Master of Science Rehabilitation Counseling
The Rehabilitation Counseling program offers a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Rehabilitation Counseling through a CACREP-accredited curriculum. The program prepares students with the knowledge and skills required for professional practice in rehabilitation counseling.
Graduates are prepared to provide counseling and consultative services to individuals with disabilities across a range of settings including community rehabilitation programs, healthcare systems, state vocational rehabilitation agencies, schools, nonprofit organizations, and behavioral or community mental health settings. The curriculum emphasizes evidence based counseling, disability studies, career development, and support for the mental health and well being of individuals with disabilities.
Students who complete the program also meet the academic requirements to pursue licensure in Oregon as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). This allows graduates to work in clinical and community mental health settings in addition to rehabilitation-focused roles.
The program offers a flexible structure. Students complete the degree in two years of full-time study or approximately 2.5 to 3 years with part-time enrollment for those balancing employment or geographic considerations. The curriculum follows a hybrid format with most courses delivered online along with required in-person attendance at the WOU:Salem campus one to two Saturdays per month during each academic term.
This structure supports students who live outside the immediate Salem area while maintaining strong clinical training and academic standards.
Apply now to start the program fall 2026!
credits required
Program Details
Overview
Mission:
Prepare rehabilitation and mental health professionals who are skilled in advocating for and with persons who are deaf or have disabilities and who are competent counselors knowledgeable about the development and dissemination of innovative and culturally sensitive rehabilitation practices and policies.
Designed for:
The program emphasizes five major components:
- Individual and group counseling theory and technique;
- Influence of career acquisition and personal independence on the daily lives of persons with disabilities;
- Social and psychological impact of disability on an individual and family;
- Federal, state, and private service delivery systems for persons with disabilities; and
- Self-awareness on the part of counselors-in-training.
Where this degree can take you:
- Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
- Mental health counselor in a community or higher education setting
- Case Manager with a vendor who serves vocational rehabilitation setting
- Youth Transition Specialist
- Community services coordinator for adults with disabilities
- Disabled student services
- Client Advocate
- Group or supported living coordinator
To start, you need:
- A bachelor’s degree
- 2 years of working experience is preferred
Finishing will take:
- 2-3 years
- 90 credits
- Internship
- Comprehensive Case Conseptulization Presentation
Begin your MS in Rehabilitation Counseling program:
- Fall term
Where you will take classes:
- Online/distance fall, winter, spring, and summer
- On-campus weekend courses (1-2 times per month) at the WOU Salem Campus
Technology you will need:
- Computer with internet connection
What you will learn:
You will receive training to provide individuals who are Deaf and/or have disabilities an opportunity to live fulfilling, productive, and independent lives. FAQs
Learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of rehabilitation and mental health counseling theories, models, and policies.
- Develop proficiency in social justice counseling that empowers diverse individuals with various levels of ability to attain self-determination, equity, meaningful employment, full community inclusion, and personal growth.
- Uphold professional excellence and leadership through ethical practice and integrity.
Accreditation
The program is certified by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling & Related Education Programs (CACREP). Program Outcomes for 2024-2025, CACREP Program Evaluation Report for 2024-2025.
Application Requirements
Deadlines and Key Dates
Priority Application Deadline
Applications received by January 15 receive priority consideration.
Review Process
Application review begins January 15 and continues monthly until the cohort is full.
Interview Notification
Applicants who submit complete applications by the priority deadline receive interview notification by February 1.
Interviews
Group interviews take place in February.
After the Priority Deadline
Applications submitted after January 15 are reviewed on a rolling basis until the cohort is full.
Application Materials Required for WOU Graduate Admission
- Applicants must hold a four year baccalaureate degree or international equivalent from a regionally accredited institution recognized by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars.
- Applicants should demonstrate a cumulative B average equivalent to a 3.00 on a U.S. 4.00 grading scale on the most recent baccalaureate degree. Applicants who have undergraduate GPA of 2.50 to 2.99 may be admitted conditionally. See Additional Consideration for GPA Requirement section below.
- Applicants who hold a master’s degree have the 3.0 GPA expectation waived.
- $60 application fee submitted through the WOU Graduate application.
- Upload an unofficial transcript to complete the application for review. Save the file as a PDF with your first and last name in the title and include transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. Official transcripts from each institution are required for formal admission.
- If you are applying as an International Student, please visit the Office of International Education and Development. We currently do not have any programs that support immigration requirements for International students.
Additional Consideration for GPA Requirement
- In some cases, the program offers *conditional admission based on overall strength of the application. Applicants who have undergraduate GPA of 2.50 to 2.99 may be admitted conditionally for the first 9 credit hours. *Conditionally admitted students will not be able to receive financial aid until they become fully admitted students and a program plan is on file.
- The Rehabilitation Counseling program reviews the full application including academic history, professional experience, writing sample, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
In addition to meeting WOU Graduate School admission requirements listed above, applicants to the Rehabilitation Counseling program must submit the following additional materials.
Current Resume
Submit a current resume saved as a PDF with your first and last name in the title.
Writing Sample
Writing ability serves as an important factor in graduate study. The program reviews this sample to assess writing skills.
