Rehabilitation Counseling, M.S.

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Rehabilitation Counseling, M.S.: 3-year sequence  

Introduction

The Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling program is guided by its mission to prepare rehabilitation professionals who are committed to facilitating the personal, social and economic independence of individuals with disabilities throughout the rehabilitation or habilitation process. The program is founded on the assumption of the worth, dignity and value of all individuals.

Professional development activities and personal growth experiences for students are provided to focus on developing skills for living and working as constructive participants in our diverse society. The Rehabilitation Counseling program works toward these ends by fostering lifelong learning skills, creating a climate of inquiry, encouraging creative and scholarly productivity, and enhancing people’s ability to solve problems.

 

Program Structure

The MS Rehabilitation Counseling program requires 60-credits of course work. There are no required elective classes. The program is delivered entirely online with asynchronous courses, which means that you can participate in weekly learning assignments at a time that is most convenient for you wherever there is an adequate internet connection. Training is provided on how to access course materials through the university?s course delivery system. Students communicate regularly with instructors and classmates via online discussion forums, emails, virtual meetings and through other technologies. An initial day-long orientation is required and will be conducted virtually. Orientation is typically conducted in late July or early August before the first fall semester.

UW-Stout’s M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling program is especially effective for professionals currently employed in rehabilitation or related fields, offering a structure that complements full-time employment. With a steady pace of two courses each semester, including summer sessions, students can complete their graduate degree in three years without disrupting their professional lives or other commitments. This program not only accommodates working professionals but also welcomes individuals new to the field of rehabilitation and disability.

 

Certification

The Rehabilitation Counseling program prepares students to meet and/or exceed the educational and experiential requirements necessary to seek the professional designation of Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).

 

Licensure

Students in the Rehabilitation Counseling program meet the minimum educational requirements necessary to obtain the Wisconsin state in-training license leading to the Wisconsin Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) designation, with potential eligibility for comparable credentials in other states.

Note: This program is designed to meet the requirements for licensure in the State of Wisconsin. If you reside outside of Wisconsin, please note that UW-Stout cannot confirm whether this program (or course) meets requirements for professional licensure in your state. Students from other states will need to contact their state regarding licensure requirements. See the following website for additional information.

U.S. states and territories do not require licensure to work as a rehabilitation counselor; however, some positions and agencies require a CRC or a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential. Visit our website for additional information.

 

Admission

The MS Rehabilitation Counseling program is based on a cohort-model where students are admitted to the program once yearly to begin in the fall.

The priority application deadline is February 15th. Complete applications received by this date will be given priority. Applications received after the deadline may still be considered based on available openings in the program. Applicants who are accepted will begin classes in the fall semester.

To apply, click the Apply Now icon or link on the MS Rehabilitation Counseling website:

https://www.uwstout.edu/programs/ms-rehabilitation-counseling

 

Admission Criteria

The MS Rehabilitation Counseling degree has unique professional degree requirements. The program admission, retention, probation and dismissal policy reflect sensitivity to these standards and guide faculty determination of the graduate student to meet the rigors of professional practice and the essential job functions of rehabilitation professionals. In recognition of responsibilities to people with disabilities who will be served by the graduates of this program, selective admission and retention of candidates for the MS Rehabilitation Counseling degree are maintained.

Entrance into the program requires the unanimous vote of approval by the graduate Rehabilitation Counseling Program Admission Committee which is comprised of a minimum of three rehabilitation faculty/staff members. Approval will be dependent upon the applicant demonstrating:

1. Potential for successful academic achievement at the graduate level;
2. Interest in working with people with disabilities;
3. Personal and social characteristics necessary to work with people with disabilities, such as personal, emotional and social maturity and a combination of patience, empathy and understanding;
4. Ability to work independently;
5. Ability to use expressive and receptive communication skills to effectively facilitate the counseling process;
6. Ability to perform the essential functions of the job of a rehabilitation counselor, and;
7. Ability to carry out professional responsibilities.

The decision for admission or denial of admission by the Rehabilitation Counseling Program Admission Committee will be based on the criteria above with information obtained from records of undergraduate and/or other graduate academic attainment, letters of reference from a minimum of three objective individuals who are familiar with the applicant in work or educational settings, information provided on the program application form, and other data and information received by the committee. The committee may require an interview when information submitted is insufficient for rendering a decision or when the applicant’s undergraduate GPA is less than 2.75.

To be admitted with full status to the Rehabilitation Counseling graduate program, the applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and have an overall grade point average of at least 2.75 based on a four-point scale. Applicants may be admitted on probationary status if their overall grade point average is at least 2.5 but less than 2.75. Other conditions of acceptance into the program may include completion of remedial course work. Remedial course work may be required and costs of such courses may differ from regular graduate tuition.

Students from a variety of educational backgrounds are eligible for admission. Applicants with degrees such as rehabilitation services, vocational rehabilitation, disability studies, psychology, sociology, business, industrial technology, vocational education, special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, communication disorders, recreational therapy and social work can find appropriate applications within the program. Although a specific educational background is not required, the applicant’s transcripts will be evaluated to determine if remedial or deficiency course work at the undergraduate level or additional graduate work will need to be completed to earn the degree.

 

Primary Evaluation Processes

Student retention in the Rehabilitation Counseling graduate program involves continuous formal and informal assessment of students throughout their training. Scheduled formal student assessment occurs at four specific points in the program: (a) midpoint faculty review, (b) application for degree candidacy, and (c) completion of required course work, (d) completion of practicum and internship experiences. Descriptions of the committee procedures for formal student assessment processes are detailed in the M.S. Rehabilitation Counseling Student Handbook available from the program director.

 

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor

Students may elect to take the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam and obtain the CRC credential. Students enrolled in the M.S. Rehabilitation Counseling program are eligible to apply for the CRC exam on completion of 75% of their program coursework. Students who meet eligibility criteria apply under CRCC Category 2 and pay related application and exam fees.

The CRC exam is administered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC), 1688 East Woodfield Road, Suite 300, Schaumburg, IL 60173, www.crccertification.com or telephone (847) 944-1325. The CRC exam is offered three times per year (March/July/October) within an week-long testing window. The computerized exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions administered within an allotted 3½ hours.

 

Degree Requirements

One-half (50%) of the minimum credits required for graduation from this program must be in graduate-level only (700/800) courses.

Additional requirements for this degree include (a) completion of a minimum of 60 semester hours of predefined graduate credit; (b) an overall grade point average of 3.00 or better; (c) a minimum grade of “B” or better in required concentration courses including all practicum and internship courses; (d) satisfactory (3.00) ratings on midpoint faculty review; (e) approval for degree candidacy.

 

General Requirements
Master of Science Degree

Total for Graduation:	60 credits
Core Requirements:	57 credits
Preparation in Research:	3 credits