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:

-Main 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 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
-On-campus students must take CNSL 6271 to fulfill the requirement for licensure.
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 2024
  • Annual Fall Enrollment: 44
  • Number of Graduates: 10

2022-2023 Counseling and Human Development Annual Report >

Hear more about the program and the rehabilitation counseling profession from GSEHD faculty:

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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

  • The GRE is optional for students applying to enter the program in 2023

*Additional application requirements may exist for international applicants.

View more details about requirements  

Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2024.

Application Timeline Fall 2024 (Online/On-Campus)
Priority Deadline Nov 1
Round 1 Deadline Dec 15
Round 2 Deadline Jan 16
Round 3 Deadline March 1
Round 4 Deadline May 1

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

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.

 

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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 $1,870 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 2023, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024

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 $950 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 2023, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024

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

Associate Professor, Counseling and Human Development

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

Research Associate Professor, Counseling and Human Development

(202) 994-7126
Dr. Kenneth Hergenrather

Professor, Counseling

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

Associate Professor, Counseling

 

 

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