Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling
Offered On-Campus and Online
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 6th 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 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.
Graduate of this program are eligible to apply for licensure, 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.
Program Data 2017
Retention rate: 98%
Average time to complete the program: 2.3 years (67% complete the program in 7 semesters or less)
2016-17 Cost: on-campus $1,600 per credit; on-line $800 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: License for Professional Counselors (LPC) and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) requirements vary by state
CRC passing rates: 90% (National rate: 71%)
Accreditation status: Our program was granted full accreditation for 8 years starting in 2014, without any conditions.
Annual Fall Enrollment: 2016 - 54 students (includes new and continuing)
Average Undergrad GPA of Entering Students: 3.22 (includes Spring, Summer, and Fall '16 admits)
Highlights
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 on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) and is ranked 6th in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.
Curriculum
Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling Courses
GW’s Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling is a 48 or 60 credit master’s program and can be completed in as little as 2.5 years.
Curriculum (48 credit hours)- Regular Program
Curriculum (60 credit hours)- Regular Program with Certification and Licensure Eligibility
Program Outcomes
As a graduate of the Rehabilitation Counseling degree, you will master competencies that are supported by CORE. 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
Career Outlook
Career Outlook
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
Admissions
Admissions
- 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
- GRE or MAT
- Transcripts (unofficial)
- Application Fee
Transformation Begins Here
Learn more about the MA in Rehabilitation Counseling program located on campus (202-994-3023). 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.