Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling

Your life-changing career in changing lives starts here.

For those facing physical, mental, emotional, or social challenges, rehabilitation counselors offer hope and empowerment while facilitating services addressing employment and independent living. Rehabilitation counselors serve as a source of expertise, guidance and personal support for individuals and their families, thus enhancing their quality of life.

Our master’s program in Rehabilitation Counseling, offered on-campus and online, combines rigorous course content with supervised, clinical experience to provide a foundation for serving diverse populations. Graduates of the Rehabilitation Counseling program are eligible for Certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), eligible for certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC), eligible to apply for licensure as a professional counselor.

 

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Nationally Ranked & Accredited
Our program is ranked 5th in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

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Scholar-Practitioner Faculty
Learn from faculty members who are active in the field and can provide their own real-world experiences and uncommon insights.

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Convenient Schedule
Courses are scheduled once a week in late afternoons and evenings (Monday-Thursday) to accommodate working professionals and internships.

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Accessible
Available on-campus at our Foggy Bottom location and online, so you can attend anywhere in the world.

 

 

 

The GW Advantage

Whether attending on-campus or online, a GW education is unlike any other. Take advantage of our mentorship program and connect with renowned alumni, and benefit from the University’s extraordinary access to leading national and international organizations. Join the ever-expanding GW community who leaves the world a better place for those who follow after.

 

 

 

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 Program at a Glance

Degree Awarded:

Master of Arts in Education and Human Development in the Field of Rehabilitation Counseling

Department:

Counseling and Human Development

Course Delivery:

-Foggy Bottom Campus
-Online

Program Entry:

-On-Campus: Fall
-Online: Spring, Summer, Fall

Our Mission

This program prepares professionals to empower those with disabilities through counseling. Graduates of the program are experts in helping individuals to enhance their quality of life. Among the many topics taught, students will learn:

  • Philosophical foundations of rehabilitation counseling
  • Counseling theories
  • Case management
  • Ethical standards for counselors
Curriculum

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 60 credits in required courses. In addition, students are required to complete 600 hours in internships (300 hours in each of CNSL 6185 and CNSL 6186), and 100 hours as part of a practicum (CNSL 6269).

Students seeking licensure must take CNSL 6271 as their elective.

Required
CNSL 6114Introduction to Research and Evaluation in Counselor Education
CNSL 6151Professional and Ethical Orientation to Counseling
CNSL 6153Counseling Interview Skills
CNSL 6154Theories and Techniques of Counseling
CNSL 6155Career Counseling
CNSL 6157Individual Assessment in Counseling
CNSL 6161Group Counseling
CNSL 6163Social and Cultural Dimensions of Counseling
CNSL 6171Family Counseling
CNSL 6173Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
CNSL 6174Trauma and Crisis Intervention
CNSL 6185Internship in Counseling
CNSL 6186Advanced Internship in Counseling
CNSL 6269Practicum in Counseling
CNSL 6376Foundations of Rehabilitation Counseling
CNSL 6378Disability Management and Psychosocial Rehabilitation
CNSL 6380Job Placement and Supported Employment
CNSL 6381Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities
HDEV 6108Life Span Human Development
Elective
-3 credits in approved elective courses selected in consultation with the program advisor
-Students who wish to apply for licensure must take CNSL 6271 to fulfill this requirement.
Clinical Training (On-Campus Students Only)

Unique to our program, students enrolled in our on-campus program begin their clinical training by completing two semesters in the department’s clinic, the Community Counseling Services Center (CCSC), wherein they deliver counseling services under supervision. The first semester is a Practicum in Counseling followed by a semester of Advanced Clinical Skills.

Students then complete a two-semester internship at health and human services agencies in the community, such as welfare and other social service agencies, mental health centers, penal institutions, court systems, employment and career centers, allied health agencies, government service agencies, community college counseling centers, and private practice.

Download the Clinical Training Handbook (PDF) >

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Rehabilitation Counseling program are eligible for Certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), eligible for certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC), eligible to apply for licensure as a professional counselor.

Our alumni work in both public and private organizations, and often make professional connections before graduating through our alumni mentorship program.

Program Data

Data from 2022-2023*

  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Average Time to Complete the Program: 2.6 years (8 semesters)
  • 2021-2022 Cost: On campus $1870 per credit; Online $950 per credit
  • Scholarships: Federal long term rehabilitation counseling training scholarships and merit based scholarships
  • Employment Rate (at 6 months post graduation): 100%
  • Employment Settings: State VR agencies, community-based rehabilitation programs, private rehabilitation companies, independent living centers
  • Licensure Eligibility: Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) for 60 credit program (requirements vary by state)
  • CRC Passing Rates: 87% (National Passing Rate: 65%)
  • Accreditation Status: Accredited by CACREP through 2030
  • Annual Fall Enrollment: 44
  • Number of Graduates: 10

2022-2023 Counseling and Human Development Annual Report >

 

