By BCD Staff
July 2018
We have put together a list of the top 10 low-cost online master's degrees in rehabilitation counseling. The schools listed here offer high quality and affordable master's degrees in rehabilitation counseling. Programs listed here are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Counselor Education (CORE). Graduates of accredited programs will be academically prepared to take the national exam for credentialing as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). Certified Rehabilitation Counselors work with individuals who are living with physical, emotional, and mental disabilities.
Rehabilitation Counselors support individuals in gaining increased independence in all areas (mental, physical, emotional) with a focus on strengthening developmental, vocational, and educational skills for an overall improvement in their quality of life. Rehabilitation Counselors have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings such as independent living centers, community health clinics, special education/transition programs, psychiatric rehabilitation programs, developmental disability programs, rehabilitation centers, substance abuse treatment programs, correctional facilities, vocational rehabilitation programs, and hospitals.
Methodology: This ranking was developed by utilizing the Institute of Education Statistics' College Navigator to gather a list of schools that offer graduate degrees in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling online. Each school's programs were searched to confirm that they did offer a counseling degree with a rehabilitation counseling focus in an online format. Schools were then sorted by affordability, ranking from high to low based on the cost per credit hour as listed on the schools' websites.
If you are looking for a low-cost online masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling we are confident you will find the school that is right for you here!
#10 Assumption College
Worcester, MA
Online Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling
A Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling is offered through the Graduate Studies Program at Assumption College. Students can choose to complete the program on-campus through full or part-time study or to complete the program online with a part-time course of study. Both options require the completion of 60 credits. The online program focuses on offering a student-centered approach to education with a commitment to supporting the interaction between students and faculty as students move through the program. All online students will complete a five-day on-campus session each summer to support their professional growth and development as rehabilitation counselors.
Courses include: Research Seminar; Counseling Theory and Practice; Group Work; Advanced Counseling; Human Growth, Development and Disability Across the Lifespan; Cultural Responsiveness in Counseling; Substance Abuse Treatment; and Transition: Community-Based Practicum.
- Cost: $691 / Credit Hour
- Credits Required: 60
#9 University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY
Online Master's in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
The College of Education at the University of Kentucky offers an online Master's in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Accelerated Distance Learning Program. Courses are offered in concentrated eight-week blocks through asynchronous web-based instruction. This method of instruction is designed to be flexible allowing students to concentrate on courses and complete assignments at their own convenience within some parameters. Virtual class hours are also offered in order for instructors to be accessible for students to interact with as needed. Students engaged in this full-time program can complete the requirements within 16 months. Students who would prefer to move through the program at a part-time pace can complete the program in three years.
Courses include: Principles of Rehabilitation Counseling; Rehabilitation Counseling Theory and Practice; Human Growth, Disability, and Development Across the Lifespan; Cultural Diversity in Rehabilitation Counseling; Crisis, Disaster, and Trauma Response for Persons with Disabilities; Case Management in Rehabilitation Counseling; Rehabilitation Research and Program Evaluation; Group and Family Counseling; Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment Planning; Placement Services and Techniques in Rehabilitation Counseling; and Transition, Supported Employment, and Independent Living.
- Cost: $674 / Credit Hour
- Credits Required: 58
#8 Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem, NC
Online Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
Winston-Salem State University offers an online Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling. This program is offered both online or on-campus. Students can complete the program in two years of full-time study. Areas of Emphasis are offered for students who would like to have a specialty to take into their career as a professional rehabilitation counselor. Areas of Emphasis can be completed for 9-15 credits of elective courses and include Rural Vocational Rehabilitation; Transition; Deaf and Hard of Hearing; and Vocational Evaluation. Students in the program will gain valuable clinical skills through supervised practicum and internship experiences. Graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of settings with diverse populations.
Courses include: Foundations of Rehabilitation Counseling; Theories and Techniques of Counseling; Group Counseling; Vocational Assessment; Medical and Psychosocial aspects of Disabilities in Rehabilitation Counseling; Ethics in Rehabilitation Counseling; Culture and Disability; Transition from School to Work; Career Decision Making in Rural Settings; Helping Relationships and Techniques in Counseling; Vocational Placement; Human Growth and Development; and Psychosocial and Cultural Diversity Issues.
- Cost: $672 / Credit Hour
- Credits Required: 60
#7 University of North Texas
Denton, TX
Online Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
A Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling is offered online at the University of North Texas. This degree is also offered on campus allowing students to select the mode of study that best meets their needs. Students in this program will learn to collaborate with and advocate for individuals with disabilities in achieving goals and increasing overall well-being. Students have the opportunity to work closely with recognized faculty and experts in the field of rehabilitation counseling. Faculty is engaged in several areas of research covering topics such as the impact of disability on ethnic and cultural populations; substance abuse recovery prevention; and the impact of resilience on health outcomes.
Courses include: Recovery Seminar; Introduction to Drugs and Addictions; Honors College Mentored Research Experience; Microcounseling; Disability and Society; Case Management in Rehabilitation; Additions; Drugs and Alcohol; Addiction Treatment Models; Alcohol, Drugs and Disability; Introduction to Psychiatric Rehabilitation; Addiction Counseling and Groups; Employment Services; Studies in Rehabilitation; and Rehabilitation Practicum.
