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 Middle States.
The Rehabilitation Counseling program philosophy is to help prepare professionals to empower persons with disabilities to help themselves. The Rehabilitation Counseling program emphasizes the philosophical foundations of rehabilitation; organizational structure of public, not-for-profit and private vocational settings; individual, group and family counseling theories; behavior and personality theory; human development; multicultural counseling; attitudinal and environmental barriers for the people with disabilities; rehabilitation services; case management; medical and psychosocial aspects of disability; job development, development and placement; and ethical standards for rehabilitation counselors.
GW’s Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling is a 48 credit master’s program.
Curriculum (48 credit hours)
The Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling 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
1Bureau 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
2019-2020*
Retention rate: 98%
Average time to complete the program: 2.5 years (7-8 semesters)
2019-20 Cost: On-campus $1,765 per credit; Online $875 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; insurance companies; public schools; hospitals; colleges; independent living centers; employee assistance programs (EAP); job training 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 through 2022 by CACREP.
Annual Fall Enrollment: 37
*Retention and Enrollment data reflects combined MA in Rehabilitation Counseling and MA in Rehabilitation Counseling with Licensure Eligibility
2017-2019
- On-Campus Program Entry: Fall
- Online Program Entry: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Prerequisites: Bachelors Degree
- Campus: Online
Application Requirements
- Online Application
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- GRE or MAT
- Transcripts (unofficial)
- Application Fee
*Additional application requirements may exist for international applicants. For more information on any of these requirements, please visit our Admissions FAQ page.
We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible. For the best chance of admission, submit your application by January 15, 2021. The second round deadline for Summer and Fall 2021 enrollment is March 15, 2021.
Transformation Begins Here
Learn more about the MA in Rehabilitation Counseling program online. Please note: applicants within a 50 mile radius of GW's main campus are only eligible for the main campus program. If you have questions about this, please contact us.