Rehabilitation Counseling General Casework Level I Concentration

The primary objective of this program is to prepare students to work with a wide variety of physical, mental and emotional disabilities, illnesses, traumas, and other conditions. Emphasis is placed on knowledge and skills needed for diagnostic assessments, evaluation, interviewing, and counseling. Students are educated in the use of relevant information and dynamics for casework planning, case management, and client services. Typically, graduates of this program work as counselors, consultants, and specialists for employers in many different public and private settings. Usual responsibilities require the ability to work with various individuals, groups, families, schools, employers, physicians, and other professionals.

For more information on semester hour requirements, program level and certification, please see the section titled ‘Eligibility’. 

Rehabilitation Counseling Level II Concentration (48 s.h.)

The primary objective of this program is to prepare students to work in counseling with a wide variety of mental, emotional disabilities, illnesses, traumas and other conditions.  Emphasis is placed on knowledge and skills needed for diagnostic assessments, evaluation, interviewing and counseling.  Students are educated in the use of relevant information and dynamics for casework planning and client services.  Typically, graduates of this program work as counselors, consultants and specialists for employers in many different public and private settings.  Usual responsibilities require the ability to work with various individuals, groups, families, schools, employees, physicians and other professionals.

For more information on semester hour requirements, program level and certification, please see the section titled ‘Eligibility’. 

Rehabilitation Services Level III General Concentration (36-39 s.h.)

In recognition of the need for qualified professionals to work in the field and the difficulties encountered by many individuals seeking to fulfill degree requirements, students with at least two to five years of previous experience, concurrent employment or related background may plan a program of study within the scope of departmental and related offerings.  This individualized program is subject to departmental faculty approval and should be planned in consultation with a departmental faculty advisor.  Students within this program normally have or are obtaining professional experience necessary to become eligible for certifications as a rehabilitation counselor or other related certification if required or desired.  Those interested primarily in qualifying for certification and licensure must be enrolled in the approved 48 s.h. to 60 s.h. programs.

For more information on semester hour requirements, program level and certification, please see the section titled ‘Eligibility’. 

Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling Level I & II Concentration (48-60 s.h.)

Prepares counselors and rehabilitation specialists to work with individuals and families affected by substance abuse/dependency and traumatic family environments. Focuses on intervention techniques, counseling, and therapeutic strategies for individuals and families in settings ranging from detoxification and residential/day treatment to intensive outpatient services and harm reduction strategies. In addition to being eligible to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), graduates from the program will meet the educational requirements for the Certified Addictions Counselor/Certified Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (CAC/CADAC) in Massachusetts. This program has been designated and approved as an educational provider by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors Association (NAADAC).

For more information on semester hour requirements, program level and certification, please see the section titled ‘Eligibility’. 

Alcohol and Substance Counseling III Concentration (39 s.h.)

The primary objective of this program is to prepare students to work as counselors in a wide variety of detoxification and rehabilitation programs throughout the country. The focus is primarily on developing intervention techniques, counseling and therapeutic strategies for all aspects of rehabilitation programming from in-hospital acute treatment to residential/ day treatment and career development. Excellent opportunities exist for clinical field placements. Graduates are employed in a variety of hospitals, clinics and treatment centers as well as in business and industry, especially in personnel risk management and employee assistance programs. Graduates from the program will meet the educational requirements for the Certified Addictions Counselor/Certified Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (CAC/CADAC) in Massachusetts but are not eligible for the certification in rehabilitation counseling (CRC).

For more information on semester hour requirements, program level and certification, please see the section titled ‘Eligibility’. 

Management and Administration Concentration (36-60 s.h.)

Excellent opportunities exist for well-trained individuals to take leadership positions in the administration, supervision, management, and coordination of rehabilitation programs. Primary emphasis of this offering is in the development of planning, organizational and management skills, motivational theory and practice, and human resource development. Students completing this concentration become employed in a variety of public and private rehabilitation settings. Many opportunities currently exist in business and industry as well as public agency settings in such areas as personnel management and supervision, employee assistance programs, projects with industry, and insurance rehabilitation.

