The master's degree program in Rehabilitation Counseling is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) enabling graduates to apply for credentials as Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRC). The program consists of five semesters and is designed to prepare counselors who specialize in providing services to people who have disabilities. Students may also choose to develop a specialization regarding services to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Coursework emphasizes the development of skills and knowledge in three areas: counseling, rehabilitation, and disabilities. The number of master's degree students in the program varies, but generally is fewer than 20 at any given time. This allows for small classes and individual supervision of counseling experiences. An array of elective courses is available through other NIU departments allowing students to pursue special interests. These include family therapy, early intervention services, school-related counseling, and community mental health.
Each semester, students engage in hands-on-practical experiences that enhance their development of counseling skills. Students have involvement with an on-campus residential Department program serving 50-75 young adults with hearing losses each year (Program for Hearing Impaired). Student also have the oportunity to interact with practicing professionals in the Department's federally funded Institutes on Deafness and Deaf-Blindness.
A thesis option is available for students interested in completing original investigations.
Graduates are employed in the state-federal rehabilitation program, rehabilitation facilities and hospitals, community service programs, school and collegiate settings, and mental health programs.
For more information contact:
Deborah Gough, Ed.D.
School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 753-1484