Programs in Rehabilitation Counseling
Department of Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation Counseling

With the expertise of rehabilitation counselors, people who have physical, developmental, and psychiatric disabilities can develop the resources and skills they need to obtain satisfying work and lead fulfilling lives. The Rehabilitation Counseling Program, ranked fifth among rehabilitation counseling graduate programs by U.S. News and World Report in 2006, opens several avenues for educational growth leading to careers and advanced education in the field. The combination of professional courses, specializations, clinical placements, and guidance of experienced faculty provides a unique educational opportunity.

The programs offered lead to the Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation and Human Services and the Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. Advanced education for experienced professionals is available through the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study and the Doctor of Science degree programs.

Students enrolled in the rehabilitation counseling programs, particularly those specializing in psychiatric rehabilitation, may study and work with leading faculty and researchers at the affiliated Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation. The first national center in the field of psychiatric rehabilitation, founded in 1979, the Center conducts research on issues of direct relevance to the rehabilitation and recovery of people with psychiatric disabilities. The Center staff also uses its findings to develop teaching and training programs that are implemented in mental health facilities throughout the world. By working at the Center, students specializing in psychiatric rehabilitation may take part in research, training, and service programs that enhance their professional development.

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Master of science degree program

The master’s degree program is designed to prepare the student to enter the field of rehabilitation counseling at a professional level. The two-year, 48-credit program, which is fully accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE), offers the skills and knowledge necessary for certification as a rehabilitation counselor (CRC). Students are eligible to take the CRC certification exam during their last semester if they have completed 75 percent of their coursework by the CRC application deadline. In many states graduates are eligible for licensure. Students may specialize in psychiatric rehabilitation, vocational evaluation, or industrial rehabilitation and disability management and may have to take several additional courses. Applicants interested in licensure as a rehabilitation counselor should investigate the requirements for licensure in the state in which they wish to practice.

Descriptions of the specializations offered in Rehabilitation Counseling are listed below. Specialization is not a requirement of the program.

Psychiatric Rehabilitation Specialization Students specializing in psychiatric rehabilitation develop knowledge and skills through coursework and practicum experiences. They become competent in goal setting for, assessment of, and interventions with persons with psychiatric disabilities. Graduates also become eligible for CRC certification, and for certification as a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Professional (CPRP).

Vocational Evaluation Specialization The specialization in vocational evaluation provides students with the knowledge and skills to assess and plan for the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. The integration of classroom and community-based internship experiences enables the student to learn skills and apply them in rehabilitation settings with a variety of consumers and clients. Competencies are developed in using work samples, situational assessment, job site evaluation, and psychometric tests. Students become proficient in diagnostic interviewing, reasonable accommodation, program planning, transferrable skills analysis, and job analysis, as well as in working effectively with members of the rehabilitation team. Students have the opportunity to utilize the vocational evaluation lab which has state-of-the-art evaluation resources. A student in this specialization meets the educational requirements for certification as a vocational evaluator (CVE).

Industrial Rehabilitation and Disability Management Specialization The specialization in industrial rehabilitation and disability management trains professionals to work in public and private agencies involved in the rehabilitation of persons with vocational disabilities. The program emphasizes direct involvement with business and industry to promote effective rehabilitation strategies for individuals who have disabilities. Students learn industrial analysis, labor market forecasting, marketing approaches, disability management, and worker compensation/injured worker case management. Students participate in industry-based internships consisting of two days per week in a rehabilitation facility and one day per week in an industrial setting. During the second year, students interested in rehabilitation in the private sector participate in an internship in an industry, private rehabilitation, or agency setting.

Admission Requirements

We are currently not accepting students into the Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling program pending curricular revisions.

Degree Requirements

Candidates must complete all the degree requirements within five years after initial matriculation. An overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher and a grade of B or higher in rehabilitation counseling practica are required for graduation. The acceptability of grades lower than B is subject to departmental/faculty approval. No more than 4 credits of Independent Study are allowed without prior faculty approval.

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Curriculum

The Master of Science degree is a 48-credit program that includes coursework and 4 semesters of a supervised internship. Students who wish to specialize may be required to take additional courses and complete at least one of the two years of internship in a specialized setting.

