Program of Study
Rehabilitation counseling majors generally have an undergraduate background or a degree in the behavioral sciences. Majors from other areas may be accepted in the program. Undergraduate course work that has included exposure to such areas as abnormal psychology and human growth and development is desirable.

Students may obtain the rehabilitation counseling degree by following one of three program options. In each program, students follow the same core curriculum. The academic background and related work experience of each student is taken into account in planning a program of study. Students receive practical counselor skill training along with feedback from faculty and field supervisors throughout their programs. These experiences begin during the first semester of the program. Experiences in an office of the state rehabilitation agency are encouraged.

There are three different ways students may complete the accredited rehabilitation counseling program. Each student follows the same core curriculum. The unique academic background and work experience of each student is taken into account in planning a program of study. All programs require 100 hrs. of practicum experience and 600 hrs. of supervised internship experience. Students interested in completing a thesis may enroll in 3 hours of thesis credit reducing the elective requirement below to two credit hours. Students will be required to pass an oral defense of the thesis in lieu of writing and passing the comprehensive examination. All other course requirements for the degree are the same. (Refer to the graduate policy handbook for more information on thesis requirements.)

1. Five Semester Program of Study
   This program of study is for the student with no prior experience or academic background in rehabilitation services. The student takes 60 semester hours over five semesters. Students usually obtain significant (50 hours) of observation experience during the first semester in the program. Students can complete their on-campus course work in four semesters (usually fall, spring, summer and fall) and then complete the supervised internship of 600 hours in the fifth semester (usually spring semester). Some students become employed after four semesters of course work and utilize their work experience to satisfy the internship requirement. This program includes all course work that should permit a graduate to apply for professional counselor licensure in Kansas. The program is fully accredited by CORE.

2. Four Semester Program of Study
   This program of study takes into account the academic course work and supervised field experience of the person with an undergraduate major in rehabilitation services. This student takes 45 hours over three semesters. Students can complete their course work in three semesters (fall, spring, and summer) and take their 600 hours of supervised internship the fourth semester. This program does not include all the course work necessary to apply for counselor licensure.

3. Part-time Program of Study
   This program of study takes into account the special needs of full-time employees working in the rehabilitation field in the pursuit of a master's degree. This program can be completed in 3 years and must be completed within 7 years from the date of initial graduate enrollment. Up to 12 hours can be waived for relevant work experience; the minimum length of a program is 48 hours. Courses frequently are offered at night so students can maintain their employment while completing their course work. If the student is employed in a rehabilitation setting while completing course work, the work experience may be acceptable and be approved to meet the supervised field experience requirement. If any hours are waived, the program would not include all the course work necessary to apply for counselor licensure. Students should discuss this program of study option with their academic advisor.

REQUIRED COURSES - 60 Total Credit Hours

Satisfactory completion of each required course listed or an equivalent course or approved relevant work experience is required for all three programs of study.

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