Fully Online Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling and Disability Sciences at USF: Register Now for Fall 2024
Fall 2024 Registration Open for the RCDS Online Master's Program!
A fully online Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling and Disability Sciences (RCDS) is offered at USF to meet the increasing demand for Certified Rehabilitation Counselors to work with persons with physical, mental, emotional, and chemical disabilities. Currently in 91社区, there are 100 vacant rehabilitation counseling positions, creating a longer and more difficult road for those in need.
The program's online format will allow easy access for prospective students who maybe working full-time, residing outside the Tampa Bay area, and/or having limited resources to attend a traditional educational program.
鈥淐DC and state data have shown that 23.5% of working age adults in 91社区 have reported disabilities, which is greater than the national average,鈥� said Dr. Chih Chin Chou, director of the new RCDS program. 鈥淭o meet the service needs of these individuals, it is imperative to implement strategies to increase the number of qualified rehabilitation professionals.鈥�
The RCDS program will emphasize training in psychological, social, medical, and vocational aspects of disability, and the development and refinement of personal adjustment counseling skills. The 60-credit online program will offer courses designed to be interactive and engaging so that students can not only learn about the subject matter, but can be challenged to critically think about the issues facing people with disabilities today and act as advocates within the field. Graduates will become advocates, counselors, educators, and researchers in the field of Rehabilitation Counseling and Disability Sciences.