UMass Boston’s Rehabilitation Counseling MS consists of two tracks: Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling and Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. Both tracks in rehabilitation counseling are fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The program is designed for people interested in pursuing an advanced degree and national certification as a rehabilitation counselor, as well as partial requirements for state licensure as a rehabilitation counselor and/or mental health counselor. Rehabilitation counselors support people with disabilities to lead productive and fulfilling lives, including working at integrated and competitive jobs in their communities.
Our program develops professionals to advance educational access and economic and social participation for individuals with disabilities. The program begins with a one-week in-person study on the UMass Boston campus where you’ll get to know your program cohort. Throughout the program, you’ll integrate classroom content with real-world, hands-on experience through supervised fieldwork. You'll be prepared to become a leader who promotes inclusion in diverse settings and with varied populations. At the end of the program, you’ll be eligible to sit for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor exam to receive your credential as a nationally-certified rehabilitation counselor. Students in the clinical track will have fulfilled the pre-master's requirements for state licensure as either a rehabilitation and/or mental health counselor.
UMass Boston’s School for Global Inclusion and Social Development is home to the highest-rated rehabilitation counseling program in New England and 15th best nationally (U.S. News & World Report).
UMass Boston's Rehabilitation Counseling MS program was recently ranked #6 in Guide to Online School's 2020 Best Online Master's in Counseling list.
Scholarship Opportunities
Download our scholarships flyer for a quick overview.
The rehabilitation counseling master's program offers scholarships from the Rehabilitation Services Administration. These scholarships help address the national shortage of qualified rehabilitation counselors by making degree programs like ours available to a wider range of applicants.
Scholarship funding covers 70% or more tuition and fee remission, as well as a small stipend. The program is available online and on campus, depending on the needs of the student. The scholarships may be applied to either format.
For every year of scholarship, students are required to work for two years for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission or an affiliated community rehabilitation program, or for another state/federal rehabilitation program in the continental or intercontinental U.S. To be eligible, a student must be a U.S. citizen and not be in default on any federal loan. Students must be fully admitted into the rehabilitation counseling program before scholarships are awarded.
Selection will take into account undergraduate GPA (which must be above 3.0), relevant work experience, and references.
Applications close February 1, and scholarships begin the following summer. Scholarships may be available after February 1 on a space-available basis.
The University of Massachusetts Boston is regionally accredited through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Both tracks in rehabilitation counseling are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. All graduates of the Rehabilitation Counseling program are eligible to sit for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam. Both tracks also meet the Massachusetts educational requirements for licensure as a rehabilitation counselor (LRC). Additional post-graduate supervised employment hours within the field are required for licensure as an LRC. With appropriate practicum, internship, and post-master’s supervision requirements fulfilled, students in the clinical track may also be eligible to become a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in Massachusetts.
Additional post-graduate supervised employment hours within the field are also required for licensure as an LMHC in Massachusetts or equivalent licensed counselor in another state.
Our programs are designed to meet the Massachusetts requirements for licensure. However, we cannot confirm that the courses or program meets the licensure or certification requirements of the state where you reside. Please contact the state entity that licenses counselor and allied health professionals to determine whether the course or program meets the state licensure or certification requirements.
For additional details about certification and licensure for our clinical and vocational tracks, please see the Field Placement Handbook.
Learn more about this program:
To receive more information and connect with the program manager, please click on inquire now .
For more information, download our program fact sheet here and visit the UMass Boston website to learn more about earning your online Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling or email rehabadmissions@umb.edu.
- This program consists of seventeen 3-credit courses, two 4-credit courses, and one 1-credit course, or 60 credits.
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Online tuition is $575 per credit.
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Total estimated cost to complete this program is $0 - $34,500.*
- *This program has scholarships available for students. Approximately 75% of students receive a scholarship that pays for 75% - 100% of tuition. Students who receive the scholarship are required to work in the field for 2 years for each year that they received tuition support.
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Total estimated cost to complete this program is $0 - $34,500.*
- Estimate is based on completing program by minimum duration. Other fees may apply. Request Info to connect with a program representative for further details.
Please see Fee Schedule below.
| Type of Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fee per credit | $575 |
| Returned Check Fee per semester** | $28 |
| Total for course*** | $1,725 (575 x 3 credits = 1725) |
Click here to browse our course listings.
** applicable when checks returned unpaid
*** Courses can vary from one to six credits; this total represents a standard 3 credit course
The University of Massachusetts Boston is regionally accredited through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Both tracks in rehabilitation counseling are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
Application Checklist
- Online Application
- Transcripts — Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. A 3.0 undergraduate GPA is required.
- Three Letters of Recommendation — Use the forms provided by the Office of Graduate Admissions. Emphasis should be on academic and professional references.
- Test Scores: GRE or MAT — We are no longer requiring GRE or MAT scores for admissions.
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Statement of Interest and Intent (Required Writing Sample) — Submit a two-part essay:
- Explain your reasons for wishing to pursue graduate studies (approximately 300 words).
- Indicate your specific interest in rehabilitation counseling and discuss the type of work you would like to do in this field (at least 1,200 words).
- This statement will be reviewed for both your overall message and your ability to write at the graduate level. Proofread your writing carefully; it is ranked according to its clarity, grammar, and syntax.
- Résumé or Curriculum Vitae — Please make sure all educational background and professional history is current with degrees earned, institutions attended, majors, and GPAs.
- Personal Interview with Faculty Member — When the Office of Graduate Admissions has notified us of your completed application, we will contact qualified candidates to arrange an interview (either in person or via teleconference).
- International Applicants Only — TOEFL Test Scores
Admissions
- Application deadline for summer semester is April 1.
- Application deadline for fall semester is July 1.
- Application deadline for spring semester is November 1.
Applications are considered on a revolving basis after that time.
Contact Us
Email: rehabadmissions@umb.edu
Availability of financial aid varies depending on matriculation and course status. Please check with your program manager or advisor to determine your eligibility. Generally, if you are matriculated in a degree program and are enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits each semester, you may qualify for financial aid. Please review our Financial Aid Checklist below.
- Fill out the FAFSA form at https://studentaid.gov. It is important to list the University of Massachusetts Boston school code number 002222.
- For more information or if you have further questions, please contact Financial Aid Services at 617.287.6300 or at finaid@umb.edu
Contact:
For more information or if you have further questions, please contact Financial Aid Services at 617.287.6300 or at finaid@umb.edu.
