COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling at California State University, San Bernardino requires the completion of 60 units and is designed to prepare students for professional careers supporting individuals with disabilities. The program begins with foundational courses such as Introduction to Rehabilitation Counseling, Medical Aspects of Disability Across the Life Span, and Counseling Theories and Psychosocial Aspects in Rehabilitation, providing students with a solid understanding of the physical, psychological, and social dimensions of disability. Students then advance to specialized topics, including Addictions and Co-Existing Disabilities, Multicultural Rehabilitation Counseling, and Psychiatric Rehabilitation Diagnosis and Psychopharmacology, which equip them to work effectively with diverse populations and address complex rehabilitation needs. Practical skills are emphasized through courses such as Counseling Skills Practicum, Theory and Practice of Group Counseling in Rehabilitation, and Theoretical and Practical Applications of Case Management and Job Placement, giving students hands-on experience in counseling, assessment, and vocational support. Research, program evaluation, and assessment skills are developed in Assessment, Research, and Program Evaluation, while Fieldwork in Rehabilitation Counseling provides an extended, supervised clinical experience, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. The program culminates in comprehensive practical and applied training rather than a formal thesis or project, ensuring graduates are fully prepared to take the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor examination and pursue careers in rehabilitation agencies, hospitals, industry, and other allied health and mental health settings. Through this combination of theory, research, and extensive field experience, students develop the expertise to support clients in achieving social, psychological, and vocational success, with an ultimate focus on job placement and long-term independence. The curriculum is carefully structured to produce competent, ethical, and culturally responsive rehabilitation counselors who can meet the evolving needs of individuals with disabilities across the lifespan.