Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling Program

We are recruiting for Fall 2025! Apply soon!

During this time we are working a hybrid schedule - email is the fastest way to reach us if you have any questions - RC.Everett@wwu.edu.

 

Western Washington University’s MA in Rehabilitation Counseling program will empower you to pursue dynamic learning environments and equip you for a career working with individuals with disabilities. To thrive with a rehabilitation counseling degree, you will cultivate comprehensive knowledge and engage in hands-on field experiences from within an inclusive, curious, and collaborative learning community.

What is Rehabilitation Counseling?

Many types of counseling degrees are available, but only rehabilitation counseling is designed specifically to serve individuals with disabilities. Rehabilitation counselors understand that the medical and psychosocial elements of disabilities are informed by cultural contexts, and the resulting counseling process is built around co-collaboration between each individual and their counselor.

This form of counseling is goal-oriented: you will develop the skills to help people with physical, mental, developmental, cognitive and emotional disabilities to achieve self-determination, independence, meaningful employment, and full community participation. Your role will involve case management, accessing assistive technology, facilitating self-advocacy, and psychological, vocational, social, and behavioral interventions.

MA in Rehabilitation Counseling Program Overview

The MA in Rehabilitation Counseling program is fully CACREP-accredited and uses a combination of in-person, asynchronous online, and hybrid courses (you will take courses in each of these modalities while in the program). The in-person class meets one evening a week (5pm - 8:50pm) at the Everett University Center, while hybrid courses meet in-person 2-5 times per quarter and other weeks are Zoom and/or asynchronous online (the 2-5 times per quarter and/or via Zoom are in the evening from 5pm - 8:50pm but may also include select Saturdays from 9am - 4pm). Review our academic plan to learn which classes are in-person, online, and hybrid.

This 90-credit program can be completed in eight quarters or two years (including two summers), but you may also opt for greater scheduling flexibility with a 3- or 4-year schedule. Toward the end of the program, you will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge, skills, and abilities you are learning in real-life settings during the supervised professional practice sequence (pre-practicum, practicum, and internship).

Learn more about rehabilitation counseling and the program here.

Where Do Rehabilitation Counselors Work?

From non-profit agencies to vocational rehabilitation counseling services, rehabilitation counselors work in a variety of environments. WWU graduates with a rehabilitation counseling degree have taken positions with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Services for the Blind, VA hospitals, non-profits focusing on employment (including mental health and substance abuse agencies), workers compensation agencies, and community college and university disability support services. 

A rehabilitation counseling degree from WWU will prepare you with the expertise necessary to complete the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) examination.
 

WWU Rehabilitation Counseling Admissions

WWU’s Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling program admits new students for the fall quarter each year. The early admission deadline is April 1, and all application materials are due June 1 (we accept applications after June 1 if there is space in our cohort).

To apply, you will complete a WWU Graduate School application and provide additional materials, including college and university transcripts, three professional/educational references, a resume, and a statement of purpose. Applicant interviews will begin after April 1.  Click on Apply below for more information.

Apply

Make a Difference with WWU’s MA in Rehabilitation Counseling

You can prepare for a career working with individuals with disabilities through the MA in Rehabilitation Counseling Program at WWU. Your experience and expertise from this program will equip you to help individuals with disabilities achieve their personal, career, and independent living goals through an equitable and collaborative approach to counseling.

Program Location

WWU Rehabilitation Counseling Program - Everett
Everett University Center at Everett Community College
915 N. Broadway, Office 325
Everett, WA 98201

Contact Us

Academic Program Director

Program Coordinator