The master's degree coursework prepares students for professional certification as rehabilitation counselors. The primary goal of the program is to increase the supply of qualified rehabilitation counselors for employment in public and private rehabilitation agencies and institutions.

Rehabilitation counselors manage the components important in the rehabilitation process of individuals with physical and mental disabilities. They help prevent fragmentation and gaps in services to people seeking to move from psychological and economic dependence to independence . The counselor draws on knowledge from several fields, including psychology, medicine, psychiatry, sociology, social work, education, and law.

The 60-unit sequence of study seeks learners who are willing to devote a minimum of two years of graduate study to develop a mastery of knowledge and skill areas identified by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) as requisite competencies for rehabilitation counselors. Students who successfully complete the coursework are eligible to apply for national certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification) and also meet the basic education requirements for State of Arizona Licensed Professional Counselor.

The course of study has been continuously accredited by CORE since 1975. UA is an institutional member of the National Council on Rehabilitation Education.

Approximately one-third of the master of arts sequence of study is oriented toward developing individual and group counseling skills. The remaining requisite coursework provides the knowledge base necessary in working with adult individuals with mental and/or physical disabilities.

Rehabilitation Counseling Curricula

The  program of study described below reflects a CORE-accredited 60-unit course of study leading to the master of arts degree in special education and rehabilitation with a specialty in rehabilitation counseling.

Admissions 

Instructions for the application process are at the Department Graduate Applications page.

Only a limited number of students are selected to enter the program each fall semester, based on the following requirements:

• Grade Point Average (GPA): GPA must be at least 3.00 for the most recent 60 undergraduate units, or 12 graduate units at a 3.25 GPA.

• Three letters of recommendation :  It is recommended that you select, as your references, college professors and administrative supervisors who are acquainted with your professional preparation and experience.

• Review of past relevant work experience : Preference is given to individuals who have worked in rehabilitation positions where services were being provided to adults with disabilities.

• Nature of undergraduate coursework :  Preference for admission is given to those persons who have undergraduate majors or coursework concentrations in rehabilitation, the behavioral sciences, and/or education.

• Autobiographical essay that will be evaluated on the basis of content, as well as writing style.