- Prepare a typed, double spaced writing sample between one and two pages.
- Write a candid letter of self-recommendation to the Rehabilitation Counseling Program. Describe personal qualities and professional experiences that support graduate study in counseling. Discuss your hopes and concerns about yourself as a student and as a rehabilitation counselor. Include your career goals. Write the letter in your own style.
Recommendations
- Provide at least two recommendations from current or former employers, professors, supervisors, or colleagues. Recommendations should speak to the applicant’s competence, leadership, or mentoring potential, and ability to work effectively across differences in communication or perspective. The online recommendation system will send an email request to each recommender.
Background Information
- Complete the background information form within the online application.
Curriculum
Program core course requirements begin in the fall term each year and require a minimum of seven sequential terms, including one summer term. During clinical training, students complete practicum and internship clinical placements in either vocational rehabilitation settings or mental health service settings based on their professional interests and career goals.
Your plan of study:
Once admitted to M.S. Rehabilitation Counseling program, you will work with an advisor to plan the courses you will take and how you will complete the academic requirements of the program. By filing this Program Plan (PDF form), you have a road map for completing your degree and clarity on what to expect. Please review the RMHC Student Handbook and the RMHC Clinical Handbook for more information.
Prospects after graduation
Over the past five years, 96-100 percent of our graduates were employed in appropriate professional fields within six months of graduation. Retention in the field of rehabilitation remains at 94 percent up to five years after graduation.
Faculty
CHUNG-FAN NI
Professor
503-838-8038 | nic@wou.edu | RWEC 135
CHIEN-CHUN LIN
Associate Professor
503-838-9305 | linc@wou.edu | RWEC 141
CARLOS TEXIDOR MALDONADO
Assistant Professor
texidormaldonadoc@wou.edu
IRETI DEBATO-CANCEL
Instructional Faculty
canceli@wou.edu
ISABEL DRYDEN
Director of Behavioral Health
drydeni@wou.edu
The people behind the MS RC program:
The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Program (CACREP). Our faculty prides itself in being a National leader in Rehabilitation Counseling Education. Please let us know if we can help answer questions about this program, your career, or application requirements.
RSA
Rehabilitation Services Administration
RSA scholarship funding is not currently available. This page will be updated if RSA funding becomes available in the future.
The program has previously received grant funding from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), U.S. Department of Education, to support student training in rehabilitation counseling. When available, RSA funding helps offset a portion of tuition costs for selected students.
RSA funding is competitive and dependent on federal grant cycles. The program plans to apply for future RSA funding opportunities.
When RSA scholarships are awarded, recipients commit to working in the rehabilitation counseling field after graduation, typically in state vocational rehabilitation agencies or related organizations that provide services to individuals with disabilities. Service obligations follow federal RSA guidelines and are tied to the amount of scholarship support received.
Mission:
Prepare rehabilitation and mental health professionals who are skilled in advocating for and with persons who are deaf or have disabilities and who are competent counselors knowledgeable about the development and dissemination of innovative and culturally sensitive rehabilitation practices and policies.
Designed for:
The program emphasizes five major components:
- Individual and group counseling theory and technique;
- Influence of career acquisition and personal independence on the daily lives of persons with disabilities;
- Social and psychological impact of disability on an individual and family;
- Federal, state, and private service delivery systems for persons with disabilities; and
- Self-awareness on the part of counselors-in-training.
Where this degree can take you:
- Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
- Mental health counselor in a community or higher education setting
- Case Manager with a vendor who serves vocational rehabilitation setting
- Youth Transition Specialist
- Community services coordinator for adults with disabilities
- Disabled student services
- Client Advocate
- Group or supported living coordinator
To start, you need:
- A bachelor’s degree
- 2 years of working experience is preferred
Finishing will take:
- 2-3 years
- 90 credits
- Internship
- Comprehensive Case Conceptualization Presentation
Begin your MS in Rehabilitation Counseling program:
- Fall term
Where you will take classes:
- Online/distance fall, winter, spring, and summer
- On-campus weekend courses (1-2 times per month) at the WOU Salem Campus
Technology you will need:
- Computer with internet connection
What you will learn:
You will receive training to provide individuals who are Deaf and/or have disabilities an opportunity to live fulfilling, productive, and independent lives. FAQs
Learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of rehabilitation and mental health counseling theories, models, and policies.
- Develop proficiency in social justice counseling that empowers diverse individuals with various levels of ability to attain self-determination, equity, meaningful employment, full community inclusion, and personal growth.
- Uphold professional excellence and leadership through ethical practice and integrity.
Accreditation
The program is certified by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling & Related Education Programs (CACREP). Program Outcomes for 2024-2025, CACREP Program Evaluation Report for 2024-2025.
Deadlines and Key Dates
Priority Application Deadline
Applications received by January 15 receive priority consideration.
Review Process
Application review begins January 15 and continues monthly until the cohort is full.
Interview Notification
Applicants who submit complete applications by the priority deadline receive interview notification by February 1.
Interviews
Group interviews take place in February.
After the Priority Deadline
Applications submitted after January 15 are reviewed on a rolling basis until the cohort is full.
