Distance Option

The Consortium for Distance Education in Rehabilitation (CDER) - 
Online Access to Graduate Level Education in Rehabilitation Counseling

The San Diego State University (SDSU) Interwork Institute has used distance learning technology and adult learning strategies to make graduate level courses and the Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling accessible to rehabilitation professionals and aspiring professionals since 1996. A central purpose of the Consortium for Distance Education in Rehabilitation (CDER) was, and remains, to use distance learning strategies and adult learning principles to make high quality, CORE accredited, graduate level courses. Today, the Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling through SDSU is accessible to qualified students throughout the United States, including the Territories and the Commonwealth, and other countries.

Accessibility of the CDER graduate level offerings is unique among the CORE accredited on-campus and distance learning programs. There are no requirements for scholars to travel to San Diego for the program. They may participate in the dialog and learning from anywhere they have individual access to a computer and the Internet-- from home, work or other scholar chosen sites. Scholars who participate in courses primarily on line may earn and apply credits toward the master’s degree or the Advanced Certificate in Rehabilitation Counseling.

CDER has explored and tested a multitude of evolving technologies and has learned that scholars and faculty achieve the desired outcomes and relationships within their learning community without traveling to a common site. They continue to affirm the viability of distance learning approaches to make graduate programs accessible across multiple localities, and to create rich and safe environments for learning, personal growth and professional support.

Background and legislation related to vocational rehabilitation, consumer services, role and function of rehabilitation counselor as a professional. Orientation to community rehabilitation agencies.

Interface of the individual and the environment covering disabilities from the perspective of each disability viewed in terms of functional capacities and rehabilitative services needed.

Interface of the individual and the environment covering disabilities from the perspective of each disability viewed in terms of functional capacities and rehabilitative services needed.

Counseling theories, approaches to and techniques for counseling, and research concerning counseling effectiveness.

Rehabilitation assessment, labor market information, and career planning implications. Current assessment approaches, counseling, and career theories related to individuals with disabilities.

Clinical supervision within rehabilitation systems as it relates to outreach and referral, career development, counseling, and case- load management. Maximum  Credits: 12 units applicable to a Master of Science degree in rehabilitation counseling.

Determination of employment and community integration needs of individuals with disabilities. Theories and techniques are presented through case study methods. Strategies focus on continuous surveys and readings focus on employment needs and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Issues, insights, and techniques for improving effectiveness in working with culturally diverse individuals with disabilities and their families. Focuses on insuring culturally appropriate and relevant rehabilitation services including full community integration.

Clinical supervision within rehabilitation systems as it relates to outreach and referral, career development, counseling, and case- load management. Maximum Credits: 12 units applicable to a Master of Science degree in rehabilitation counseling.

Study of a selected area in administration, rehabilitation or post- secondary education, such as educational law, finance, supervision, personnel procedures, etc. May be repeated with new content. See Class Schedule for specific content. Maximum Credits: nine units applicable to a master’s degree.

Rehabilitation assessment, labor market information, and career planning implications. Current assessment approaches, counseling, and career theories related to individuals with disabilities.

Procedures for gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information; reviewing the literature; designing studies. Section selection to be made with the department graduate adviser.

Clinical supervision within rehabilitation systems as it relates to outreach and referral, career development, counseling, and case- load management. Maximum Credits: 12 units applicable to a Master of Science degree in rehabilitation counseling.

Science in rehabilitation counseling or enrollment in Rehabilitation Administration Certificate. Selected topics with emphasis in research in rehabilitation counseling and/or administration. See Class Schedule for specific content.

Development and examination of relevant policy and impact of politics in governance and administration in postsecondary and disability-related systems; control functions of federal, state, and local agencies; influence of lay citizens and special interest groups; roles of judiciary, employee organizations and students.

Theory, dynamics, process and leadership function as applied to group work in rehabilitation. Development and application of group leadership skills/techniques for adjustment, support, skill training, self-directed groups, organizational problem solving and team-building groups in rehabilitation.

Provide rehabilitation professionals with knowledge and skills to assess assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities and match those needs with appropriate adaptations, equipment, and/or resources to expand employment and related quality of life opportunities.

Supervised internship in rehabilitation setting which involves application of rehabilitation counseling experiences. Maximum Credits: nine units applicable to a Master of Science degree in rehabilitation counseling or enrollment in the Rehabilitation Administration Certificate.

Science in rehabilitation counseling or enrollment in Rehabilitation Administration Certificate. Selected topics with emphasis in research in rehabilitation counseling and/or administration. See Class Schedule for specific content.

Supervised internship in rehabilitation setting which involves application of rehabilitation counseling experiences. Maximum Credits: nine units applicable to a Master of Science degree in rehabilitation counseling or enrollment in the Rehabilitation Administration Certificate.