Counseling and Rehabilitation, M.A.

Admission Standards

Submitted materials, academic background and performance, work and volunteer experience, and personal interview findings are all considered in the admissions process.  We consider the following information before inviting candidates for a personal interview:

  • Bachelor’s degree GPA
  • TOEFL scores (for international students)
  • Two letters of reference
  • Statement of intent that addresses why you want to pursue a career in rehabilitation counseling, relevant experience and plans for completing the program requirements

In making admissions decisions, we consider all factors listed above, as well as each applicant’s potential for forming effective counseling relationships.

How to Apply

Prospective students apply online through the USC Graduate School. The program reviews admissions throughout the year and new students may begin their studies in Fall or in Spring semester. For additional information, please contact the Student Services Coordinator at 803-216-3690. You may also visit the program website.

Minimum Degree Requirements (60 Hours)

Students complete a minimum of 60 semester credit hours of required coursework. Key content areas of study include professional counseling orientation and ethical practice, social and multicultural diversity, human growth and development, career development, counseling and helping relationships, group counseling and group work, assessment and testing, and research and program evaluation. Required coursework in specialty concentration is also included.

As part of the 60 credit hours, students complete a 150 hour practicum and a 600 hour internship in approved community agencies. Students must receive a passing grade on the pre-practicum assessment before advancing to practicum.

Students may individualize their professional preparation by electing to participate in student organizations at the university, state, and national levels and by working with faculty members on rehabilitation, addiction, and/or career and world of work research projects.

Students must receive a passing grade on the comprehensive assessment in the semester in which they intend to graduate.

Curriculum

The 60-credit hour curriculum includes thirteen (13) required core courses, three (3) specialty concentration courses, a practicum, an internship, and one (1) elective.

Required Courses (39 Hours)

Course Title Credits
EDCE 510Introduction to Counseling3
RCON 605Culture and Disability3
RCON 680Human Development and Disability Across the Lifespan3
or EDPY 705 Human Growth and Development
RCON 725Career Counseling Theories and the World of Work3
RCON 601Helping Relationships: Fundamentals of Counseling Practice3
RCON 711Rehabilitation Counseling Theories and Practice3
RCON 720Group Counseling in Rehabilitation Settings3
RCON 714Rehabilitation Assessment3
RCON 702Introduction to Rehabilitation Research and Program Evaluation3
RCON 704Ethics in Rehabilitation Counseling and Helping Relationships3
NPSY 757Psychopathology for Counselors3
NPSY 758Classification and Assessment of Mental Disorders3
NPSY 760Addictions Rehabilitation3
Total Credit Hours39

Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Concentration (18 Hours)

Course Title Credits
Specialization Courses
RCON 700Foundations of Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling3
RCON 733Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Disability3
RCON 734Professional Issues in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling3
Field Experience Courses
RCON 880Practicum in Counseling and Rehabilitation3
RCON 883Internship in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling6
Total Credit Hours18

Clinical Addiction Counseling Concentration (18 Hours)

Course Title Credits
Specialization Courses
RCON 701Foundations in Addictions and Treatment in Counseling3
RCON 712Addiction and the Family3
NPSY 761Dual Diagnosis3
Field Experience Courses
RCON 880Practicum in Counseling and Rehabilitation3
RCON 884Internship in Clinical Addiction Counseling6
Total Credit Hours18

Career Counseling Concentration (18 Hours)

Course Title Credits
Specialization Courses
RCON 703Foundations in Career Counseling3
RCON 735Leadership in Rehabilitation and the Helping and Healthcare Professions3
RCON 780Advanced Career Counseling and the World of Work3
Field Experience Courses
RCON 880Practicum in Counseling and Rehabilitation3
RCON 885Internship in Career Counseling6
Total Credit Hours18

Electives (3 Hours)

A partial list of electives includes the following:

Course Title Credits
RHAB 540Assistive and Adaptive Technology3
RHAB 752Disability and Sexuality3
RHAB 753Rehabilitation and Severe Disability3
NPSY 761Dual Diagnosis3
RCON 610LGBT Issues Counseling and Rehabilitation3