Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling with Licensure Eligibility
For those facing physical, mental, emotional, or social challenges, rehabilitation counselors offer hope and empowerment. For individuals and their families, these counselors serve as a source of personal support and guidance thus enhancing their quality of life.
Ranked 3rd in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), GW's Rehabilitation Counseling with Licensure Eligibility program prepares you to become a skillful Rehabilitation Counselor. Through intensive coursework, practicum and internship experiences in federal, state, and private settings, and mentoring relationships, you will be able to integrate the critical knowledge and clinical skills necessary to be fully prepared for professional practice. This program encompasses a wide range of counseling theories and practices, including multicultural counseling, attitudinal and environmental barriers for people with disabilities, rehabilitation services, case management, medical and psychosocial aspects of disability, job placement and ethical standards for rehabilitation counselors.
Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for licensure and for Certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), as well as both public and private employment opportunities. While in the program, students participate in GW’s mentorship program. This program pairs you with program graduates who are now working in a variety of industries to help you network while you engage in first-hand learning.
Why a GW Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling?
Scholar-Practitioner Faculty: Learn from faculty members who are active in the field and can provide their own real-world experiences and uncommon insights.
Convenient Schedule: Courses are scheduled once a week in late afternoons and evenings (Monday-Thursday) to accommodate the schedules of working professionals, and for internship experiences.
Nationally Ranked and Accredited: The GSEHD Counseling program combines rigorous course content with supervised, clinical experience working with a diverse population from the metropolitan area. This program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and is ranked 3rd in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.
Program Data 2021-2022*
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Average Time to Complete the Program:2.6 years (8 semesters)
- 2021-2022 Cost: On campus $1765 per credit; Online $895 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: Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) for 60 credit program; Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC); Requirements vary by state.
- CRC Passing Rates: 100%
- Accreditation Status: Accredited by CACREP through 2024
- Annual Fall Enrollment: 42
Download the CACREP Executive Summary 2021 >
Curriculum
GW’s Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling with Licensure Eligibility is a 60 credit master’s program.
Required
CNSL 6114 Introduction to Research and Evaluation in Counselor Education
CNSL 6151 Professional and Ethical Orientation to Counseling
CNSL 6153 Counseling Interview Skills
CNSL 6154 Theories and Techniques of Counseling
CNSL 6155 Career Counseling
CNSL 6157 Individual Assessment in Counseling
CNSL 6161 Group Counseling
CNSL 6163 Social and Cultural Dimensions - CNS
CNSL 6171 Family Counseling
CNSL 6173 Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
CNSL 6174 Trauma and Crisis Intervention
CNSL 6185 Internship in Counseling
CNSL 6186 Advanced Internship in Counseling
CNSL 6269 Practicum in Counseling
CNSL 6376 Foundations of Rehabilitation Counseling
CNSL 6378 Disability Management and Psychosocial Rehabilitation
CNSL 6380 Job Placement and Supported Employment
CNSL 6381 Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities
HDEV 6108 Life 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.
Program Outcomes
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As a graduate of the Rehabilitation Counseling degree, you will master competencies that are supported by CACREP. They include the following:
- Identify and describe all aspects of professional functioning including history and philosophy, roles, organizational structures, ethics, standards, credentials, legislation, and public policy, including advocating on behalf of the profession and its clientele, client choice, and empowerment.
- Evaluate and apply a personal and professional understanding of trans-cultural relationships, issues and trends in a multicultural and diverse society, gender and sexual identity issues, ethnicity, and disability, including attitudes, values, ethical, moral, spiritual, and legal considerations.
- Describe and apply a knowledge that provides an understanding of the nature and needs of individuals at various developmental levels, from both a stage and context approach.
- Synthesize and implement an understanding of career development and related life factors, including theories, assessment practices, and computer assisted resources.
- Evaluate and apply counseling and consultation processes, including theoretical foundations and the appropriate interviewing skills.
- Describe and apply an understanding of group purpose, development, and dynamics, counseling theories, group counseling methods and skills, and other group work approaches.
- Describe and understand the role of family, family theories, family support, interventions, and legal/ethical issues impacting work with families.
- Analyze and evaluate knowledge of individual and group assessment and evaluation approaches.
- Compare, evaluate, and synthesize an understanding of research methodology, technology, statistical analysis, needs assessment, and program evaluation.
Faculty
| Beveridge, Scott | Associate Professor, Counseling |
| Froehlich, Robert J. | Associate Professor, Counseling and Human Development |
| Hergenrather, Kenneth | Professor, Counseling |
| McGuire-Kuletz, Maureen | Associate Professor, Counseling |
Career Outlook
The Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling with Licensure Eligibility from the George Washington University (GW) prepares you for a career in a variety of career settings that include rehabilitation agencies, hospitals, living centers, substance abuse agencies and education systems.
The U.S. Bureau Labor Services reports that roles for rehabilitation counselors will grow 20% by 20221, faster than the average occupation. 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.
Rehabilitation Counseling Career Opportunities
- 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
- Colleges
- Community-based rehabilitation programs
- Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
- Hospitals
- Independent living centers
- Insurance companies
- Job training centers
- Private rehabilitation companies
- Public schools
- State vocational rehabilitation agencies
- Substance abuse agencies
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/rehabilitation-counselors.htm
Admissions
- On-Campus Program Entry: Fall
- Online Program Entry: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Prerequisites: Bachelors Degree
- Campus: Main Campus, Online
Applicants interested in applying to the Rehabilitation Counseling program living within a 50 mile radius of GW's Foggy Bottom campus may only apply for the main campus option.
Application Requirements
- Online Application
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- The GRE is optional for students applying to enter the program in 2023
- Transcripts (unofficial)
*Additional application requirements may exist for international applicants.
For more information on any of these requirements, please visit our Admissions FAQ page.
Apply
Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2023. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.
| Application Period | Spring (Online) | Summer (Online) | Fall (Online/On-Campus) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority Deadline | Aug 1 | Nov 1 | Nov 1 |
| Round 1 Deadline | Sept 15 | Dec 15 | Dec 15 |
| Round 2 Deadline | Nov 1 | Jan 16 | Jan 16 |
| Round 3 Deadline | Dec 15 | March 1 | March 1 |
| Round 4 Deadline | N/A | May 1 | May 1 |
For more information, contact the GSEHD Admissions Team at gsehdadm@gwu.edu or 202-994-9283.
Transformation Begins Here
Learn more about the MA in Rehabilitation Counseling program. Complete the form linked below or contact the GSEHD Admissions Team at 202-994-9283.