Rehabilitation Programs

(Undergraduate and Graduate)

Historical Perspective
ESU has a long history of services and commitment to individuals with disabilities. The university has the longest history of having a physically accessible campus of any institution of higher education west of the Mississippi. This interest was led by the efforts of ESU President John King in the 1950's.

In 1966, further interest in the needs of persons with disabilities was manifested when a graduate degree program (M.S.) in rehabilitation counseling was established. An undergraduate rehabilitation services degree program (B.S.) was also initiated in 1972. The two programs are housed in the Department of Counselor Education and Rehabilitation Programs at ESU. The M.S. program is the only accredited program of its type in Kansas; and the undergraduate program is one of only three programs of its type in our four-state region.

The graduate program in Rehabilitation Counseling was first accredited by CORE in 1975 and has maintained its accreditation ever since.  The program requires 60 semester credit hours except for students who major in the Rehabilitation Services Program at ESU.  These students may complete the degree with 48 hours. Students who follow the recommended 60 semester hour program meet the education requirements to become Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRC) as well as Licensed Professional Counselors in Kansas (LPC).

In 1999, the undergraduate program was selected as one of only eleven programs in the country to be recognized and listed on the National Registry of Undergraduate Programs in Disability Studies.  This recognition indicates that the program meets all national preparation guidelines for undergraduate rehabilitation programs focusing on case management, employment adjustment and other supportive services necessary to independent living and rehabilitation.

Over the years there have been a number of changes and improvements in both programs. In 1995 both programs established admission standards to limit enrollment and to integrate higher expectations and rigor in the programs. The programs utilize four full-time faculty as well as four part-time instructors all of whom have relevant experience in the rehabilitation field. The program uses a number of adjunct faculty from the community-based rehabilitation programs and each semester students have the chance to visit a number of agencies and programs in the state. The excellence and commitment of the faculty are reflected in their leadership and involvement in state, regional, and national professional organizations. Over 90% of our graduates from the past five years have obtained jobs and remained in Kansas, a testimony to the relevance and comprehensiveness of the curricula that has been established for the preparation of students.

The strengths of the two programs are most easily seen in the success and background of graduates. The curricula of both programs are up-to-date and both require extensive field experience where classroom information can be easily applied and understood. The relevant electives that are being offered provide a broad base for students who seek employment with the B.S. degree as well as strong preparation for graduate study in counseling and related fields. The popularity and growth of the two programs seems to be related to the reality-based course work offered and the underlying philosophy that emphasizes independence, integration, and employment versus benefits, assessment, and maintenance.

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