Academic Programs Catalog

Rehabilitation counseling is a profession devoted to enhancing the quality of life of individuals who have physical, sensory, mental, or emotional, neuro-developmental, or other types of disabilities.  Rehabilitation counselors provide counseling and other coordinated services to such individuals in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors of rehabilitation practice. The master's degree program in rehabilitation counseling emphasizes the philosophy, process, and professional discipline of rehabilitation.  The program also emphasizes vocational assessment, vocational placement, and career development for persons with disabilities.

The Master of Arts degree program in rehabilitation counseling has been accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Students who are interested in taking the examination to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, or in obtaining State of Michigan licensure as counselors, should consult with an academic advisor to ensure that they complete the required courses.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Education, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Consideration is given to the applicant's previous academic and professional experience. There should be in each applicant's background a pattern of experience that supports his or her expressed desire to pursue advanced graduate studies in rehabilitation counseling. Appropriate evidence of such experience should be reflected in the applicant's letters of recommendation. The following are factors significant in determining admission to the program:

1. A bachelor's degree in an appropriate field from a recognized educational institution, with a grade–point average of 3.0 (B) or better in the last two years of undergraduate study;
2. A written statement of academic goals and career objectives that is 1 or 2 pages single spaced typed in length, that describes the applicant's professional goals as they relate to the Master of Arts degree program in Rehabilitation Counseling.
3. Scores from the Graduate Record Examination General Test if the applicant's grade–point average is less than 3.0;
4. Three letters of recommendation, with at least two from professors or employers.

The applicant is required to submit a departmental application form, as well as the university application form.  Upon request for admission to the program, the departmental application form is mailed to the applicant with  the university application form.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling

The program is available only under Plan B (without thesis).  The student must complete a total of 60 credits distributed as follows: