M.A. Rehabilitation Counseling

The Master of Arts in rehabilitation counseling prepares professional counselors to provide assistance in employment, independent living, and personal or economic development to persons with disabilities and other individuals who encounter barriers in meeting their functional needs. It also prepares counselors in the mental health counseling/psychiatric rehabilitation specialization to obtain licensure as professionals who provide services in community mental health settings.

Rehabilitation counselors work in a variety of settings, including public agencies such as state vocational rehabilitation programs and Veterans Affairs vocational rehabilitation programs; independent living centers; community-based rehabilitation centers and supported employment programs; private for-profit worker's compensation and insurance rehabilitation agencies; and mental health agencies. They provide interventions designed to help persons with disabilities adapt to the demands of their environments. They also prepare the environments to accommodate the individual's needs. Assessment, personal and vocational counseling, development of rehabilitation and treatment plans, case management, service coordination, psychosocial adjustment, job development, placement, and follow-up are typical services that rehabilitation counselors provide.

The M.A. program in rehabilitation counseling is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). The program also is accredited in community counseling by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Graduates of the M.A. program are eligible for certification by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRC) and the National Board for Certified Counselors. By completing the mental health counseling/psychiatric rehabilitation specialization course work, students also complete the courses they must take in order to apply for licensure as mental health counselors in Iowa.

ADMISSION

No specific undergraduate major area of study is required, but a major in one of the social sciences is considered good preparation for the M.A. in rehabilitation counseling. Applicants should have a good academic record and relevant experience, such as assisting individuals with disabilities. Postbaccalaureate work experience relevant to the field of rehabilitation counseling is preferred. The program encourages applications from persons traditionally underrepresented in the field, particularly those with a disability and/or members of minority or ethnic groups. Applicants also must meet the department's admission requirements (see "Admission" later in this section). A personal interview is required, either in person or by telephone.

Applications for full-time study are accepted for summer session (June) entry. Application deadline for full-time study is April 1 for U.S. applicants, March 1 for international applicants. Applications for part-time study are accepted for fall and spring semesters.

Students pursue a sequenced plan of study that begins in summer session. Although students may be admitted for any semester, the department highly recommends that full-time students begin the program in summer.

REQUIREMENTS

The M.A. in rehabilitation counseling requires a minimum of 60 s.h. of graduate credit. Full-time students can complete the program in two academic years (four semesters plus two summer sessions, approximately 21 months).

The curriculum blends academic work with supervised clinical experiences. Students take three semesters of practicum concurrently with academic courses. The program concludes with a full-time internship (40 hours per week) during a spring semester. Students are assigned to rehabilitation and community mental health agencies or facilities that meet CORE and CACREP accreditation standards and that have programs or clientele who match the student's interests and educational objectives. Clinical placements require criminal background checks.

Supervised practicums, internships, and comprehensive examinations are not offered during summer sessions.

Requirements are as follows.

Department Requirements

Program Requirements

Clinical Practice

All of these:

One of these:

PREPARATION FOR LICENSURE AS A MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

In addition to the departmental comprehensive examination, a three-hour written examination on the process and practice of rehabilitation and community counseling is required. Exams are offered only during fall and spring semesters.