An online master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling prepares students to become competent counselors. They learn to help people who suffer from a range of disabilities. Individuals with personal, physical, social issues or disabilities need specialized help and support. They need help to live independently or be employed. It is the job of Rehabilitation counselors to evaluate their strengths and limitations. Based on their assessments and medical reports, they arrange medical care and assist in job placements. They provide the patient with training and help him/her develop job skills so that they can work and live independently. They learn to give both individual and group counseling.
In many cases, there is a clinical component to this work. So most organizations ask for a master’s degree holder in the field as a minimum qualification. After earning a master’s degree, most students complete a certain number of hours in a clinical setting. Their roles depend a lot on the environment and the demographic of patients. A master’s degree coursework includes topics like:
- Counseling for diverse populations
- Providing guidance and assistance to those who want to live independently
It’s a fast-growing field, and there is a great demand for rehabilitation counselors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a 10% growth through 2028. This means about 11,800 new jobs for rehabilitation counselors in the next eight years.
An online master’s in rehabilitation counseling meets the certification and licensure requirements. As professional rehabilitation counseling practitioners so that they can empower others’ lives.
- Graduates can get employment in public, non-profit, and private rehabilitation settings.
- Some prefer to work in health or community agencies.
- Others excel in environments like government agencies and mental health facilities.
- Family centers and correctional facilities need them too.
In these diverse settings, graduates learn to use interventions and other counseling techniques. They help their clients overcome environmental and attitudinal barriers.
An online master’s in rehabilitation counseling is designed for working adults. It allows them to work and learn at the same time. These degrees are flexible, which enables them to study at their own pace. They are also affordable, which does not pressure their finances and saves money on campus room-and-board costs. The programs can be synchronous or asynchronous formats. They are usually taught by the same faculty who teach on-campus, thus maintaining their quality and rigor.
This article has researched and shortlisted some of the most affordable online master’s in rehabilitation counseling. Our search and ranking are based on curriculum, specializations, concentrations, and tracks practicum, internships, and programs’ costs. We have also looked at the school’s overall accreditation and student support system. Schools have been ranked based on their affordability.
Rating and Ranking Methodology
Tuition
• Net Price Below $10,000: 4 points
• Net Price Below $15,000: 3 points
• Net Price Below $18,000: 2 points
• Net Price Below $20,000: 1 point
Program Flexibility (asynchronous course delivery, hybrid options, part-time/full-time schedule, etc. ) – 1 point per item
Online Student Support Network (faculty mentors/advisors, etc.)— 1 point per item
Accreditation (School-Wide and Program-Specific) – 1 point per item
“Wow” Factor – 1 point.
#30 The George Washington University
Washington, D.C.
M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling Online
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Points: 7
George Washington University offers an online Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling. It meets the requirements for certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). The 48-credit program trains knowledgeable professionals. They empower physically, mentally, emotionally, or socially disabled persons to rehabilitate. The curriculum includes:
- Rehabilitation counseling theories and practices
- Multicultural counseling
- Rehabilitation services
- Attitudinal and environmental barriers for people with disabilities
- Medical and psychosocial aspects of disability
- Ethical standards for rehabilitation counselors
Graduates work in various public, private, and non-profit settings. The program is CACREP accredited. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition per credit: $850
#29 Assumption University
Worcester, MA
MA in Rehabilitation Counseling Online
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Points: 8
Assumption University offers an online Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling. It also provides a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study via its Department of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies (HSRS). Key features:
- It is a 60-credit multidisciplinary program
- It combines Rehabilitation, psychology, sociology, natural sciences, education, economics, and humanities
- A combination of academics with experiential components offers hands-on training
- They gain knowledge, competencies, and a comprehensive set of skills
- They practice in actual rehabilitation settings via practicum and internships
Graduates work in settings that focus on Rehabilitation, human services, and allied health and education.
