Mission
The Rehabilitation Counseling Program at Western Oregon University was established on the belief that individuals who are Deaf or have disabilities have a right to lead fulfilling, independent, and productive lives. Trained professionals are an important component to the realization of this right. To that end, the faculty is dedicated to preparing rehabilitation professionals who are skilled in advocating for and with persons who are Deaf or have disabilities and who are competent counselors knowledgeable about the development and dissemination of innovative and culturally sensitive rehabilitation practices and policies.
Students will:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the rehabilitation counseling related theories and policies through scholarly activities.
- Demonstrate competency in facilitating employment, independent living, community integration and personal adjustment for individuals who are Deaf or have disabilities and come from diverse cultural background.
- Show commitment to professional excellence and leadership through the practice of ethical behavior and integrity.
Credit Requirements
This 81-credit degree program is a two year intensive full time course load.
Program Format
The Rehabilitation Counseling (RC) master's degree program at Western Oregon University is the oldest and largest rehabilitation counselor preparation program in the Northwest. The primary focus of this program is to train rehabilitation counselors to assist people who are deaf or who have physical, emotional, or mental disabilities to become independent and self-sufficient. Rehabilitation counselors can make a very real difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Two options in the RC program at WOU:
- Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf (RCD)
- Rehabilitation Counselor (RC)
The Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf (RCD) option was established in 1974 and is one of four deafness specialty programs in the United States. Students in this program plan to seek employment as counselors or consultants for culturally Deaf people, deafened individuals, and persons who are hard-of-hearing. To be accepted to this program applicants must be proficient in American Sign Language (ASL). In most cases entering students demonstrate conversational skill by successfully completing the equivalent of two years of formal training in ASL. Applicants must be able to document two to three years of work experience and/or volunteer experiences with deaf or hard-of-hearing persons. Note: A video interview is also required; instructions are included in the application packet (see Admission).
The Rehabilitation Counselor (RC) option was authorized by the Oregon University System in 1991. Graduates of this option provide counseling and consultative services to the general population of persons who have disabilities. Entering students must be able to document two to three years of work experience and/or volunteer experiences with persons who have disabilities.
Accreditation
In 2008 we achieved accreditation through 2016 by Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). For more information about our CORE program outcome measures, please click here.
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