Master's Degrees

Disability & Psychoeducational Studies

Counseling, M.A.

The Counseling, M.A., program prepares students to become certified rehabilitation counselors, certified school counselors, and licensed associate counselors. The mission of the program is to educate professional counselors to work with persons with disabilities as well as children and youth in school settings. Program curriculum draws from foundational content in rehabilitation, school, and mental health counseling. Through leadership, advocacy, collaboration, data, and action, program graduates will be competent at identifying and overcoming barriers that impede equal access to educational, social, environmental, and career opportunities for all persons. Graduates will be dedicated to promoting and facilitating the personal achievement, empowerment, and quality of life of all the populations we serve.

Students of the program will specialize in one of the following areas:

Graduate prepared for state licensure and national counselor certifications
Study theory and research and gain skills in appraisal and expertise in intervention techniques, with emphasis in applications to persons with disabilities
Learn to effectively counsel diverse populations and their families with care and sensitivity

Sample Courses

Courses in the program are delivered in a variety of formats, including some online, hybrid (meaning a combination of face-to-face meetings and online), and face-to-face. Core coursework of the program includes courses like SERP 525 (Counseling Theories), SERP 546 (Counseling Skills and Techniques), and SERP 556 (Research Methods). In addition to the 48 credit hours of core coursework, you must complete 12 credit hours of your selected specialization:

REHABILITATION AND MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING SPECIALIZATION

  • SERP 565: Principles of Rehabilitation
  • SERP 585: Vocational Planning and Placement
  • SERP 587: Psychosocial and Familial Aspects of Disability
  • SERP 594: Practicum Rehabilitation Specialty

SCHOOL COUNSELING SPECIALIZATION

  • SERP 506: Introduction to School Counseling
  • SERP 510: Counseling over the Lifespan
  • SERP 550: Career Development and Advanced Educational Planning for School Counselors
  • SERP 594: Practicum – School Counseling Specialty

Careers

As a counselor, you will engage in relationships that empower diverse population groups, including children, adolescents, adults, and individuals with disabilities. Depending on your selected area of emphasis, you may work in school or rehabilitation settings, as well as other environments that include:

  • Mental health treatment programs
  • Substance abuse treatments centers
  • Hospitals
  • Prisons
  • Private practice

Contact Us

For inquiries about the program, please contact Program Director Amanda Tashjian at amandaeaston@email.arizona.edu