Master of Arts Program in Rehabilitation Counseling

The master's degree program prepares professionals to provide direct services and coordinate resources for persons with disabilities. A position as a qualified rehabilitation counselor requires a master's degree. The degree usually requires two years of full-time academic course work, including summers, and a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. Graduate students generally have undergraduate degrees in rehabilitation services, psychology, sociology, or other human service fields. Other job titles for a rehabilitation counselor might include job placement or vocational specialist, mental health counselor, case manager, or vocational counselor.

The University of Iowa master's degree program in rehabilitation counseling is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) and the Council on Accreditation on Counseling and Related Professions (CACREP) in Community Counseling. Master's graduates are eligible for certification by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) and the National Board on Counselor Certification (NBCC) upon completion of an approved internship and satisfactory performance on the certification examination. Although these certifications are not required for employment in all settings, they represent professional recognition of an individual's education and competencies and may be necessary to function in certain types of practice or to obtain some forms of reimbursement. Many states also offer credentialing for licensed professional counselors (LPCs) or licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs).

Elective Specialization

In addition to a strong generalist approach to preparing professional counselors, the program's 60-semester-hour curriculum includes a 12-credit specialty emphasis area of the student's choice. This added specialty course work allows students to pursue an advanced level of preparation in practice areas that are of current importance in the field and may facilitate access to additional credentials relevant to that area. The specialization requires a minimum of 12 semester hours, including nine semester hours of didactic course work and three semester hours of supervised professional practice appropriate to specialty.

Areas of Specialization

Students meet with their academic advisors to determine the coursework necessary to complete their specialization. Recent specialization areas offered are:

Students who are bilingual in Spanish and English, or who have a foundation in Spanish through course work at the undergraduate level and wish to increase their Spanish-speaking ability, are encouraged to apply for the Spanish-English specialization. The 12-credit-hour program is designed so that students can increase their bilingual and bicultural competence. Students work closely with dedicated program faculty to develop supportive, mentoring relationships.

Plan of Study

The master's degree program provides a systematically planned curriculum that blends academic work with supervised clinical experiences. The program can be completed in two academic years or four semesters plus two summer sessions (24 months). Graduates of this 60-semester-hour nonthesis program are likely to have completed the academic course work for counselor licensure in many states. Faculty assist students in planning their course work for licensure in states in which they may desire to practice.

Please click on this link to view the recommended classes and sessions in the M.A. Program of Study. Please click on this link for a blank M.A. Program of Study form to use when meeting with your advisor.

Admissions Requirements

A completed application to the M.A. program must include:

• An application to The University of Iowa's Graduate School;
• A statement of professional goals;
• An official report of your Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Verbal and Quantitative scores;
• official transcripts of all previous college work; and
• three letters of recommendation.

In addition, the Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation consider these factors:

• Graduate GPA of 3.0 or better; and
• Composite Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Verbal & Quantitative score of 1,000 or better.

The following factors also are considered:

No specific undergraduate major area of study is required, though we are interested in applicants who usually have majored in one of the social sciences at the undergraduate level, have a good academic record, relevant experience, and a strong desire to assist individuals with disabilities. Evidence of experience with persons with disabilities is considered relevant, and post-baccalaureate work experience relevant to the field of rehabilitation is preferred.

A personal interview with the faculty is required either in person or by telephone. This interview is scheduled once a completed application is received. In reviewing applications, the faculty considers the relevant qualifications of candidates across all required areas. No one criterion is used in selecting candidates. All interested persons are encouraged to apply. Specific questions concerning the status of your application should be directed to the Office of Student Services, N310 Lindquist Center, (319) 335-5260.

Admissions Deadlines and Process

Applications to the M.A. program are accepted continually. Selection begins on April 1 for summer admission (full-time students begin in summer session) and continues until a full class is selected.

The master's degree program accepts approximately 15 students per year. The class proceeds through a sequenced plan of study beginning each summer semester. For the best consideration for financial aid, early applications (as early as January) are strongly encouraged. You will be notified in writing once a decision regarding your application has been made. This is approximately one month after the application deadline.