Tuition per credit: $740
#28 University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY
Master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Online
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Points: 8
The University of Kentucky offers an online Master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling via its College of Education. It is designed to provide the skills and knowledge rehabilitation professionals need. The 58 credit hour program is offered through an accelerated format that can be completed in a 16-month time frame. The coursework is presented via asynchronous web-based instruction. The Practicum and Internship are conducted via live compressed video and web-cam. Students receive the same quality as the campus-based master’s program. Coursework includes:
- Principles of Rehabilitation Counseling
- Rehabilitation Counseling Theory and Practice
- Human Growth
- Disability & Development Across the Lifespan
- Cultural Diversity in Rehabilitation Counseling
- Rehabilitation Research & Program Evaluation
The University of Kentucky is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $726
#27 Emporia State University
Emporia, KS
Master’s in Clinical Counseling Online
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Points: 8
Emporia State University offers an online master’s degree in Clinical Counseling: Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling concentration via its Department of Counselor Education. Key features:
- The 60-credit program preps students for the national certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) exam
- The program can be completed over a two to two-and-a-half-year period
- It trains students as counselors and coordinators of rehabilitation services
- All courses are offered online, allowing students to maintain a work-life balance
Graduates go on to practice as energetic and dedicated rehabilitation counselors. They provide support services to persons with physical, intellectual, sensory, and mental-emotional disabilities.
The program is CORE-accredited. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition per year: $21,442
#26 Utah State University
Logan, UT
Master of Rehabilitation Counseling Online
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Points: 9
Utah State University offers an online Master of Rehabilitation Counseling. It is provided via its Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. The 52-credit program leads to the national Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) examination. Per the U.S. News & World Report, it ranks among the top 20 in its category and as one of Utah’s highest-ranked graduate programs. Students learn to provide rehabilitation counseling to individuals with disabilities and their families. Graduates go on work in a variety of settings like:
- State rehabilitation agencies
- Employment assistance programs
- Rehabilitation hospitals
- Independent living centers
- Private rehabilitation facilities and agencies
The program is CORE accredited. The University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Tuition per credit: $690.06
#25 Thomas University
Thomasville, GA
MS in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling
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Points: 9
Thomas University offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling. It takes two to four years to complete. Key features:
- The 60-credit program combines rigorous academic training and fieldwork experience.
- Along with theory, students have to complete a 100 Hour Practicum and a 600 Hour Internship.
- Graduates are ready to take the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam.
- They also meet state licensure requirements for professional counseling.
Students become competent counselors in the field of Rehabilitation and mental health counseling. They can choose a specialization in Alcohol and Addiction counseling. The program is CACREP accredited, and the University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Tuition per credit: $655
#24 The University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
Counseling, M.A. Online
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Points: 9
The University of Arizona offers an online Master of Arts in Counseling with a Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling specialization. It is provided via its College of Education. Key features:
- The 60-credit program trains graduates to be competent rehabilitation counselors
- They help rehabilitate individuals with various issues
- It meets the educational requirements in the State of Arizona for a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC)
- Prepares graduates for professional certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
- Students learn the essential skills to assist individuals with various disabilities
- They help them achieve their personal, career, and independent living goals
The program is CACREP accredited. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition per year: $11,400
#23 Auburn University
Auburn, AL
MS in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Online
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Points: 10
Auburn University offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling via its College of Education.
The 60-credit program:
- Prepares rehabilitation counseling students for Certification and licensure
- Trains them to work in the State/Federal, private, and not-for-profit rehabilitation agencies.
- Helps students develop the knowledge and skills necessary for competent professional practice
- It helps to enhance their professional identification and engagement in professional development.