For more information on semester hour requirements, program level and certification, please see the section titled ‘Eligibility’. 

Pediatric and Development Disabilities Concentration (36-60 s.h.)

Graduate students interested in this program prepare themselves to work with those individuals who have developmental disabilities or children with disabilities. Primary consideration is given to developmental theory and current practice, social learning, and behavioral techniques. Graduates usually become employed in special schools and developmental centers, early intervention programs, rehabilitation hospitals, and community agencies. In addition to being eligible to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) after passing the designated exam, students who take specific courses may be certified as an Early Intervention Specialist or a Child Life Specialist after meeting specified requirements (see Specified Program Electives below). For those working in the field of Developmental Disabilities (DD) and who are not interested in licensure, a non CRC, M.Ed. is possible to achieve in a 36 credit individually planned program.

For more information on semester hour requirements, program level and certification, please see the section titled ‘Eligibility’. 

* Successful completion of the Master’s Comprehensive Examination is required.

Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Concentration (36-60 s.h.)

Students primarily interested in working with mental health or psychiatric populations are offered a program in this growing and exciting area of rehabilitation. Emphasis is placed not solely on understanding and knowledge in psychopathology and psychotherapy but rather on concepts of growth and development, independent living, vocational rehabilitation, milieu and expressive therapies, and psychosocial support systems. A dual program concentration with Alcohol Substance Abuse is also available to students in this program. Graduates of this program are typically employed in hospitals, clinics, community mental health programs, vocational rehabilitation agencies, and private psychiatric facilities. In addition to being eligible to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) after passing the designated exam, completion of this option results in eligibility to become a Massachusetts licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) after completion of two years of acceptable employment and passing the required exam.

For more information on semester hour requirements, program level and certification, please see the section titled ‘Eligibility’. 

Rehabilitation Counseling for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Concentration (36-60 s.h.)

This program is designed to prepare students to work with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Deafness and hearing disorders are among the highest specialty disabilities in need of rehabilitation services in the United States. The primary objective of this program is to develop and integrate the students’ knowledge base and practitioner skills in the rehabilitation process with specific training in total communication, the deaf culture and rehabilitation practices, and procedures for the deaf and hearing impaired. Graduates of this program are typically employed as specialists in rehabilitation agencies, rehabilitation facilities, clinics, and related education and community programs.

For more information on semester hour requirements, program level and certification, please see the section titled ‘Eligibility’. 

Special Services Concentration (36-60 s.h.)

Within the scope of departmental offerings and related offerings of other cooperating departments or programs, opportunities exist with faculty advisor guidance and assistance to develop a specialized program or specific individualized elective concentration. For example, specialty programs currently exist within some of the following areas: sensory disabilities (visual and hearing disorders), gerontological services, cardiac rehabilitation, and head injury rehabilitation. Students interested in this program option must arrange a planned program of study with faculty advisor and departmental approval.

For more information on semester hour requirements, program level and certification, please see the section titled ‘Eligibility’. 

Vocational Evaluation - Work Adjustment Specialist Concentration (36-60 s.h.)

The primary objective of this program is to prepare students to work as rehabilitation evaluation and work adjustment specialists. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and skills needed in the professional use of standardized educational-vocational and psychological tests, work samples, situational assessment, assessment of learning, and functional skills assessment. Typically, graduates of this program work as vocational evaluators and world adjustment specialists for employers in many different agencies. Usual responsibilities include the ability to assess clients and consumers in a variety of modalities and milieus, write comprehensive reports, recommend appropriate learning and behavioral rehabilitation plans, and work as a member of a post-acute team of rehabilitation and health care professionals. This program leads to eligibility for national certification as a Vocational Evaluator/Work Adjustment Specialist.

For more information on semester hour requirements, program level and certification, please see the section titled ‘Eligibility’.