Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling (M.S.)
The Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Program at the University of Memphis is a nationally recognized training program that offers a 48-semester hour, accredited curriculum. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors use their skills and knowledge to assist individuals with intellectual, physical, and psychological disabilities so that they become or remain self-sufficient and productive members of society. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors provide comprehensive counseling services that include individual assessment; individual, group, and family counseling; case management; career and vocational counseling; and job placement.
The program was first accredited by CORE (Council on Rehabilitation Educations) in 1975. With the merger of CACREP and CORE, the program was accredited by CACREP from July 1, 2017- July 1, 2023. Situated in an urban research university, we offer flexibility to both full-time and part-time students. Students are also able to sit for the national Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification exam during the last semester of their course work.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling master's degree program is to prepare professional rehabilitation counselors to provide a full range of rehabilitation counseling services to facilitate the personal, educational, and vocational development of individuals with emotional, cognitive, physical, and neurological impairments.
The Profession of Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling
Rehabilitation counselors are able to find employment in the following settings:
- State-federal rehabilitation agencies
- Private rehabilitation companies
- Private mental health counseling practices
- Community based mental health agencies
- Substance abuse programs
- Geriatric counseling and rehabilitation programs
- Hospital-based treatment programs
- Developmental disability agencies
- Head injury programs
- Group homes
- Community-based correction programs
- Veteran's administration medical centers
- Educational settings (high school and college/university)
- Employee assistance programs.
Why is our program the best place to start?
The University of Memphis Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling program is ranked #36 in the nation by US News and World Report. A few other reasons to consider pursuing a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling at The University of Memphis:
- Federal scholarships and paid internships
- Dynamic employment opportunities upon graduation
- Late afternoon and evening classes
- Supervised practicum and internship
- Close working relationships between students and faculty
- Immediate eligibility after graduation for CRC Certification
- Students who complete 12 additional credits and post-master's clinical experience are eligible to apply to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health Service Provider (LPC-MHSP) in the state of Tennessee
- Nationally recognized faculty
Concentration Coordinator
Steve West, Ph.D., CRC
Ball Hall 100
slwest@memphis.edu
901.678.2841
Admission
Applicants to the program should be willing to have a personal interview with the admission committee.
Program Deadlines
- Fall Semester Application Deadline: March 1st
- Spring Semester Application Deadline: October 1st
Financial Aid
Click here to learn more information on program scholarships, funding, and financial assistance.
Professional Organizations
- American Rehabilitation Counseling Association
- Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC)
- National Council on Rehabilitation Education
- National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)
- National Rehabilitation Counseling Association
- Tennessee Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services