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Rehabilitation Counselor Education

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below are answers to common questions by prospective students interested in either Rehabilitation Counseling: General (RC) or Rehabilitation Counseling: Deafness (RCD).

What undergraduate degree do I need?

No specific undergraduate degree is necessary. The degree must, however be awarded by an accredited college or university. Special courses in developmental psychology, cultural anthropology, special education, and research have been identified by past students as providing a good background for the focus of the program. Prospective students interested in the Rehabilitation Deafness option must be proficient in American Sign Language (ASL).

When can I begin my coursework?

Because classes are taught in sequence, beginning studies for RC students start fall term and for RCD students, classes start in the summer.

Can I attend as a part-time student?

No, we do not offer a part-time option at this time.

Can I work full-time and be a full-time student?

RCE graduate studies are a full-time commitment and equivalent to a full-time job. As such, the maximum a student should work in a job outside his/her graduate studies is 15-20 hours per week. In addition, students are required to complete an intensive, 600-hour (minimum) internship during their second year, which requires an average of 35 hours per week of work.

How long is the program?

The program is a 2-year, 81 credit course taken over 7-8 consecutive quarters (RC students begin Fall term while RCD students begin Summer term).

I am not an Oregon resident: Will I have to pay out-of-state tuition and fees?

Students in the Rehabilitation Counseling: Deafness (RCD) option who are residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Washington or Wyoming are assessed in-state tuition and fees. All other students, who are not Oregon residents, will be assessed out-of-state tuition and fees.

What is the employment outlook after I graduate?

Employment outlook is excellent for RCE graduates. In the past few years we have had 96%-100% successful employment within 6-months of graduation. It should be noted that the more states a graduate is willing to consider, the quicker they will find employment. Most of our graduates find employment in Vocational Rehabilitation, community-based service programs for persons with disabilities, counseling agencies serving persons with disabilities, and post-secondary settings.

If I am admitted by Western Oregon University's Office of Admissions, am I automatically accepted into the RCE program?

No, you must be admitted to the university for graduate studies through the Admissions Office before you can be considered for admission into the RCE program but admission to the university does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Is there financial support for students?

We are pleased to have a long history of receiving training grants from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), US Department of Education. Contingent on continued federal scholarship support, beginning in the Fall, the program will offer stipends toward tuition credit. Federally funded tuition support is only available to US citizens or those who are in the process of becoming US citizens. The exact tuition support varies each year, and is dependent on continued funding from RSA. Generally, we are able to offer approximately $2000 toward tuition per term. In addition, graduate assistantships are sometimes available. Assistantships are usually awarded in late August and selected on a competitive basis. All students admitted to the program by July will receive information on availability of assistantships in late July or early August.

How quickly does the program fill?

Generally, 12-15 of the openings for new students are filled by early June.

How do I locate housing in the area?

Contact WOU's University Residences and Campus Dining for a list of off-campus housing. Other resources to consider: www.craigslist.org; www.statesmanjournal.com; www.apartments.com.

What does it mean that WOU's RCE program is CORE accredited?

CORE (Council on Rehabilitation Education) demands a high level of curriculum and program management. CORE accreditation at WOU allows students in their last term of study to apply for national certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and to begin the application process for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) intern in the state of Oregon . (NOTE: Application for any certification or licensure is the sole responsibility of the graduate). Additionally, CORE accreditation allows the RCE program to receive RSA scholarship support for its RCE graduate students.

Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

Dr. Julia Smith, RCE Program Coordinator

Rehabilitation Counselor Education

Education Building

Western Oregon University

Monmouth OR 97361

503-838-8744 V or 866-724-5141 VP

E-mail: rceinfo@wou.edu

Web site: www.wou.edu/rehab

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Division of Special Education Western Oregon University
345 N. Monmouth Ave.,
Monmouth, OR 97361
503-838-8322
e-mail: specialed@wou.edu