Rehabilitation counselors are competent to provide an assessment of abilities and functional limitations, develop plans consistent with individual needs, and partner with clients in achieving their goals through a variety of modalities including individual and group counseling, vocational training and education, and job development and placement.

Rehabilitation counseling is a dynamic, exciting field with excellent employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors, including state and federal rehabilitation agencies, nonprofit agencies, veteran's programs, workers' compensation agencies, hospitals, and universities.

The mission of the Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling program at Western Washington University is to prepare dedicated and qualified rehabilitation counselors who will partner with individuals with disabilities to enhance their lives, including self-determination, independence, meaningful employment, and full community participation.

The objectives of the program are:

• To offer a quality curriculum that prepares master's level rehabilitation counselors with the knowledge and skills necessary to ethically and competently serve and advocate with individuals with disabilities.
• To recruit and retain qualified students for a viable program that includes persons from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds and individuals with disabilities.
• To promote an inclusive learning community that enriches student experience and education and promotes full participation of all students.
• To create opportunities for student interaction with individuals with disabilities as well as individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds.
• To efficiently and effectively enhance the program by obtaining regular and timely feedback from students, the advisory committee, field experience site supervisors, consumers, graduates, and employers