Graduates assist individuals with disabilities in working, living, and socializing in the community. They work in diverse settings, including engagement in social justice and advocacy. The program is CACREP accredited. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $630
#22 Salve Regina University
Newport, RI
Rehabilitation Counseling (M.A.) Online
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Points: 10
Salve Regina University offers a hybrid evening/online Master of Arts degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. It educates students in mental health counseling, co‐occurring chronic illnesses, and disabilities. The 48-credit program takes a holistic approach to work with people with disabilities. They help them achieve financial and physical independence. The curriculum prepares students to counsel people with disabilities and help them manage issues like:
- Mental health
- Substance abuse
- Medical
- Social and personal problems
- Career-related
Graduates are eligible for the national examination. With appropriate supervised experience, they become certified as a rehabilitation counselor. They go on to excel in counseling careers in a variety of settings. The program is CACREP accredited. The University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $625
#21 University of Massachusetts
Boston, MA
Online MS in Rehabilitation Counseling
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Points: 10
The University of Massachusetts offers an online Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling. The 60 credit program:
- Prepares graduates to practice in a variety of community settings and institutions
- Helps students meet the academic requirements for licensure in Massachusetts
- Leads to National Certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
- The program operates on a cohort model
- Two weeks of on-campus study is required to complete two required clinical courses
- The remaining classes are delivered online and follow the semester calendar
Graduates work in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation agencies, clinics, and residential treatment facilities. The program is CORE accredited. The University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Tuition per credit: $575
#20 North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro, NC
MS in Counseling-Clinical or Rehabilitation Counseling Online
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Points: 11
North Carolina A & T State University offers a hybrid/online Master of Science in Counseling-Clinical or Rehabilitation Counseling track. The curriculum includes multiple field experiences. Students enjoy a flexible schedule; coursework is completed in sequence but at their own pace. The 60-credit program leads to Licensed Professional Counselor requirements for North Carolina. Electives include:
Rehabilitation Counseling and Behavioral Addictions
Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment
Marriage and Family Counseling
Rehabilitation Psychology
Graduates work in diverse settings and help individuals lead a more productive life. The program is CACREP accredited. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $568.13
#19 New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, NM
MA in Counseling- Rehabilitation Counseling Online
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Points: 11
New Mexico Highlands University offers a Master of Arts in Counseling-Rehabilitation Counseling. The 48-credit curriculum covers coursework like:
- Foundations
- Case Management
- Job Placement in Rehabilitation
- Medical Aspects of Disability
- Psychosocial and Cultural Aspects of Disability
The program meets requirements for licensed rehabilitation counselors in the New Mexico Public Education Department. Graduates are qualified to apply for their Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential. They work in vocational rehabilitation settings with people with a variety of disabilities. These include chronic mental illness, physical disabilities, traumatic brain injury, developmental delays, and drug and alcohol dependence. The program is CACREP accredited. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition per credit: $525
#18 Edinboro University
Edinboro, PA
MA in Clinical Rehabilitation and CMHC Online
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Points: 11
Edinboro University offers an online Master of Arts in Clinical Rehabilitation and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. It is offered via its School of Graduate Studies. The 63-credit program:
- Prepares students for certifications and state licensures
- Prepares graduates to assist persons with physical, cognitive, neurological, mental, and emotional disabilities
- Teaches them to develop their personal, social, interpersonal, and vocational potentials
- The curriculum has a strengths-based, holistic approach
- Teaches students to help people face adversity, overcome those challenges, and become stronger
- Equips them with the specialized knowledge and skills
The program is CACREP accredited. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition per credit: $516
#17 St.Cloud State University
St.Cloud, MN
Rehabilitation Counseling MS Online
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Points: 11
St.Cloud State University offers an online Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling. The 52-credit program teaches students to:
Featured Programs
- Help people with disabilities achieve their personal, social, career, and independence goals
- Develop the professional understanding, knowledge, attitude, and skills necessary in the field
- Meet the educational requirements to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
- Sit for a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Graduates go on to work in a variety of settings. The program is CACREP accredited. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition per credit: $489.45
#16 University at Buffalo-SUNY
Buffalo, NY
Rehabilitation Counseling, MS Online
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Points: 12
The University at Buffalo-SUNY offers an online Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling. It is provided via its Graduate School of Education. It is known as one of the most affordable CACREP-accredited programs in Western New York. The 48-credit program prepares students to:
- Become competent and skillful in their work
- Become nationally-certified rehabilitation counselors
- Receive a quality education through a program that is ranked among the best in the nation
- Enjoy research engagement with faculty
- Get three semesters of field placement training providing a rich clinical experience
The program is accredited by the New York State Education Department and CACREP. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition per year: $11,310
#15 Hunter College-CUNY
New York City, NY
Rehabilitation Counseling (MSEd) Online
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Points: 12
Hunter College- CUNY offers an online MSEd in Rehabilitation Counseling via its School of Education. The 60-credit program prepares students to help people with disabilities realize their potential. Students can take the national certification examination after completing 75% of their coursework. Elective options include:
- Chemical Dependency: Issues in Counseling
- Transition from School to Adult Living for Youth with Disabilities
- Special Topics in Counseling.
