Rehabilitation counseling empowers individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions to make informed choices, build viable careers, and live more independently in the community. The primary focus of career preparation in rehabilitation counseling is acquiring knowledge of disabilities and demonstrating respect and sensitivity for people with disabilities while developing counseling, evaluation and case management skills. Rehabilitation counselors collaborate with consumers, families and stakeholders to address disabilities in a way that improves their quality of life, leading to greater levels of self-sufficiency and community participation. They work with individuals in the context of their family unit and environment to effect positive change, obtain gainful employment, pursue meaningful careers, and live independently. 

Candidates for the M.S. in Rehabilitation will be expected to have completed an undergraduate degree in a rehabilitation-related discipline and/or have a strong background in the social and biological sciences, and a course in introductory statistics. A full-time student can complete the program in three or four semesters. As with all programs, the Graduate College allows students to petition to transfer up to 12 hours of coursework completed prior to admittance to the department. Any approved graduate courses taken on campus in the summer immediately prior to admission count toward the degree and do not have to be transferred