Graduate students generally have undergraduate degrees in rehabilitation services, psychology, sociology, or other human service fields. Other job titles for a rehabilitation counselor might include job placement or vocational specialist, mental health counselor, case manager, or vocational counselor. Although this certification is not required for employment in all settings, it represents professional recognition of an individual's education and competencies and may be necessary to function in certain types of practice or to obtain some forms of reimbursements. This added specialty course work allows students to pursue an advanced level of preparation in practice areas that are of current importance in the field and may facilitate access to additional credentials relevant to that area. The specialization requires a minimum of 12 semester hours, including nine semester hours of didactic course work and three semester hours of supervised professional practice appropriate to specialty.
Students work closely with dedicated program faculty to develop supportive, mentoring relationships.
The master's degree program provides a systematically planned curriculum that blends academic work with supervised clinical experiences. Evidence of experience with persons with disabilities is considered relevant, and post-baccalaureate work experience relevant to the field of rehabilitation is preferred. A personal interview with the faculty is required either in person or by telephone. This interview is scheduled once a completed application is received. In reviewing applications, the faculty considers the composite fitness of candidates across all required areas.