Rehabilitation Counseling, Non-Thesis, MA

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Department of Human Services and Rehabilitation

Graduate Faculty

Boland, Elizabeth, PhD.

Program Director: Dr. Elizabeth Boland, 425-259-8920, Elizabeth.Boland@wwu.edu.

Program Information

Rehabilitation counselors work with people with a variety of disabilities, including physical, cognitive, sensory, learning, and psychiatric disabilities. Rehabilitation counselors are competent to provide an assessment of abilities and functional limitations, develop plans consistent with individual needs, and assist clients in achieving their goals through a variety of modalities including individual and group counseling, vocational training and education, and job development and placement. Rehabilitation counseling is a dynamic, exciting field with excellent employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

The Rehabilitation Counseling program prepares students to work in settings such as state and federal rehabilitation agencies, private nonprofit agencies, veterans programs, private counseling and consultation firms, hospitals, substance abuse and mental health centers, and universities. Students learn how to assist individuals in adjusting to the psychological, social, medical, and vocational effects of a disability on their lives. Students in graduate rehabilitation counseling programs typically have completed undergraduate degrees in human services, psychology, sociology, or other areas of social services.

The degree program is completed through a combination of classroom-based and distance learning coursework. Classroom-based courses are offered at the program’s off-campus site located at Everett Community College.

For further information, see the Rehabilitation Counseling program website at www.wwu.edu/rc.

Goals

The Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling prepares rehabilitation professionals to assist individuals with disabilities to enhance their lives in significant ways, including self-determination, independence, employment, and full community participation. The program is fully accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE).

The program prepares rehabilitation professionals to work in a variety of public and private settings.

Application Information

Admit Quarters: Fall, winter.

Application Deadlines: Application deadlines are June 1 for fall quarter and October 1 for winter quarter.

Supporting Materials:

Candidates must meet the requirements of the Graduate School in addition to the following departmental requirements:

The Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is preferred or the Graduate Record Exam, General Test; test scores are not required if an applicant holds an advanced degree from an accredited college or university
Three current references
A current résumé
A typed personal statement outlining the rationale for applying to the program. The statement should address career objectives, rationale for choosing this program, professional and personal strengths as they apply to the field of rehabilitation counseling, related work experiences, the way in which personal and professional life experiences have converged to motivate application to the program, a statement of goals and interests which demonstrates and illustrates the applicant’s personal value system, computer competence, and other insights as deemed appropriate by the applicant
A personal interview
Access to computer, necessary software, and computer competencies are required

Please collect all application materials, then forward the packet directly to the Graduate School, Old Main 530.

Admission

Successful candidates must demonstrate their commitment to working with individuals with disabilities to assist them to adjust to the psychological, social, medical, and vocational impact of a disability on their lives. The commitment may be demonstrated by either work or volunteer experiences with persons with disabilities. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong writing skills.

Retention

In addition to Graduate School and University policies, retention in the Rehabilitation Counseling program is dependent upon the development of professional competencies in interaction with clients and other professionals, especially as related to practice, practicum, and internship requirements. Development of professional competencies is monitored and evaluated on a yearly basis by the faculty of the program and will serve as a basis for retention of the student in the Rehabilitation Counseling program.

Program of Study

Requirements (minimum 72 credits)

Core (41 credits)

❑ RC 501 - Rehabilitation Research
❑ RC 580 - Theory of Rehabilitation Counseling
❑ RC 582 - Introduction to Rehabilitation Counseling
❑ RC 583 - Practice of Rehabilitation Counseling
❑ RC 584 - Group Counseling Techniques in Rehabilitation
❑ RC 585 - Social, Psychological and Attitudinal Aspects of Disability
❑ RC 586 - Medical Aspects of Disability
❑ RC 587 - Utilization of Tests and Evaluation Tools
❑ RC 588 - Occupational Information and Career Development
❑ RC 589 - Case Management in Rehabilitation
❑ RC 590 - Employment Strategies and Job Placement
❑ RC 594 - Introduction to Psychiatric Rehabilitation
❑ RC 595 - Cognitive Disabilities in Rehabilitation
❑ Practicum/Internship: (25 credits)
RC 591 - Practicum in Rehabilitation Counseling
RC 592 - Internship in Rehab Couns
❑ Electives selected under advisement (6 credits)

Comprehensive Examination

Students are required to pass a comprehensive examination prior to graduation during the last quarter in the program.

Additional Information

Competency in Instructional Technology

Students admitted to programs in the Woodring College of Education are required to possess competence in the use of instructional technology in education prior to completion of their program and, when applicable, prior to being recommended for certification. Procedures for demonstrating or developing competence are available in Miller Hall 204.

Comprehensive Assessment

Woodring College of Education students in Option II are required to complete a comprehensive assessment. The format, timeline and criteria are defined by specific departments. For procedures, students should see their graduate advisors.

Second Master’s Degree

Enrollment must be for a single MEd, MA or MIT program. Students who have earned an MEd or MIT may apply for admission to another MEd program but all requirements of the second program must be met (with possible allowance for some course work taken in the first program). However, all programs must be completed with the minimum number of required credits.

NOTE: Due to a review and revision process which may affect Woodring College of Education programs and courses, the information contained in the Education section of this catalog is subject to change.

Post-baccalaureate candidates interested in combining teacher certification and master’s degree study should contact the Teacher Education Admissions office or the Graduate Office.

Some programs include an internship. A Washington State Patrol/FBI fingerprint check is required of most students prior to the internship. Students should check with their department advisor for details.