Rehabilitation Counseling

The Rehabilitation Counseling program at South Carolina State University is committed to improving the lives of people with disabilities by producing qualified professional rehabilitation counselors (i.e., Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRC), National Certified Counselors (NCC), and /or Licensed Professional Counselors(LPC)) trained in the current best practices of rehabilitation services to work in public, private, state and federal agencies serving a diverse state and nation.

The Rehabilitation Counseling Program is designed to be flexible so that it may meet the needs of individual students. All courses are offered in a face-to-face format with the option of four approved online courses.

The Rehabilitation Counseling Program is offered through the SC State Department of Human Services and the College of Graduate  & Professional Studies.

 

What are my options in the program?

SC State offers four tracts for students in the Rehabilitation Counseling graduate program:

• Licensed Professional Counselor
• Multicultural and Diversity Counseling
• Addictions Counseling
• Community Mental Health Agency Counseling

What do I need to know?

• Program of Study
• Rehabilitation Counseling Student Handbook
• Field Placement Handbook
• Rehabilitation Counseling Brochure

How can I use my degree?

Upon completion of the program, you are eligible to sit for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and National Certified Counselor (NCC).
Career opportunities include:

• State rehabilitation agencies
• Federal Vocational Rehabilitation agencies
• Mental health centers
• Schools
• Insurance companies
• Hospitals
• Substance abuse agencies
• Independent-living centers
• Correctional facilities
• Private practice

How can I get professional experience?

The Rehabilitation Program includes a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship, typically at the same site.
Specialized activities include providing evaluation, personal and vocational counseling, referral and support for independent living and advocacy.

The Graduate Rehabilitation Counseling Association is an advocacy group in support of disability rights for the South Carolina State University community and the community as a whole. The organization provides a student liaison between faculty and students and the opportunity for networking among rehabilitation professionals. Some of our other goals are to promote the Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling to undergraduate students, assist students with their Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) Examination and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) examination by creating semester study groups, volunteer opportunities with agencies and organizations that provide services to persons with disabilities among many others.

Program Overview

The Master of Arts degree in Rehabilitation Counseling is a 60-credit-hour curriculum including practicum and internship.  Students will complete a 600 Clock hour internship in a counseling setting offering services to persons with disabilities. The Rehabilitation Counseling Program is Accredited by: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Mission Statement

The mission of the CACREP Accredited Rehabilitation Counseling Program is to train effective rehabilitation counselors who can function effectively as counselors and as service coordinators/consultants for persons with disabilities.  These two complementary functions must be performed effectively with persons who present a wide variety of physical, mental and emotional conditions, treatment and/or training needs, and vocational goals.  The functions must be performed effectively within a full spectrum of differences.

Objectives

This program seeks to develop skills. Gradudates will:

• Understand theory and concepts regarding human behavior, human service systems, and problems in human behavior at all developmental levels for persons with disabilities.
• Provide individual and group counseling on personal, physical, mental and emotional concerns, community services, education and lifespan development, and career planning in diverse settings for persons with disabilities.
• Demonstrate professional identity needed to be successful as a rehabilitation counselor.
• Develop professional rehabilitation counseling skills in a robust program that is inclusive of students and faculty from diverse populations.
• Develop professional dispositions necessary for success as a professional rehabilitation counselor.

Curriculum

The MARC Program is designed to prepare skilled and compassionate rehabilitation counselors to support individuals with disabilities in achieving their personal, social, and professional goals. This 60-credit-hour program provides a strong foundation in counseling techniques, disability advocacy, and rehabilitation services. Through comprehensive coursework and practical experience, students develop the expertise needed to empower and assist individuals with disabilities in leading independent and fulfilling lives.

Program of Study

Tuitiion & Funding

Understanding the Cost of Graduate School
Pursuing a graduate degree is a valuable investment in your future and career success. Understanding the cost of attendance is an important step in planning for your education. At SCSU, we are committed to providing transparency in tuition and fees so you can make informed financial decisions. Below is a detailed breakdown of the cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and estimated living expenses. We encourage you to explore available financial aid options, such as assistantships and fellowships, to help make your graduate education more affordable.

SC State Schedule of Charges
2024-2025 Fee Sheet

Funding My Education

Investing in your education may be more affordable than you may think.  The Master of Art Rehabilitation Counseling Program has a long-standing history of providing merit-based scholarships based on the availability of funding.  SCSU provides comprehensive information and assistance on funding options to explore.  We encourage you to review these opportunities and take advantage of the financial resources that can make your graduate education more accessible. 

Financial Aid
FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid

Understanding Student Loan Options

Taking out student loans is a significant financial decision, and understanding the types of loans available is essential to making informed choices about funding your education. Different loan options come with varying interest rates, repayment terms, and eligibility requirements, which can impact your financial future. By familiarizing yourself with federal and private loan options, as well as loan forgiveness and repayment plans, you can make strategic decisions that align with your long-term financial goals. We encourage you to explore all available resources to ensure you borrow responsibly and maximize financial aid opportunities.

Types of financial aid: Loans, grants and work-study programs

Faculty

Accreditation

Our innovative graduate Rehabilitation counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The Board of Directors of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) met July 9-11, 2020, made a decision to extend the accredited status of the SCSU Rehabilitation Counseling program through the remainder of the accreditation cycle ending October 31, 2025.

Vital Statistics

As part of our accreditation requirements from CACREP, the rehabilitation counseling program at SC State must report the following vital statistics information annually.

2024 Vital Statistics: SCSU Rehabilitation Counseling Program

Enrolled students 2023- 2024	31
Graduates in 2023-2024	11
Program completion rate	98% (11/13)
Employment rate	100%  (11/11)
Comprehensive Exam Pass Rate	100%  (11/11)

 

Important Links

• Graduate Catalog
• Graduate Admissions Criteria
• SC State Student Handbook
• 2024-25 Tuition and Fees
• Net Price Calculator