The Rehabilitation Counseling and Disability Sciences (RCDS) major trains counselors to work with persons with physical, mental, emotional, and chemical disabilities. Training emphasizes psychological, social, medical, and vocational aspects of disability, and the development and refinement of personal adjustment counseling skills. Graduates with this M.A. are prepared for careers as both rehabilitation counselors and professional disability specialists.
Rehabilitation counseling is a counseling specialty focused primarily on disability advocacy and vocational rehabilitation counseling for individuals with physical, mental, and/or developmental disabilities. This program prepares professionals to work with the growing population of people with disabilities in the U.S. with an emphasis on contemporary, state of art research and assistive technology in disability science.
With the increasing demands for rehabilitation counselors, this curriculum allows easy access for prospective students who maybe working full-time, residing outside the Tampa Bay area, and/or having limited resources to attend a traditional educational program.
After completion of this program, students are eligible to become credentialed as Certified Rehabilitation Counselors. With this national certification, students will be licensed and prepared to work for various agencies serving people with disabilities. In addition, students graduating with this degree can obtain leadership positions in human resources and other agencies advocating for disability rights and disability justices.
Major Research Areas:
Vocational Rehabilitation; Rehabilitation Counseling; Disability Justice; Disability Advocacy; Diversity; Equity; Professional Counseling
Admission Requirements
Must meet University Graduate Admissions and English Proficiency requirements.
- Baccalaureate degree in one of the behavioral, social, health-related, or educational disciplines preferred
- GRE
- Personal interview
- Undergraduate statistics or research course
- Three Letters of recommendation from academic, professional, and/or volunteer supervisors, preferably at least one letter from an academic faculty member
- One-page statement of goals/career objectives. This should include why you are applying to this particular program, how you believe the program can help you achieve your goals, and any relevant experience in the field.
- A Resume/CV outlining academic, professional, and/or volunteer work/experience
- Complete a background check prior to Field Experience placements (if necessary)
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