Graduates work with youth and adults in a variety of community-based settings. Hunter College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition per semester: $5,545
#14 Montana State University Billings
Billings, MT
MS in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Online
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Points: 12
Montana State University Billings offers an online Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling. It prepares graduates for state licensure eligibility and National Certification. The curriculum combines theory with fieldwork experiences. It is recognized for its quality and high academic standards. Students attend classes online but can complete their practicum and internships locally. Graduates work in varied settings like:
- State and federal agencies
- Hospitals and rehabilitation facilities
- Schools and universities
The program is CACREP accredited. The University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Tuition per credit: $466.65
#13 University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC
M.A. in Counseling and Rehabilitation Online
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Points: 12
The University of South Carolina offers an online Masters of Arts degree in Counseling and Rehabilitation, with a specialization in clinical rehabilitation counseling. Students learn to provide counseling to people with physical or mental disabilities. They help people who are cultural and economic, and educational disadvantages. The specialization coursework includes:
- Foundations of Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
- Psychosocial and Medical Aspects of Clinical Rehabilitation
- Professional Issues in Clinical Rehabilitation
The program is CACREP accredited. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per semester: $6,627
#12 University of Southern Maine
Portland, ME
MS in Counseling Online-Rehabilitation Concentration
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Points: 12
The University of Southern Maine offers a hybrid/online Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Rehabilitation. The 63-credit program provides graduates with counseling key knowledge and skills. The program prepares students to take the licensure exams. Specialization courses include:
- Professional Issues in Mental Health Counseling
- Psychopharmacology
- Substance-Related Disorders & Integrated Co-Occurring Treatment
- Diagnosis & Treatment Planning
- Internship in Counselor Education along with a clinical placement component
The program is dually accredited by both CORE & CACREP. The University of Southern Maine is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Tuition per credit: $421
#11 The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
MA in Rehabilitation Counseling Online
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Points: 12
The University of Alabama offers an online M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling. It prepares graduates to counsel individuals with disabilities and their families. The 60-credit program combines live class lectures and clinical experiences. Students learn about:
- Individual and group counseling
- Advocacy and case management
- Vocational assessment
- Assistive technology and consultation services
- Diverse needs like personal, social, vocational, psychological, independent living
Graduates go on to work in public and private settings, rural and urban communities. They support these individuals and their families to take part in their communities. The program is CACREP accredited. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $420
#10 Virginia Commonwealth University
Master’s in Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling Online
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Points: 13
Virginia Commonwealth University offers an online Master in Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling program. It is provided via its College of Health Professions. The 60-credit program prepares graduates for licensures and required credentials. Coursework includes:
- Intro Mental Health Counsel
- Career Counselor/Job Placement
- Mental Health Disorders
- Multicultural Counseling
- Addiction Counseling
- Couples/Family Counseling
The U.S. News and World Report rank the program 4th nationally in the category. The Department is CACREP accredited. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $12,134
#9 University of Wisconsin-Stout
Menomonie, WI
MS in Rehabilitation Counseling Online
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Points: 13
The University of Wisconsin-Stout offers an online Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. It is ranked as the 4th best Rehabilitation Counseling Program in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report. The 60 credit program teaches students to:
- Work with people with all types of disabilities
- Assist clients reach their potential and optimize their independence
- Take the national Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) examination
- Apply for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in Wisconsin and other states
The program is CACREP accredited. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition per credit: $397.52
#8 Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA
MA in Rehabilitation Counseling Online
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Points: 13
Western Washington University offers an online Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling. It is provided via its Woodring College of Education. The 90-credit graduate program teaches students to:
- Help people with physical, mental, developmental, cognitive, and emotional disabilities
- Assist them in achieving their personal, career, and independent living goals
- Use essential skills like communication, goal setting, and beneficial growth
- Practice self-advocacy and behavioral interventions
- Practice psychological and vocational counseling in integrated settings.
