Rehabilitation Counseling

Curriculum

The Master of Arts in Counseling: Specialization in Rehabilitation Counseling is a 62-credit hour program that requires the successful completion of field training and courses from those listed below.

More detailed information, including course descriptions, can be found in the Adler University catalog here.

Dual Degrees

M.A. Rehabilitation Counseling / M.S. Sport & Human Performance
Stand out in the job market with a unique dual degree that offers training in rehabilitation counseling and sport psychology—all with a focus on social justice. Our Master of Arts in Counseling: Specialization in Rehabilitation Counseling program prepares clinicians to improve quality of life for individuals who face physical, developmental, and emotional challenges. Trained to confront systemic barriers and increase opportunities for inclusion, our graduates are well-equipped to empower populations such as the elderly, veterans, and people with disabilities in a wide range of settings.

Our innovative program is also accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP), which recognizes programs that meet or exceed the highest standards for counselor preparation. With a comprehensive theoretical curriculum and supervised clinical field experiences, we excel at preparing clinicians for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) examination and careers in counseling, case management, and advocacy.

M.A. Rehabilitation Counseling / M.A. Forensic Mental Health Leadership
Adler University’s unique M.A. in Forensic Mental Health Leadership / M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling dual degree prepares graduates to improve quality of life for individuals who face physical, behavioral, developmental, and emotional challenges — all with a focus on social justice. Trained to confront systemic barriers and increase opportunities for inclusion, our graduates are well-equipped to empower populations such as the elderly, veterans, and people with disabilities in a wide range of settings. The forensic distinctions offered in the dual degree program will also prepare graduates to work as mental health counselors with individuals, families and systems that interface with the legal and criminal justice arena. Our aim is to prepare clinicians who will be able to assess, treat, consult and apply a full array of counseling services in forensic and correctional settings.

The dual degree option also uniquely qualifies graduates to conduct specialized evaluations and provide expert witness and consultant services to the courts in a variety of civil litigation venues, including: personal injury; product liability; Worker’s Compensation; Social Security disability; employment law; discrimination; catastrophic injury with a Life Care Plan; professional malpractice; divorce; wrongful death of an adult or child; and other related areas.

Social Justice Practicum

Doing is learning. A unique and proven program designed to give students real world experience throughout their time at Adler University, the Social Justice Practicum is a required 200-hour internship that spans four courses (or terms for online programs). Every student is given a number of civic-minded categories to choose from. They submit their desired areas of interest. After which, they are assigned a specific and aligned community outreach site where they will work 8 to 10 hours per week.

Student Outcomes

Our immersive learning environment prepares students to work not only with individuals with disabilities, but also communities in addressing challenges stemming from disability, including employers, family members, education professionals, and others. Our Rehabilitation Counseling training revolves around three core elements: ethical behavior, diversity or individual differences, and critical thinking. Rigorous coursework and real-world experience focus students on creating positive social change—all led by experts in the field.

Click here for more information about our program outcomes.

Adler University is a nationally recognized pioneer in graduate education, preparing socially responsible practitioners who embrace diversity and help individuals achieve greater autonomy.

Admissions Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree earned from a college or university regionally accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or an equivalent degree from an international college or university.
• A minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate and graduate coursework. Exceptions may be made for applicants who demonstrate improved academic performance or academic ability in other ways.
• Approved applicants will be invited for a personal interview as the final step in the application process.

Applicants are required to submit the following items to be considered for admission:

• Application and application fee
• Statement of Intent (2-3 pages, double-spaced) answering the following questions:
  • Why are you interested in your chosen field and program?
  • Why is Adler University’s program a good fit for you?
  • What are your career goals and interests?
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended (U.S and Canada)
  • Please have official transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions
  • Unofficial transcripts may be accepted for any schools in which a degree was not received
  • International transcripts must be evaluated by a transcript evaluation service
• Two letters of Recommendation
  • These should be from someone who can specifically speak to your academic and professional abilities

Approved applicants will be invited to complete an interview with faculty. Please submit all application materials to the Office of Admissions prior to the application deadline.

Official transcripts should be sent to:

Adler University – Office of Admissions
17 N. Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60602

Official electronic transcripts should be sent to [email protected]

For more information for International Applicants, click here.

Accreditation

Adler University’s Rehabilitation Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP), which recognizes programs that meet or exceed the highest standards for counselor preparation.

Licensure

Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for the following licensures and certifications:

• Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), a nationally recognized credential.
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in the state of Illinois.
• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) credential in Illinois, upon completing all necessary post-graduate training. Students interested in applying for licensure elsewhere should work with their advisors to plan their curriculum accordingly.
• National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential.

Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate

Adler University offers a Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate that can be earned by students of the program for an additional 12 credit hours.

This program is accredited as an Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor Training Program by the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc. (IAODAPCA). The certification process is based on the Illinois Model for Certification of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselors.

Specifically, coursework provides education in the theories, techniques, and core functions of substance abuse counseling, focusing on evidence-based research and best practice standards from a social justice standpoint. Specialized practicum experience complements coursework.