- Cost: $643 / Credit Hour
- Credits Required: 60
#6 San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
Online Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
San Diego State University offers an online Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling. This program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Students interested in the Rehabilitation Counseling Program at San Diego State University can choose between an on-campus or online program. The distance education option is offered fully online. San Diego State University works to recruit students with diverse backgrounds and experiences to enrich the Rehabilitation Counseling Program. Graduates will be prepared to pursue certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. Students who are interested in pursuing the offered Clinical Concentration will be prepared to pursue additional licensure and certification as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and the Advanced Certificate in Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Additionally, areas of specialization are offered in: Cognitive Disabilities; Rehabilitation Technology; Supported Employment and Transition Services; and Psychiatric Rehabilitation.
Courses include: Rehabilitation Foundations; Medical and Psychological Aspects of Disability; Theory and Process of Counseling; Assessment in Rehabilitation; Practicum in Rehabilitation; Placement Practices with Individuals with Disabilities; Seminar in Multicultural Dimensions in Counseling; Case Management and Rehabilitation Services; Assessment: Career Development; Methods of Inquiry; Group Dynamics; Applications of Assistive Technology; and Program Development.
- Cost: $627 / Credit Hour
- Credits Required: 60
#5 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Lubbock, TX
Online Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
A Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling is offered at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. The program emphasizes a commitment to training rehabilitation counselors to serve diverse communities in rural settings. Students will learn the clinical skills and ethical considerations necessary to be professional rehabilitation counselors with the ability to provide evidence-based services to individuals with mental, physical and/or emotional disabilities. Graduates of this CACREP accredited program will be prepared to take the national certification examination and pursue certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and/or pursue licensure as Licensed Professional Counselor.
Courses include: Introduction to Counseling and Ethical Development; Counseling Theories; Medical Aspects of Disability; Career Counseling; Multicultural Counseling; Group Counseling; Micro Counseling; Foundations of Rehabilitation Counseling and Ethical Development; Addictions; Human Growth and Development; Professional Development in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling; Assessment; Psychopathology and Diagnostics; Research and Statistics; and Treatment Planning and Case Management.
- Cost: $540 / Credit Hour
- Credits Required: 60
#4 Emporia State University
Emporia, KS
Online Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
Emporia State University offers an online Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling. This 48 credit, CORE accredited program is available fully online. Students will be trained to work in a variety of rehabilitation settings with the ability to provide assessment, intervention, and prevention services to diverse populations. Each students program of study is thoughtfully planned based on the individual students academic and work experience. All students will complete supervised internship and practicum experiences. Graduates will be prepared to pursue professional certification as a rehabilitation counselor.
Courses include: Analysis of Research; Career Counseling and Development; Counseling Theories; Group Processes in Counseling; Vocational Information and Assessment; Employment Issues in Rehabilitation; Foundations of Rehabilitation Counseling; Medical Aspects of Disability; Psychosocial Development and Disability; Advanced Case Management; Supervised Practicum in Rehabilitation Counseling; and Internship in Rehabilitation Counseling.
- Cost: $470 / Credit Hour
- Credits Required: 60
#3 Utah State University
Logan, UT
Online Master of Rehabilitation Counseling
Utah State University offers an online Master of Rehabilitation Counseling. This online CORE accredited program trains students to become professional certified rehabilitation counselors. Students can complete coursework through the distance education program online with live classes. Online students are asked to travel to campus in Logan, UT in the summer semester to complete three one-week courses.
Graduates will be prepared to pursue careers in settings such as: The Veterans Administration, Independent living centers; Mental health clinics; Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers; Litigation and forensic settings; and private practice.
- Cost: $431 / Credit Hour
- Credits Required: 52
#2 The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
Online Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling
A Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling is offered online at the University of Alabama. This fully online 48 credit program includes an internship and practicum training experiences (which students will pursue locally) and is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). Students in the program will learn a variety of clinical and case management skills including individual and group counseling, vocational assessment, and advocacy to diverse populations experiencing disabilities. Coursework is offered online with live class lectures and students will gain practical skills through supervised practicum and internship experiences.
Courses include: Counseling: Theory and Process; Career Development; Counseling Skills; Group: Process and Procedures; Orientation to Rehabilitation Counseling; Medical, Functional, and Environmental Aspects of Disability; Vocational Rehabilitation Case Management and Placement; Multicultural Counseling; Advanced Seminar- Substance Abuse; Research Methods in Education; Life Span Development; Practicum in Rehabilitation Counseling; and Internship in Rehabilitation Counseling.
- Cost: $375 / Credit Hour
- Credits Required: 60
#1 Fort Valley State University
Fort Valley, GA
Online Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
Fort Valley State University offers an online Rehabilitation Counseling and Case Management Graduate Program. This Master of Science degree is offered online and designed to train students in developing an ethical and multi-culturally competent practice of rehabilitation counseling. Graduates will have an understanding of the medical and psychosocial dynamics of disability and will have the skills to support individuals with disabilities in achieving their goals in all areas of their life including social, occupational, and financial. Graduates will be prepared to pursue certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and/or licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Courses include: Introduction to Rehabilitation; Introduction to Case Management; Counseling Theories and Process; Medical Case Management; and Group Theory and Process.
- Cost: $219 / Credit Hour
Sources:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
This concludes our ranking of the top 10 low-cost online master's degrees in rehabilitation counseling. You may also like: Best Master's Degrees in Art Therapy, Ranked by Affordability.