First Year

SAR RC 601 Philosophy and Principles of Rehabilitation
SAR RC 604 Career Development and Job Placement
SAR RC 605 Psychosocial Aspects of Physical Disability
SAR RC 610 Vocational Evaluation
SAR RC 706, 707 Rehabilitation Counseling Practice I, II (two semesters)
Rehabilitation Counseling Elective

Second Year

SAR RC 602 Case Management
SAR RC 603 Medical Orientation to Rehabilitation
SAR RC 620 Evidence-Based Practice I
SAR RC 801, 802 Rehabilitation Counseling Practice III, IV (two semesters)
Rehabilitation Counseling Elective

Rehabilitation counseling electives (availability of which may vary year to year) are chosen from the following:

SAR RC 606 Rehabilitation of Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities
SAR RC 607 Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Treatment and Rehabilitation
SAR RC 611 Illness and Disability: The Role of the Family in Treatment and Rehabilitation
SAR RC 616 Disability Management in Rehabilitation
SAR RC 703 Topical Seminar: Psychiatric Rehabilitation
SAR RC 704 Psychiatric Rehabilitation I
SAR RC 705 Psychiatric Rehabilitation II
SAR RC 714 Psychiatric Rehabilitation III
SAR RC 715 Psychiatric Rehabilitation IV
SAR RC 900 Independent Study: Rehabilitation Counseling

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certificate of advanced graduate study (cags)

The CAGS is an advanced professional program in rehabilitation counseling for individuals who desire training beyond the master’s degree level and who wish to specialize in psychiatric rehabilitation, vocational evaluation, industrial rehabilitation, and disability management, or other area of interest. The program is comprised of academic coursework and advanced counselor training, including an internship of three days per week.

Admission Requirements

Completion of a master’s or doctoral degree, or equivalent post-baccalaureate professional degree, from an accredited institution is required for admission. Applicants must submit a completed application, all official transcripts, scores from the aptitude test of the Graduate Record Examination (institution code 3028), and three letters of reference (one from the director or other faculty member of a professional degree program, one from the supervisor in a recent professional position, and one from an individual familiar with the student’s ability). The admissions committee may require a personal interview.

Application Deadline Applications are considered as they are received. Students may enter the program in the fall or spring semester. Spring admission may require three semesters in order to complete the internship requirements.

Certificate Requirements

A minimum of 32 credit hours at the graduate level is required for the CAGS. Determination of credit and internship requirements will be made for individual students at admission upon consultation with their advisor. All degree requirements must be completed within five years after matriculation, an overall grade point average of B or higher must be maintained, and a grade of B or higher must be achieved in rehabilitation counseling practica. No more than 4 credits of Independent Study are allowed. Students may submit a formal petition for 4 additional Independent Study credits, which are subject to faculty approval.

Curriculum

Each course carries 4 credits unless otherwise noted.

Required Courses

SAR RC 801, 802 Rehabilitation Counseling Practice III, IV (two semesters) (8) or
SAR RC 706, 707 Rehabilitation Counseling Practice I, II (8)
SAR RS 750 Research Design (or equivalent)
Remaining courses from the following:
SAR RC 601 Philosophy and Principles of Rehabilitation
SAR RC 602 Case Management
SAR RC 603 Medical Orientation to Rehabilitation
SAR RC 604 Career Development and Job Placement
SAR RC 605 Psychosocial Aspects of Physical Disability
SAR RC 606 Rehabilitation of Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities
SAR RC 607 Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Treatment and Rehabilitation
SAR RC 610 Vocational Evaluation
SAR RC 611 Illness and Disability: The Role of the Family in Treatment and Rehabilitation
SAR RC 616 Disability Management in Rehabilitation

Additional electives may be taken with faculty approval.

Psychiatric Rehabilitation Specialization Curriculum

Individual students with relevant professional experience may substitute other coursework for some prerequisite courses. Degree requirements will be determined by the academic advisor at the time of admission.

The following courses constitute the CAGS curriculum for the Psychiatric Rehabilitation specialization:

SAR RC 604 Career Development and Job Placement
SAR RC 606 Rehabilitation of Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities
SAR RC 607 Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Treatment and Rehabilitation
SAR RC 703 Topical Seminar: Psychiatric Rehabilitation
SAR RS 750 Research Design (or equivalent)
SAR RC 801, 802 Rehabilitation Counseling Practice III, IV
SAR RC 900 Independent Study (or elective)

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doctor of science degree program

The doctoral program prepares professionals for leadership positions in rehabilitation counseling, administration, research, and rehabilitation education. For program information please see the Doctoral Programs section of this bulletin.

Rehabilitation Counseling Programs

Professor Arthur Dell Orto
Program Director 617-353-7486
ado@bu.edu

Professors Anthony, Dell Orto, Harding

Associate Professor Hursh

Lecturer King

Adjunct Professor Spaniol

Adjunct Assistant Professors Ellison, Hutchinson

Adjunct Associate Professor Tyrrell

Clinical Associate Professors Creasey, Nemec

Research Associate Professors Farkas, Rogers

Research Assistant Professor Russinova

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Published by Trustees of Boston University
One Sherborn Street
Boston, MA 02215

20 September 2007
Boston University
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