Dec 06, 2024  
2023/2024 University Catalog 
    
2023/2024 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Rehabilitation Counseling, M.S.


(Major Code: 12221) (SIMS Code: 331009)

Also offered at SDSU Global Campus

Submit the following in the supplementary program application:

  1. Letters of reference;
  2. Personal statement.

For more information contact:
Department of Administration, Rehabilitation and Postsecondary Education
http://interwork.sdsu.edu/main/
619-594-6406

General Information

The Rehabilitation Counseling program prepares graduates to enter the field of rehabilitation to provide rehabilitation and case management services to consumers with physical, emotional, and/or cognitive disabilities. Expanded curriculum is highlighted in assistive technologies, cognitive disabilities, mental health, career assessment, administration of rehabilitation programs, disability management, diversity program development, and work within public and private sectors. The degree is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). A limited number of graduate stipends from the Rehabilitation Services Administration are available to (1) students who are committed to entering rehabilitation in publicly  supported programs after graduation and (2) students with a financial need. Graduates qualify for CRC certification and with additional coursework, are eligible for California licensure as a professional counselor. A limited number of students may qualify for admission to the Pupil Personnel Services - School Counseling Credential track, under a collaborative agreement with the Department of Counseling and School Psychology. Specializations and certificate programs are available in cognitive disabilities, psychiatric rehabilitation, and rehabilitation technology.

Admission to the Degree Curriculum

All students must satisfy the general requirements for admission to the university with classified graduate standing as described in Admission and Registration . The student must file an application for admission to San Diego State University with both the Office of Graduate Admissions and the Department of Administration, Rehabilitation and Postsecondary Education.

Students seeking admission to the graduate program which leads to a Master of Science degree in rehabilitation counseling should address their inquiries to the coordinator of the program. Detailed instructions concerning application procedures are available at http://www.interwork.sdsu.edu/arpe/. As there are specific requirements for the program, it is not sufficient to file only the general university admission application.

Criteria for admission require that students submit evidence in written form (i.e. personal statement, official transcripts, and recommendation letters) and through interviews demonstrating personal, professional, and academic adequacy for the Master of Science degree in rehabilitation counseling. Only students who show reasonable promise of success in rehabilitation counseling as a career will be admitted to this program. In order to continue in the program, the student must demonstrate ongoing academic, professional, and personal growth.

A student may transfer a maximum of 30 semester units from another CACREP-accredited graduate program in rehabilitation counseling. Evaluation of transfer credits will be made at the time of acceptance to the program. Approval of graduate transfer credit from other programs will be at the discretion of the coordinator and subject to final approval by the College of Graduate Studies.

Advancement to Candidacy

To be eligible for advancement to candidacy the student must, in addition to holding classified graduate standing, have completed at least 24 units of the coursework listed on the official program, maintain good standing in the rehabilitation counseling program, and comply with the regulations of the College of Graduate Studies as described in Requirements for Master’s Degrees .

Specific Requirements


In addition to meeting the requirements for classified graduate standing, and the basic Requirements for Master’s Degrees , the student must complete a minimum of 60 graduate units of 500-, 600-, and 700-numbered courses, to include:

Fieldwork Requirement


(A minimum of 9 units)

Culminating Experience


One of two options must be completed for graduation from this program: Plan A (Thesis) or Plan B (Comprehensive Examination). The student must demonstrate satisfactory performance as approved by the rehabilitation counseling program. Reservations for the comprehensive examination must be made in advance in the Department of Administration, Rehabilitation and Postsecondary Education located in LH-246. Students selecting Plan B take the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor examination, offered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.

In general, students will be programmed for Plan B. After the student is approximately half way through the program, has secured an adviser and established a thesis plan, permission to transfer to Plan A may be requested. Plan A is designed for students who have a particular research problem they wish to investigate in some detail. Requests for transfer to Plan A must be prepared as an official change in program for the master’s degree, countersigned by the faculty adviser, and submitted to the Office of Graduate Programs in the College of Education.

Program Structure


The rehabilitation counseling program offers a 60 semester unit format that leads to the Master of Science in rehabilitation counseling. Students are accepted on a full-time and part-time basis.