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Master of Arts (MA) in

Rehabilitation Counseling

Online

Program Overview

The University of Alabama’s Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling prepares professionals to support people with disabilities in achieving greater independence, well-being and participation in work and community life. The program is entirely delivered online to prepare professional counselor education with specialized knowledge of disability, employment, rehabilitation, advocacy and case management.

Online Program Format

60 Credit Hours

$480 Tuition Per Hour

Begin a Career That Changes Lives

The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), demonstrating that it meets nationally recognized standards for the preparation of professional counselors in general and rehabilitation counselors in particular.

Students learn to address the personal, social, vocational and environmental barriers that can affect people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Through counseling, collaboration, advocacy and evidence-informed rehabilitation practices, graduates are prepared to help individuals identify their strengths, pursue meaningful goals and improve their quality of life.

Who This Program Is For

The MA in Rehabilitation Counseling is designed for individuals who:

  • Want to promote independence, empowerment, participation and quality of life for people with disabilities.
  • Are preparing for or advancing careers in vocational rehabilitation agencies, healthcare settings, schools and universities, veterans’ services, community-based programs, disability organizations or related counseling settings.
  • Want to integrate counseling knowledge and skills with disability advocacy, vocational rehabilitation and employment-focused services.
  • Need the flexibility of an online program while benefiting from live interaction with faculty and classmates and supervised clinical experiences.
What You’ll Learn

Through interactive coursework, supervised practicum and a 600-hour internship, you will develop the knowledge and skills to:

  • Provide individual and group counseling that supports personal, psychosocial and vocational development.
  • Use career, vocational and other relevant assessment information to identify clients’ strengths, needs, interests and employment goals.
  • Develop and coordinate individualized rehabilitation and case management plans across healthcare, education, employment and community systems.
  • Advocate for accessibility, reasonable accommodations, assistive technology and meaningful participation in employment and community life.
  • Understand how disability, health conditions, environmental barriers and social systems can influence individuals’ opportunities and well-being.
  • Collaborate with employers, healthcare professionals, families, community providers and other partners to support individualized rehabilitation outcomes.
Career Outcomes

Graduates are prepared for rehabilitation counseling and related positions such as:

  • Rehabilitation Counselor
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor or Specialist
  • Disability Services Professional
  • Vocational Evaluator or Employment Specialist
  • Case Manager
  • Job Placement or Supported Employment Specialist
  • Disability Advocate

Graduates may work in state and federal vocational rehabilitation programs, veterans’ services, healthcare and rehabilitation settings, schools and universities, community agencies, disability service organizations, employment programs and other settings serving people with disabilities.

Funding Opportunities
Qualified students may be eligible for financial and professional development support through Project STAR and the Rehabilitation Services Administration’s Long-Term Training Program. These initiatives support the preparation of rehabilitation professionals who are equipped to provide high-quality services to individuals with disabilities.

Application Priority DeadlineFebruary 15 for fall and summer admission, and October 15 for spring admission
Fees$10 College of Education graduate fee (per credit hour)
AccreditationCouncil for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
PracticumYes - required
InternshipYes - required
Scholarships and Grants AvailableDiscover a range of scholarships and grants to support your educational journey
Why Working Teachers and Education Professionals Choose UA OnlineLearn how UA Online provides pathways for others like you to pursue excellence through flexible, affordable graduate programs

True Cost Expectations

At UA Online, we know pursuing your education is a big choice, and we want to be transparent about the cost. See how UA Online’s rates make us your most competitive option.

Tuition grants and scholarships are available to assist with the cost of your next degree.

Required Hours 2025-2026 Tuition Rates College Fees Total
60 $28,800 $600 $29,400

Curriculum

The MA in Rehabilitation Counseling is a 60-credit-hour program and is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The curriculum provides both didactic and experiential learning and culminates in a 600-clock-hour, for-credit internship.

Practicum and internship are required. Please note that courses are subject to change.

Required Courses

  • BCE 512 Counseling Theory and Process
  • BCE 513 Career Development
  • BCE 514 Counseling Skills
  • BCE 517 Professional Issues, Ethics and Advocacy in Counseling
  • BCE 521 Group Procedures
  • BCE 522 Individual and Group Appraisal
  • BCE 533 Special Topics: Work and Disability
  • BCE 540 Orientation to Rehabilitation Counseling
  • BCE 542 Medical and Psychological Aspects of Disabilities
  • BCE 545 Case Management, Vocational Rehabilitation and Placement
  • BCE 611 Multicultural Approach to Counseling
  • BCE 613 Substance Abuse Counseling
  • BEP 550 Life Span Development
  • BER 500 Introduction to Education Research
  • BER 540 Statistical Methods in Education
  • BSP 660 Psychopathology
  • BCE 546 Practicum in Rehabilitation Counseling
  • BCE 547 Internship in Rehabilitation Counseling
  • Advisor-approved elective

This program requires an internship and practicum/field placement. The 3 hours of practicum/field placement credit are earned with 100 hours of experience, and the internship credit is earned for completion of 600 clock hours. It is the student’s responsibility to secure a site for the field placement.

Admission

Admission to the Master of Arts in Counselor Education — Rehabilitation Counseling program requires the following:

  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0, or 3.0 average for the last 60 hours in a degree program, or a 3.0 or higher in a completed graduate degree program to be considered for regular admission
  • Statement of purpose consistent with the goals of the program
  • Completed UA Graduate School application
  • Three letters of recommendation consistent with the goals of the program
  • Online interview with faculty — After reviewing application packets, promising applicants will be invited to participate in an interview with program faculty members. Admission decisions take into consideration both application materials and the applicant’s interview with the committee.

Applicants may be considered for admission if their GPA is lower than 3.0. While test scores are not required, students may submit a GRE score to be considered. If admitted, permission to continue is granted at the end of the first 12 hours of graduate credit by earning a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Admission decisions to the MA in Rehabilitation Counseling program are made on a rolling basis for each semester, and students may begin the program fall, spring or summer semester.

Priority application deadlines:

  • Fall and Summer admission – Feb. 15
  • Spring admission – Oct. 15

Priority is given to prospective students whose applications whose applications are submitted by the spring and summer priority admission deadlines.

Grants available:
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)
Project STAR (Service, Teaching, Advocacy and Rehabilitation)

This program does not lead to certification or licensure.

Find more information and learn about restrictions related to this degree program that may exist regarding licensure in the state in which you reside.

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Program Information

Connor Truitt
Admissions Representative
800-467-0227
connort.bama@ua.edu

Admissions Information

UA Online
800-467-0227
online@ua.edu

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