 

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Graduate Certificate Offered

Gain credentials and advance in your field faster by concurrently enrolling in our related graduate certificate program.
You can earn this graduate certificate first and transfer all 12 credit hours toward the Master's degree.*
*All requirements must be met and student accepted to the master's program

 

Male in wheelchair leads a strategy meeting on how to make a product accessible for all users; a man with a walking cane also shares his experience - Image by Freepik

Foundations of Rehabilitation Counseling

Further develop your counseling abilities to effectively guide and place persons with disabilities into steady employment environments. The curriculum provides you with specialized experiential learning opportunities and can be created to complete a minimum of four courses needed to sit for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor examination or to pursue eligibility criteria for licensure as a professional counselor.

Learn more >

 

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 Apply Now

GSEHD’s Office of Admissions invites you to apply for a spot in our program. Please review the following admission and financial information.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Review our step-by-step guide to applying to GSEHD >

To learn more about the program, admission process, and upcoming events, please connect with the GSEHD Admissions Team at education@gwu.edu or 202-994-9283.

Apply Now      Schedule Consultation with Admissions Coach      

To be considered for admission, applicants must submit the online application form as well as the following required supporting documents. There is no application fee.

  • Prerequisite: Bachelor's Degree
  • Resume
  • Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Two Letters of Recommendation

*Additional application requirements may exist for international applicants.

View more details about requirements      

Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2025. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.

For more information or to inquire about the next admissions cycle, contact the GSEHD Admissions Team at education@gwu.edu or 202-994-9283.

Application TimelineFall  (On-Campus)Fall (Online)
Priority DeadlineNov 1Nov 1
Round 1 DeadlineDec 15Dec 15
Round 2 DeadlineJan 15Jan 15
Round 3 DeadlineMarch 1March 1
Round 4 DeadlineN/AMay 1
Round 5 DeadlineN/AJune 15

(Please note: applicants within a 50 mile radius of GW's main campus are only eligible for the main campus program)

 

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 Tuition & Financial Aid

We know embarking upon graduate school is a big decision. At GW, we understand the time and thought behind making graduate school work for you. Please take a moment to learn more about the options and opportunities available to help fund your graduate education.

Learn more about financing your education   

Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour, unless otherwise noted. Rates vary by program and location.

The tuition rate* for the On-Campus Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling program is $1,925 per credit hour. This program requires 60 credits.

Please note: Additional fees may apply for international students, late fees, etc. Current tuition rates may be updated during the year.

*Summer 2024, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025

View the current fee chart    

Scholarships are available to eligible admitted students. Review eligibility requirements and learn more about funding your education >

Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour, unless otherwise noted. Rates vary by program and location.

The tuition rate* for the Online Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling program is reduced to $980 per credit hour. This program requires 60 credits.

Please note: Additional fees may apply for international students, late fees, etc. Current tuition rates may be updated during the year.

*Summer 2024, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025

View the current fee chart    

Scholarships are available to eligible admitted students. Review eligibility requirements and learn more about funding your education >

 

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 Career Outlook


The U.S. Bureau Labor Services reports that roles for rehabilitation counselors will grow 10% from 2020-20301. As the nation’s elderly population grows, more adults will need rehabilitation counselors to help them adapt to disabilities and injuries and learn strategies for independent living. Rehabilitation counselors will also be needed to serve the ongoing rehabilitation needs of other groups such as veterans and people with disabilities, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders and substance abuse problems.

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Rehabilitation Counselors, at bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/rehabilitation-counselors.htm (visited August 13, 2022).

Rehabilitation Counseling Career Opportunities
counselor takes notes while speaking to a patient - photo credit: DCStudio on Freepik
  • Advocates and client assistance program managers
  • Assistive technology specialists
  • Case managers
  • Community, state and private agency managers
  • Independent living program coordinators
  • Parole officers
  • Rehabilitation counselors
  • Supported employment specialists
Potential Employment Settings
rehabilitation counselor assists man in wheelchair with task on laptop - photo credit: Freepik
  • State vocational rehabilitation agencies
  • Private rehabilitation companies
  • Community-based rehabilitation programs
  • Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
  • Hospitals
  • Independent living centers
  • Insurance companies
  • Job training centers
  • Public schools
  • Colleges
  • Substance abuse agencies

 

 

Rehabilitation Counseling Faculty 

 Dr. Scott Beveridge headshot
Dr. Scott Beveridge

Associate Professor, Counseling and Human Development

(202) 994-2473
Rob Froehlich headshot
Dr. Robert J. Froehlich

Research Associate Professor, Counseling and Human Development

(202) 994-7126
Dr. Kenneth Hergenrather headshot
Dr. Kenneth Hergenrather

Professor, Counseling

(202) 994-1334
Maureen McGuire-Kuletz headshot
Dr. Maureen McGuire-Kuletz

Associate Professor, Counseling

 

 

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