Rehabilitation Counseling Program
Master of Science (M.S.)
Program Highlights
7th in the Nation
Our program ranks in the TOP 10 rehabilitation counseling programs in the nation
Format
on-campus options
Program Length
60 Units
Projected Growth
Rehabilitation counselor jobs are projected to grow 9% over 10 years, exceeding the national average (U.S. Department of Labor).
Specialization Options
Tailor your expertise to Cognitive Disabilities, Rehabilitation Technology, Psychiatric Rehabilitation, or Co-occurring Disorder
Alumni employed at:
U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, CA Dept. of Rehabilitation, State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies, community rehabilitation programs, community college Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS), other non-profit or private agencies
Program Overview
Students in the SDSU Rehabilitation Counseling Program (RCP) can complete the Master of Science (M.S.) in Rehabilitation Counseling degree through both on-campus and distance options. Both options are 60 units and typically take two and a half to three years to complete.
The on-campus rehabilitation counseling program admits students every fall semester. The distance program option typically admits students once every three years, with the next expected start date being fall 2027.
Concentration in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
The clinical concentration meets the education requirements for the California mental health counselor license (LPCC) as well as the Certificate in Co-Occurring Disorders. It is the responsibility of the student/graduate to register with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) and complete the required supervision hours and exams for the LPCC license after graduation. LPCC requirements are available on the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) website.
The Co-Occurring Disorders or Psychiatric Rehabilitation Certificates may be a better option than the clinical concentration for some applicants.
Learn more about the Concentration in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling:
Concentration in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Areas of Specialization
Students enrolled in the campus-based program have additional options for specializing in specific areas of study, including:
By completing one of these specialization areas, students can earn a post-baccalaureate certificate concurrently with the MS degree. Students may consult with their faculty advisor to customize a program of study if there are other areas of interest that are not available in a specialization.
The Rehabilitation Counseling Program’s curriculum is aligned with the requirements of the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). Students and graduates of the program are eligible to pursue certification by taking the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) examination that is administered by the CRCC.
Coursework
Program offerings are described in the San Diego State University Catalog. View coursework for each program option:
Our Faculty
Dr. Mark Tucker
Program Coordinator & Professor
Areas of Expertise: Rehabilitation counseling, vocational rehabilitation, psychiatric and cognitive disabilities, traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation, transition-age youth with disabilities, employment and postsecondary outcomes, cultural humility in counseling, evidence-based disability services.
Dr. Charles Degeneffe
Professor
Areas of Expertise: Acquired brain injury rehabilitation, family caregiving in brain injury, cognitive disabilities support, supported employment and vocational rehabilitation, veteran integration and adjustment, community‑based rehabilitation interventions, rehabilitation counselor education, professional issues in rehabilitation counseling
Dr. Mari Guillermo
Associate Professor
Areas of Expertise: Career and work‑based learning, multicultural counseling and cultural humility, transition-age youth with disabilities, capacity building and leadership in rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation and underserved populations, higher education access for students with disabilities, supported employment and transition services, rehabilitation counselor training and professional development.
Dr. Toni Saia
Associate Professor
Areas of Expertise: Disability identity and culture, disability justice and DisCrit frameworks, ableism and accessibility, rehabilitation technology integration, social justice in rehabilitation counselor education, disability cultural centers in higher education, inclusive policy and system advocacy, mentorship and representation in disability community.
Ready to Learn More? Contact Us:
Dr. Mark Tucker
RCP Program Coordinator and Advisor
Join the Rehabilitation Counseling Student Association!