically completed in five semesters.  The master’s degree program is fully accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE).  The master's program provides the knowledge and skills necessary to be a rehabilitation counselor, responding to the culture and rights of people with disabilities.   Students have ongoing opportunities for interactive and collaborative experiences with individuals with disabilities in a variety of roles and settings.  In addition, students receive the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective counselor with individuals from diverse backgrounds, with and without disabilities.
The overall mission of the Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling is to prepare students for clinical, leadership, and administrative positions in the field of Rehabilitation Counseling.  This mission is achieved through the following objectives:

1. Pro­vide a quality education to persons pursuing a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling.
2. Provide quality clinical training and understanding of professional issues in the areas of rehabilitation counseling, general counseling, and case management.
3. Provide service to local, state, and national rehabilitation agencies and associations.
4. Provide students opportunity to network with and provide service to local, state, and national rehabilitation agencies, and professional associations.
5. Conduct research that promotes the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.