Application Materials Required for WOU Graduate Admission
- Applicants must hold a four year baccalaureate degree or international equivalent from a regionally accredited institution recognized by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars.
- Applicants should demonstrate a cumulative B average equivalent to a 3.00 on a U.S. 4.00 grading scale on the most recent baccalaureate degree. Applicants who have undergraduate GPA of 2.50 to 2.99 may be admitted conditionally. See Additional Consideration for GPA Requirement section below.
- Applicants who hold a master’s degree have the 3.0 GPA expectation waived.
- $60 application fee submitted through the WOU Graduate application.
- Upload an unofficial transcript to complete the application for review. Save the file as a PDF with your first and last name in the title and include transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. Official transcripts from each institution are required for formal admission.
- If you are applying as an International Student, please visit the Office of International Education and Development. We currently do not have any programs that support immigration requirements for International students.
Additional Consideration for GPA Requirement
- In some cases, the program offers *conditional admission based on overall strength of the application. Applicants who have undergraduate GPA of 2.50 to 2.99 may be admitted conditionally for the first 9 credit hours. *Conditionally admitted students will not be able to receive financial aid until they become fully admitted students and a program plan is on file.
- The Rehabilitation Counseling program reviews the full application including academic history, professional experience, writing sample, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
In addition to meeting WOU Graduate School admission requirements listed above, applicants to the Rehabilitation Counseling program must submit the following additional materials.
Current Resume
Submit a current resume saved as a PDF with your first and last name in the title.
Writing Sample
Writing ability serves as an important factor in graduate study. The program reviews this sample to assess writing skills.
- Prepare a typed, double spaced writing sample between one and two pages.
- Write a candid letter of self-recommendation to the Rehabilitation Counseling Program. Describe personal qualities and professional experiences that support graduate study in counseling. Discuss your hopes and concerns about yourself as a student and as a rehabilitation counselor. Include your career goals. Write the letter in your own style.
Recommendations
- Provide at least two recommendations from current or former employers, professors, supervisors, or colleagues. Recommendations should speak to the applicant’s competence, leadership, or mentoring potential, and ability to work effectively across differences in communication or perspective. The online recommendation system will send an email request to each recommender.
Background Information
- Complete the background information form within the online application.
Program core course requirements begin in the fall term each year and require a minimum of seven sequential terms, including one summer term. During clinical training, students complete practicum and internship clinical placements in either vocational rehabilitation settings or mental health service settings based on their professional interests and career goals.
Your plan of study:
Once admitted to M.S. Rehabilitation Counseling program, you will work with an advisor to plan the courses you will take and how you will complete the academic requirements of the program. By filing this Program Plan (PDF form), you have a road map for completing your degree and clarity on what to expect. Please review the RMHC Student Handbook and the RMHC Clinical Handbook for more information.
Prospects after graduation
Over the past five years, 96-100 percent of our graduates were employed in appropriate professional fields within six months of graduation. Retention in the field of rehabilitation remains at 94 percent up to five years after graduation.
CHUNG-FAN NI
Professor
503-838-8038 | nic@wou.edu | RWEC 135
CHIEN-CHUN LIN
Associate Professor
503-838-9305 | linc@wou.edu | RWEC 141
CARLOS TEXIDOR MALDONADO
Assistant Professor
texidormaldonadoc@wou.edu
IRETI DEBATO-CANCEL
Instructional Faculty
canceli@wou.edu
ISABEL DRYDEN
Director of Behavioral Health
drydeni@wou.edu
The people behind the MS RC program:
The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Program (CACREP). Our faculty prides itself in being a National leader in Rehabilitation Counseling Education. Please let us know if we can help answer questions about this program, your career, or application requirements.
Rehabilitation Services Administration
RSA scholarship funding is not currently available. This page will be updated if RSA funding becomes available in the future.
The program has previously received grant funding from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), U.S. Department of Education, to support student training in rehabilitation counseling. When available, RSA funding helps offset a portion of tuition costs for selected students.
RSA funding is competitive and dependent on federal grant cycles. The program plans to apply for future RSA funding opportunities.
When RSA scholarships are awarded, recipients commit to working in the rehabilitation counseling field after graduation, typically in state vocational rehabilitation agencies or related organizations that provide services to individuals with disabilities. Service obligations follow federal RSA guidelines and are tied to the amount of scholarship support received.
Program Highlights
Over the past five years, 96-100 percent of our graduate were employed in appropriate professional fields within six months of graduation. Retention in the field of rehabilitation remains at 94 percent up to five years after graduation. Our graduates are currently working as state vocational rehabilitation counselors all over the United States. In addition we have graduates working at the Commission for the Blind, Department of Labor, Social Security Administration, and the Veterans’ Administration. We also have graduates working in mental health fields as addictions counselors, community mental health, criminal justice counselors, and independent living counselors. The variety of opportunities for careers with this education are endless.
Why choose WOU?
- Graduates are eligible to seek Oregon licensure as a licensed professional counselor in mental health settings.
- RSA grant opportunities to assist with tuition expenses.
- Long standing success in areas of placement and employment for RC graduates.