The University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Tuition per credit: $338
#7 University of Idaho
Moscow, ID
RCHS MS Online
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Points: 13
The University of Idaho offers an online Masters of Education/Master of Science (M.Ed./M.S.) Rehabilitation Counseling and Human Services. Courses are delivered in-person online, and in hybrid formats. The 60-credit counseling program teaches:
- About the counseling process
- Communication, goal setting, and beneficial growth
- Change through self-advocacy, psychological, vocational, social, and behavioral interventions
- Assisting people with physical, mental, developmental, cognitive, and emotional disabilities
- Eligibility for National Certification and state licensures
It is the only kind in Idaho’s specializing in disability and Rehabilitation.
The program is CACREP accredited. The University is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Tuition per semester: $4,676
#6 San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
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Points: 14
San Diego State University offers a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling. The 60 semester hour program:
- Has a flexible format and can be completed in two to three years
- Is designed for employed rehabilitation personnel who are counselors and service providers
- Uses mediated technologies to train graduates to work with individuals in varied settings
- Conforms to the standards and requirements established by the Graduate Council
The program is CACREP accredited. The University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
Tuition: $18,000
#5 Western Oregon University
Monmouth, OR
MS in Rehabilitation Counseling Online
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Points: 14
Western Oregon University offers an online Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling.
The 90-credit program offers two tracks :
- Rehabilitation counseling
- Rehabilitation counseling for the deaf (online/hybrid option)
The program emphasizes components like:
- Influencing career acquisition
- Self-awareness and personal independence for people with disabilities
- Individual and group counseling theory and technique
- Social and psychological impact of disability
- Federal, state, and private systems for persons with disabilities
Students can seek licensure as a licensed professional counselor. The program is CACREP accredited. The University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Tuition per year: $13,311
#4 University of North Texas
Denton, TX
Online M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
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Points: 14
The University of North Texas offers an online Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling. It is provided via its UNT College of Health and Public Service. The 60-credit program has been ranked No. 12 best graduate rehabilitation counseling programs in the nation and No 1 in Texas by U.S. News. It is designed for students passionate about empowering others to live a productive life. Coursework includes:
- Rehabilitation counseling principles and ethics
- Multiculturalism and disability
- Counseling theories and techniques
- Medical and psychosocial aspects of disability
The University of North Texas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $277.79
#3 Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX
MS in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Online
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Points: 15
Texas Tech University offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling. It is provided via its School of Health Professions. The 60-credit curriculum:
- Emphasizes telehealth
- Provides training for the rehabilitation counseling field
- Makes students eligible for a certificate in telehealth upon graduation from the program
- Prepares them for Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and the National Counselor Exam (NCE)
- Teaches them to help people overcome disabilities, build viable careers, and live independently
The program is CACREP accredited. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $261
#2 Fort Valley State University
Fort Valley, GA
Online MS in Rehabilitation Counseling
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Points: 15
Fort Valley State University offers an online Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. The 61-credit program helps students become effective rehabilitation counselors. They gain the knowledge and skills to enable individuals with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. Graduates work in varied settings like:
- Educational institutions
- Hospitals & Mental health facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Group homes
- Substance abuse treatment centers
- Correctional facilities
- Vocational rehabilitation programs
The program is CACREP accredited. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $219
#1 Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem, NC
MS in Rehabilitation Counseling Online
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Points: 16
Winston-Salem State University offers an online Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling. The 63-credit program prepares graduates for licensure exams. Concentration options include:
- Transition
- Rehabilitation counseling
- Deaf and hard of hearing
- Clinical mental health counseling
- Vocational evaluation
Graduates work with diverse people with developmental, psychosocial, physical, and sensory disabilities. They assist disabled individuals in obtaining competitive employment and achieving independent living goals. The program is CACREP accredited. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $186.08
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