The Rehabilitation Services Department at Springfield College offers both full-time and part-time graduate programs in Rehabilitation Counseling and Services leading to the master’s degree. The programs are designed to provide a combination of didactic course work along with professionally supervised clinical experiences. The Rehabilitation Counseling and Services programs are offered in cooperation with the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), U.S. Department of Education. RSA scholarships may be available to full-time students.
General Curriculum
Within the general requirements, emphasis is placed on knowledge and understanding of medical, psychological, social, educational, and vocational aspects of disability and impairments. Faculty advisors meet with students at the beginning of their enrollment to outline an appropriate course of study. Individual differences in background, education, and training are taken into account in meeting the basic requirements.
Areas of Professional Practice
In addition to the general requirements, which are at the core of all programs, the graduate candidate may earn a master of science or master of education degree by completing a course of study related to the following areas of professional practice:
Rehabilitation Counseling:
- General Counseling and Casework
- Pediatric and Developmental Disabilities
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Substance Abuse Counseling
Rehabilitation Services:
- Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services
- Pediatric and Developmental Disability Services
- Special Services
The graduate programs are designed to meet the goals and needs of students with a variety of educational and experiential backgrounds as well as the national professional standards required to assist our graduates to be fully marketable in the field. Individual eligibility should be discussed with the department chairperson and faculty advisor. Students who have completed the master’s degree may pursue advanced course work leading to a Post-Master’s Certificate. Typically, students seeking the certificate wish to complement their existing educational and professional background, training, and experience to qualify for advanced positions or to become eligible for rehabilitation certification. Programs are arranged individually with the student’s faculty advisor. Three program levels are available for the master’s degree. Program levels may be determined and approved by the completion of the first twelve to fifteen credits of course work.
Accreditation Information
The Rehabilitation Counseling programs are approved and accredited by the National Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). Students completing all course work requirements (minimum: 48 credits) including research, general rehabilitation course requirements, practica, and internships are eligible for the national certification examination to become Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRC) and to apply for state licensure as a Rehabilitation Counselor (LRC) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Depending on the concentration, students may also be eligible for additional certifications and licenses. For more information, see the information provided for individual concentrations.
Additional Information
Students should consult with their advisors to plan sequence of courses to be sure course prerequisites are appropriately met and to determine if specific requirements by certifying bodies have been changed.
Program Coordinators/Faculty and Telephone Numbers
Michael P. Accordino, D.Ed., CRC, LMHC - Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator
748-3258 Locklin Hall Room 102C
J. Patrick Decoteau, Ph.D., CRC/LRC - Professor
748-3375 Locklin Hall Room 107
Bernard T. Graney, Ph.D., CRC - Professor
748-3320 Locklin Hall Room 109
Robert L. Hewes, Rh.D., CRC - Professor and Department Chair
748-3769 Locklin Hall Room 112
Thomas J. Ruscio, CRC/LRC - Professor
748-3566 Locklin Hall Room 102B
Joseph F. Stano, Ph.D., NCC, CRC/LRC - Professor
748-3375 Locklin Hall Room 101
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